Name: Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes); ½ cup packed brown sugar; ⅓ cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ cup butter (melted); ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans

If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe is the answer. It combines velvety mashed sweet potatoes, delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that adds the perfect contrast. This dish is a beloved classic on holiday tables and a comforting treat any time you crave a bit of cozy indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for baking. The largest bowl on the right is filled with bright orange, chunky sweet potato pieces. To the left, there is a bowl filled with light and dark brown sugar, one with small white flour, and another with chopped pecans that are brown and textured. Above the sugar bowls, there is a white plate holding a solid block of pale yellow butter. Next to the butter, small bowls hold a dark liquid vanilla extract, light brown cinnamon powder, white salt, and baking powder, all neatly placed in a row. The overall layout is clean and organized, with a top-down view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. From the creamy sweetness of the potatoes to the nutty crunch of pecans, every element is essential.

Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh ones for the creamiest mash with natural sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and moisture to both the filling and crumble.
Butter: Melted butter brings a luscious richness, binding the crumble and enriching the filling.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon to elevate the natural flavors with warmth.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential spices that add cozy depth without overpowering.
Salt: Balances sweet flavors perfectly, enhancing every bite.
Flour: Helps create the structure of the crumble, keeping it crisp yet tender.
Pecans: Chopped pecans contribute a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor to the topping.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Start strong by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Boil them gently until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes. This ensures a silky soft base that will mash beautifully, creating the creamy foundation of your casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling

Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to a large bowl. Add in brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and your spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mash everything together until smooth and perfectly blended with a luscious texture that begs for the crumbly topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble

In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans for that iconic crunch. This topping will toast up golden and bring irresistible texture to each spoonful.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the smooth sweet potato filling evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan crumble generously over the top so every surface is covered. Pop it in the oven at 350°F, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crumble is toasted and the casserole bubbles with warmth.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a two-layer dessert on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a smooth, bright orange filling, mostly scooped out on one side, revealing a creamy texture. The top layer is a thick, crumbly brown topping made of small crunchy pieces that cover the entire dessert except the scooped area. A silver spoon rests inside the dish with some of the orange filling on it. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although this dish is a star all on its own, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a small dollop of whipped cream can bring a lovely contrast in color or creaminess. A light drizzle of maple syrup on top right before serving also amplifies the sweet notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe alongside savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a well-seasoned roasted chicken. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can lighten the plate and balance the richness effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions that feel extra special. Alternatively, layer your sweet potato mash and pecan crumble in a glass trifle dish for a stunning visual delight that showcases the contrasting textures and colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your sweet potato casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for holiday leftovers or quick reheats.

Freezing

Want to make this dish even more convenient? Assemble the casserole (including topping) in a freezer-safe dish, cover well with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes will help crisp the pecan topping back up to perfection.

FAQs

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the whole casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This recipe is very forgiving and tastes just as wonderful the next day.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor, so it’s highly recommended. However, if you only have white sugar, add a teaspoon of molasses per cup to mimic that depth.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have allergies?

Walnuts or even almonds work well as crunchy alternatives. You could also omit the nuts and increase the crumble topping ingredients slightly for extra crispiness.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The recipe includes flour in the topping, so to make it gluten-free, swap that for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a similar texture without gluten concerns.

Can I add marshmallows on top?

Of course! Some people love a sweet marshmallow topping for that classic twist. Add mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking to toast them perfectly without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe is pure comfort and joy in a dish. It’s a wonderful way to bring sweetness, spice, and crunch all together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a cozy family dinner, I truly hope you give this recipe a try and create some delicious memories around your table.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need