There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of sweet potato casserole wafting through your kitchen during the holiday season. Creamy, spiced sweet potatoes meet a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble in a dish that’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
I first fell in love with this casserole at a family Thanksgiving gathering, where it stole the show from all the other side dishes. Since then, I've made it my mission to perfect this recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you. Let's dive into this delightful side that’s destined to become a favorite on your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping
Get ready to fall head over heels for this sweet potato casserole! It’s everything you could want from a holiday side dish: rich, sweet, and full of texture.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a holiday newbie, this casserole comes together with minimal effort. The sweet potatoes are whipped into a silky mash, and the crumble topping bakes to golden perfection with almost no fuss.
This casserole is also a wonderful make-ahead dish. You can prepare the sweet potato base and the buttery pecan topping in advance, saving you precious time when you’re juggling multiple dishes on the big day.
Not to mention, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters are won over by the irresistible combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy, caramelized pecans. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one serving!
Lastly, this dish is endlessly customizable. Prefer a hint of orange zest or a touch of bourbon in your sweet potatoes? Want to experiment with adding coconut or walnuts to the topping? The options are endless, making it easy to tailor the casserole to your family's tastes.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this sweet potato casserole lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish shine.
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show. Make sure to select sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Roasting them in the oven brings out their natural sweetness, giving the casserole an irresistible depth of flavor.
Brown Sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar work well here, but dark brown sugar will give you a richer, more caramel-like flavor. It adds sweetness and helps the pecan topping achieve a perfect golden crust.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish. It adds a luxurious creaminess to the sweet potato base and richness to the pecan crumble topping.
Pecans: Fresh, chopped pecans are a must for the topping. They toast beautifully in the oven, giving the crumble a delightful crunch and a warm, nutty flavor. If you’re a fan of more texture, you can leave some larger pieces intact.
Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger elevates the sweet potato filling. These warming spices add a cozy, festive flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Optional Add-Ins: Want to take your casserole to the next level? Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the sweet potato base or a drizzle of maple syrup over the topping for extra indulgence.
For equipment, you’ll need a hand mixer or a potato masher for the sweet potatoes, a large mixing bowl, and a sturdy 9x13-inch baking dish to assemble the casserole.
How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

Creating this irresistible sweet potato casserole is simpler than you think. Let’s break it down step by step so you can wow your guests.
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast them for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender and the skins are slightly wrinkled. This step intensifies their natural sweetness, making your casserole extra flavorful. Once cooled, peel the skins and transfer the flesh to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
Using a hand mixer or a potato masher, whip the roasted sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add in unsalted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The filling should be rich and slightly fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and the pecans are well-coated. This buttery, nutty topping adds an irresistible crunch to every bite. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the sweet potato base, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the casserole at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is warmed through. The smell that fills your kitchen as it bakes is absolutely divine! Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let everything set.
The total hands-on time is about 20 minutes, with the rest being oven time. Perfect for multitasking during holiday meal prep!
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this sweet potato casserole stores beautifully. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To do so, prepare the casserole as directed but hold off on baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
This casserole is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
Add a Citrus Twist: For a burst of freshness, add the zest of one orange to the sweet potato filling. It complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Swap the Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, try using chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. Both add a different but equally delicious crunch.
Make It Healthier: You can lighten up the dish by swapping out half of the brown sugar for maple syrup or using less butter. While it won’t be quite as decadent, it will still be plenty flavorful.
Bourbon Lovers’ Delight: Add a splash of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture for a sophisticated, adult-friendly twist. The warm, oaky notes pair wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and pecans.
Whether you make this sweet potato casserole as a show-stopping side for your holiday table or a cozy addition to a Sunday dinner, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy the comforting flavors and savor every spoonful!
PrintSweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is a holiday favorite! With creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a buttery, crisp pecan topping, it's a delightful mix of sweet and savory. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the Butter Pecan Crumble:
- Pecans, chopped
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and boil sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Mix the Base: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla, and salt. Pour into a baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping: Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan crumble over the sweet potato base. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before using.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to the potato mixture.
- This dish can be made a day ahead; reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
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