The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

A Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is an absolute must-have for the holiday table! This version takes the classic sweet potato casserole to the next level with a rich, buttery pecan crumble that adds a decadent, crunchy layer. Imagine creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a warm, caramelized topping that melts in your mouth—it’s the ultimate comfort food. This casserole is beloved by everyone at our gatherings, and it never fails to bring a smile to the table.

If you’re looking for a holiday side that combines rich flavors, buttery goodness, and a touch of nostalgia, this is the one!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, sweet and savory, and it’s loaded with irresistible flavors.

Luxuriously Creamy Base: The sweet potato base is whipped until it’s light and fluffy, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Buttery, Caramelized Topping: The pecan crumble is made with brown sugar, flour, and plenty of butter, creating a caramelized topping that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. It’s the perfect contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

Simple Ingredients: Despite the rich flavors, this casserole comes together with pantry basics like sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices. The recipe is easy to make with no fancy ingredients needed.

A Versatile Dish: This casserole can be prepped in advance and reheated, making it ideal for holiday meals when time is tight. It’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s great for family dinners and gatherings of all sizes.

Ingredients Notes

Here’s everything you need to make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with deep orange flesh, such as Garnet or Jewel varieties. These varieties have a natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked.

Butter: Butter adds richness to both the sweet potatoes and the pecan crumble topping. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the dish.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides a warm, caramelized sweetness that enhances the flavors of both the sweet potatoes and the pecan topping. Dark brown sugar will add even deeper notes if you prefer.

Milk: A bit of milk makes the sweet potato base extra creamy. Whole milk works best, but you can use half-and-half or even almond milk for a lighter option.

Vanilla Extract and Spices: Vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring warmth and aromatic notes that elevate the sweet potatoes. The spices add a cozy, holiday flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness.

Pecans: Fresh, chopped pecans are essential for the topping. Their natural oils and crunchy texture make this dish so satisfying. Choose good-quality pecans for the best flavor.

Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the crumble topping, giving it that crumbly, cookie-like texture.

No special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, potato masher, and a baking dish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is easy to make and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to get the perfect creamy base and crunchy topping.

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks, then place them in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of chopped pecans, ½ cup of brown sugar, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, and ⅓ cup of melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, covering the surface completely.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld together.

Storage Options

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is great for leftovers, or you can make it ahead and store it.

In the Refrigerator: Cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

In the Freezer: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.

To Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’d like the topping to crisp up, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is delicious as is, but here are a few ways to make it your own:

Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk. This creates a vegan-friendly casserole that’s just as delicious.

Add Marshmallows: For an extra layer of sweetness, add mini marshmallows on top of the pecan crumble in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will melt and become golden, adding a gooey topping.

Try a Maple Syrup Variation: Swap out some or all of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. It adds a lovely caramel flavor that pairs well with the pecan topping.

Add Extra Spices: For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cloves or ginger to the sweet potato mixture. These spices add a cozy, holiday flavor that’s perfect for the season.

Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It’ll still have that wonderful, crumbly texture and delicious flavor.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is a holiday favorite for a reason. The creamy sweet potatoes, rich spices, and buttery pecan topping make it a show-stopping side dish that everyone will love. Enjoy this dish with family and friends and watch it disappear in minutes!

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