The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

I present my Sweet Potato Casserole With Crunchy Pecan Topping, featuring luxuriously smooth sweet potatoes paired with a blend of melted butter, a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The addition of chopped pecans in the streusel topping creates a delightful contrast that intrigues with every bite.

I’ve been tweaking sweet potato recipes for years and this one is a real winner. I made my Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping after getting inspiration from some classics like those crunchy pecan versions and I have to say its taste is unbeatable.

I start with 3 lbs of tender, creamy sweet potatoes mixed with melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar and lightly beaten eggs. Then I stir in some milk, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt plus a dash of cinnamon and even a hint of nutmeg when I feel like it.

The real magic comes from the streusel topping made with all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, cold butter cubes and chopped pecans. I tried other recipes before, but nothing compares to this one.

Once you try this recipe you wont be able to let it go. Enjoy every bite and experiment as much as you want!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the sweet potatoes end up so creamy and tender after all that cooking, it gives the casserole a comforting, homey feel.
2. The crunchy pecan streusel topping is my favorite part because it adds a fun texture that really contrasts the softness of the potatoes.
3. I also appreciate that the spices like cinnamon (and sometimes nutmeg) give it a warm, inviting flavor that reminds me of family gatherings, making every bite feel special.
4. Even though it takes a few steps, I enjoy cooking it because it makes me feel like I accomplished something really tasty and impressive in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes are fiber-rich and vitamin-packed, givin natural sweetness and a hearty texture.
• Unsalted butter melts in to create rich moistness but its natural fats mean use it moderate.
• Granulated sugar sweetens up the dish, balancing flavors even if it isnt the healthiest.
• Large eggs help bind the mixture and add protein for a smooth, satisfactory texture.
• Milk adds creaminess and helps form a smooth, homogenous mash that feels just right.
• Chopped pecans provide a crunchy topping loaded with healthy fats, protein, and nutty flavor.
• Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring warmth, depth and a homey feel to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (yields about 4-5 cups mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided use, some for the topping)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the streusel topping)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for the topping, in addition to the melted butter above)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

2. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Boil them until they are really tender, about 15 to 20 minutes then drain well.

3. Mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl until creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg if using.

4. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish.

5. In a separate medium bowl mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar.

6. Add in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed) to the flour and sugar mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it starts to form clumps.

7. Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans into the streusel topping mix.

8. Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the dish.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until the topping is nicely browned and the casserole is bubbly.

10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so all the flavors can meld together. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (350°F) and 9×13 inch casserole dish
2. Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
3. Colander for draining the sweet potatoes
4. Bowl for mashing the sweet potatoes
5. Medium bowl for mixing the streusel topping
6. Fork or your hands for incorporating cold butter into the topping mix
7. Measuring cups and spoons for all ingredients
8. Knife for chopping pecans (if not pre-chopped)
9. Spatula or spoon for spreading and mixing ingredients

FAQ

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use melted coconut oil or even salted butter (just reduce the added salt a bit).
• If you’re out of milk or need a dairy-free option, almond milk or soy milk are good substitutions.
• For eggs, you can mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg as a replacement.
• If you dont have all-purpose flour for the topping, try using almond flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
• You can swap the pecans for walnuts if you want a slightly different nutty flavor in your dish.

Pro Tips

1. When boiling the sweet potatoes, check ’em with a fork to make sure they are soft enough before draining – over or undercooking can really change the texture of the mash.
2. For the streusel topping, be sure to use cold, cubed butter. It helps create those clumpy bits that give the topping a great crunch instead of turning into a smooth mix.
3. Taste the sweet potato mix before you spread it out, and if you like a stronger flavor add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. Just be careful not to overdo it cuz the spices really stand out when they are extra.
4. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of baking – ovens can vary a ton and you don’t wanna end up with a burnt topping, so checking a few minutes early is a smart move.