The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

Sweet potato casserole with a butter pecan crumble topping stands as a delightful comfort food that warms hearts during chilly gatherings.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes create a smooth, velvety base for this irresistible dish.

Nutty pecans add a delicious crunch that elevates every single bite.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic side that feels like a warm embrace.

Caramelized brown sugar weaves magical sweetness through the entire casserole, making each spoonful absolutely memorable.

Rich butter melts into the crumble, creating a golden, crispy layer you cannot resist.

No holiday meal feels complete without this indulgent, soul-satisfying creation that brings smiles to everyone at the table.

What You Need For Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Topping

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty orange root vegetable that provides creamy and rich foundation for the casserole.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sweet potato mixture.
• Milk: Creates smooth and creamy texture in the casserole.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the dish.
• Melted Butter: Enhances flavor and adds richness to the base.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, sweet aromatic notes to the recipe.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the crumble topping.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create crispy topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the crumble ingredients together.
• Additional Butter: Creates crumbly, golden brown topping with rich flavor.

• Marshmallows (Optional): Soft, sweet topping that can be added for extra indulgence.
• Ground Cinnamon (Optional): Warm spice that complements sweet potato's natural sweetness.

Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Sweet Potatoes

Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender.

Drain completely and mash potatoes until silky smooth using a potato masher or electric mixer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Whole milk
• Large eggs
• Melted butter
• Pure vanilla extract
• Kosher salt

Whisk ingredients until perfectly blended and luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Spread Potato Mixture

Pour the velvety sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Craft Buttery Pecan Crumble

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Melted butter
• Chopped pecans

Blend ingredients until a delightful crumbly texture forms.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan crumble generously and evenly across the sweet potato surface.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Step 7: Achieve Golden Perfection

Bake for 30-40 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and develops a slight crisp.

Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Baking Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

• Mash potatoes while warm to achieve ultra-smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to topping for deeper, richer nutty flavor that enhances overall dish.
• Prepare casserole one day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
• Replace dairy milk with coconut milk for a vegan version or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for lower-sugar option.
• Cover casserole with foil during first 20 minutes of baking to prevent topping from burning while ensuring even cooking.

Store Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Bake For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
• Quickly reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Top Sides for Sweet Potato Crumble Casserole

• Pair with Creamy Bourbon Vanilla Sauce: Drizzle a homemade bourbon vanilla sauce over the casserole to enhance the sweet potato's richness and complement the nutty pecan crumble.
• Match with Spiced Apple Cider: Serve a warm, spiced apple cider alongside the casserole to balance the sweet and buttery flavors with its tangy, aromatic profile.
• Complement with Maple Glazed Ham: Create a perfect holiday meal by serving the casserole next to a maple glazed ham, which mirrors the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
• Finish with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top or serve a dollop of cinnamon-infused whipped cream to add a light, creamy contrast to the dense and crunchy casserole texture.

Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Bake with Crunchy Finishes

• Vegan Sweet Potato Bliss: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and use maple syrup in place of sugar.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Comfort: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crumble topping, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the rich sweet potato flavor.
• Nut-Free Family Favorite: Swap pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in the crumble topping for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same crispy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned ones. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients. Canned sweet potatoes work well and can save preparation time.

• How do I know if the sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

The sweet potatoes are done when they’re easily pierced with a fork and can be mashed smoothly. They should be soft and tender without being mushy or falling apart.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day before, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

• Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the sugar amount by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar in the pecan crumble topping.

Butter Pecan Topped Casserole Worth Repeating

• Savor Simplicity: Easy Holiday Showstopper delights with minimal cooking skills required. Most home cooks can confidently create this delectable side dish without advanced techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole entirely the day before, refrigerate, and bake right before serving. This strategy reduces last-minute kitchen stress during busy holiday gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Sweet potato base combined with buttery pecan crumble creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. The dish transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a decadent treat everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasion Champion: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or weekend family dinners. Its rich, warm flavors complement multiple main courses and work wonderfully as a festive side dish.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole with butter pecan crumble delights taste buds with creamy, luscious layers of comfort. Warm spices and crunchy pecan topping create a harmonious Southern-style dessert that draws family and friends closer around the holiday table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (approximately 908 grams)

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk (120 milliliters)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup melted butter (57 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by coating with a thin layer of lubricant to prevent sticking.
2. Submerge whole sweet potatoes in rapidly boiling water until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes and allow to cool slightly before carefully peeling and transforming into a silky, uniform mash using a potato masher or electric mixer.
4. Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, creamy milk, farm-fresh eggs, luxurious melted butter, fragrant vanilla extract, and a pinch of mineral salt until the mixture achieves a velvety, homogeneous consistency.
5. Transfer the luscious sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Craft the decadent topping by combining rich brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and roughly chopped pecans, working the ingredients together until they form a delicate, crumbly texture.
7. Generously distribute the pecan crumble across the sweet potato surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
8. Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 35-45 minutes, monitoring until the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crisp masterpiece.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes, permitting the casserole to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.
• Boil sweet potatoes with skin on to preserve nutrients and prevent excess water absorption.
• Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth mixing and even incorporation into the sweet potato base.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream or milk with Greek yogurt or almond milk to reduce calories.
• Create a gluten-free option by replacing regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend in the crumble topping.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the crumble to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Make ahead and refrigerate the casserole unbaked, then add the crumble topping just before baking to maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg