Description
This naturally sweetened sweet potato casserole features roasted sweet potatoes whipped into a creamy filling, topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced pecan topping. It’s a cozy, wholesome twist on the classic holiday side dish—no marshmallows required.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 medium-sized)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk of choice (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
- ¼ cup packed coconut sugar or dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup pecan halves or pieces, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely snipped fresh rosemary (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease a 9-inch square or 2-quart baking dish.
- Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on the baking sheet. Roast for 45–75 minutes, until very tender. Let cool slightly.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Slice sweet potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Discard skins.
- Add melted butter, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth and fluffy (or mash and stir by hand until creamy).
- Spread sweet potato mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, pecans, rosemary (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Spoon small mounds of pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes. Gently spread some of the topping without pressing down.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the edges are slightly bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Use pepitas instead of pecans for a nut-free alternative.
- Reduce or skip maple syrup for a less sweet, more savory version.
- Add warm spices like ginger or cardamom for extra depth.
- Double the recipe for a crowd and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
