Go Back

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon and vanilla beneath a buttery brown sugar pecan topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 315
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Filling
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • Topping
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • Dish
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter softened, for greasing

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • 9 by 13 inch baking dish
  • Potato masher
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with the teaspoon of butter. Place the sweet potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water.
  2. Step 2: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender. Drain well and let the steam escape for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Mash with the softened butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Let cool until warm rather than hot, then beat in the eggs. Spread into the dish.
  4. Step 4: Mix the pecans, flour, topping sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the center reaches 160°F. Rest for 10 minutes before spooning into portions.

Notes

Drain the potatoes well so the filling is not watery. Let the mash cool a little before adding the eggs. Scatter the topping loosely instead of pressing it down. Cover with foil if the pecans brown before the center is ready. Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat covered to 165°F, then uncover to crisp the topping. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Nutrition is estimated per serving and excludes optional additions and sides.