There is something truly comforting about a warm, cozy dish that blends creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery topping. The Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe is that perfect blend of textures and flavors, celebrating the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes enhanced by fragrant spices and topped off with a nutty pecan crumble that adds an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe brings a little extra magic to the table with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy sweetness of the mashed potatoes to the warm spices and the nutty, crisp pecan topping that adds a delightful contrast in texture.
- Sweet potatoes (4 large): The heart of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps achieve that smooth, luscious consistency.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Sweetens the casserole and the crumble topping with deep, caramel notes.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup), melted: Brings richness and helps bind the crumble topping while adding a golden finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, fragrant spice that complements the sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Enhances flavor complexity with subtle earthiness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A touch of sweetness and aroma that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the casserole and provide structure.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Key for the crumble topping’s texture and stability.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Bring crunch and a nutty depth to the crumble topping.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch dish a good greasing. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will slide out smoothly when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Draining them well is key before mashing so your casserole stays creamy, not watery.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
In a large bowl, mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This base will bring that silky texture we all love in a sweet potato casserole.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Moisture
Stir in the milk, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Each of these ingredients layers flavor and richness, blending into a cozy, aromatic filling.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure your mixture isn’t too hot to prevent scrambling. The eggs help the casserole hold its shape and give it a luscious, custardy feel.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the smooth sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Even distribution ensures every bite is equally creamy and flavorful.
Step 7: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and perfect for sprinkling on top.
Step 8: Top Your Casserole
Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potatoes. This topping will bake into a gorgeous, golden, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a set center, signaling it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe cool slightly before slicing and serving. This step helps the casserole firm up a bit for cleaner cuts and easier plating.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh touch, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top before serving or add a light drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness that sings alongside the crumble.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with hearty roasted meats, like turkey or ham, and fresh, crisp greens to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation. You can even layer the casserole with a dollop of whipped cinnamon cream for a dessert-worthy twist during festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld deliciously overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crumble’s crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and mash thoroughly to reduce excess moisture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement to keep that creamy consistency.
Can I prepare the pecan crumble in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the crumble topping a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, making your prep quicker and more relaxed on baking day.
What’s the best type of pecans to use?
Fresh, raw pecans chopped just before baking offer the best crunch and flavor. Avoid pre-sweetened or salted nuts to keep the balance just right.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy topping, add a tablespoon of granulated sugar to the crumble mix and press it lightly before baking. This caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and sweetness of this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe to bring everyone together around the table. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a weeknight indulgence, this dish promises comfort, color, and crunch in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, brown sugar, and eggs, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect side for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth and creamy to create the base of the casserole.
- Mix Sweet Potato Filling: Add the whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring the sweet potato mixture has cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. This will help bind the casserole.
- Assemble Base Layer: Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, forming the streusel topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the sweet potato layer to create a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it’s thoroughly heated through.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This helps the dish set for cleaner portions and better texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with coconut or almond milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Ensure the sweet potato mixture is not too hot before adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- The topping can be customized by adding toasted coconut flakes or swapping pecans for walnuts.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
