Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a classic comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family meals. The creamy mashed sweet potatoes are enhanced with brown sugar and warm spices, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel and gooey mini marshmallows, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pecan Streusel Topping
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Sweet Potato Filling
- 5 prebaked sweet potatoes (about 3 cups mashed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, slightly melted
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk (or milk/cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for gentle baking of the casserole.
- Make the Brown Sugar Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and softened salted butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans and set this topping aside.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Scoop out the flesh from the prebaked sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted unsalted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and Kosher salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the texture is creamy and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an 11×8-inch dish for a thicker casserole. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the dish.
- Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared pecan streusel topping over the sweet potato layer to cover the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and caramelized, indicating the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional): If adding marshmallows, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly on top of the baked casserole. Broil in the oven for about 2 minutes or until the marshmallows turn golden brown and gooey. Keep a close watch during broiling to prevent burning.
Notes
- Prebaking sweet potatoes ahead of time saves cooking time when assembling the casserole.
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on your desired sweetness level.
- Use evaporated milk for extra creaminess, or substitute with regular milk or cream.
- Broil marshmallows carefully as they can brown very quickly.
- For a thicker casserole, use a smaller baking dish, but baking times might vary slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to retain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
