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Home » Appetizers

Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

Published: Sep 14, 2023 · Modified: Oct 9, 2024 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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Sweet potato crunch recipe with way less refined sugar to use as a side dish or a desserts. Creamy mashed eggless sweet potato casserole with crunchy topping and drizzled with maple butter pecan sauce for a buttery sweet finish.

Simple to make, tastes great and looks fancy side dish for the holidays. Also try this butternut squash casserole for an earthy delicious side.

Close up of a spoon serving some sweet potato crunch.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • ⌛ Make Ahead
  • 🧺 Storage
  • 💬 FAQs
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • More Sides
  • Sweet Potato Recipes
  • 🥣 Equipment
  • Sweet potato crunch

❤️ Why You'll Love It

  • Mildly sweet.
  • Easy to make with a delicious buttery nutty pecan topping.
  • Adult and kids approved sweet potato casserole.

Sweet potato crunch that is not overly loaded with refined sugar making it one of the best sweet potato side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. In Egypt we are used to eat sweet potatoes as a snack or a dessert that is made much like this traditional pumpkin casserole.

In this recipe I depend mostly on the sweetness of the sweet potato itself, knowing that it might vary for each one we add maple syrup gradually and test for your liking.

Finishing the dish with a buttery, crunchy maple syrup is a must. You can make this syrup and serve on the side for those who want an extra kick or drizzle it over your whole casserole and serve.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

sweet potato casserole ingredients placed on marble table.
Homemade sweet potato casserole with buttery sweet potato is a hit on thanksgiving table.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Sweet potatoes: I am using 4 pounds of sweet potatoes enough to fill up a 2-3 quarts oven dish. I do not recommend using a larger dish as the sweet potato layer will be thin, but if this is how you like it then it is ok. Otherwise use more sweet potatoes. More on the types of the sweet potatoes in the FAQs section.
  • Cinnamon and vanilla for flavoring the dish, you can also use a bit of nutmeg if you like.
  • Heavy cream for extra richness, if you do not have heavy cream or want something lighter use milk.
  • Flour, brown sugar and butter for the crunch layer.
  • Maple syrup, try to use pure maple syrup as it is the best. If you do not have it in your area or if it is too expensive for you use honey instead. I recommend you use 1:1 ratio. Do not under any circumstances use the artificially flavored maple syrup, it does not play well in this dish.
  • Pecans, chopping whole pecans is better than using ready chopped bags. I've tried this dish with walnuts and hazelnuts and it was so delicious. My bet is other nuts will work as well or even a nut combination you like.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of two images showing roasting the sweet potato and mashing in a deep bowl.
  1. Let's start by cooking the sweet potatoes. I personally, prefer to pop in the oven, cut a slit lengthwise and bake for about an hour to an hour and a half until they are super tender.
  2. When they have cooled down to room temperature, scoop up the flesh with a spoon. Place the sweet potato in a large bowl and mash with a fork to the desired texture.
Acollage of two images showing how to make sweet potato casserole.
  1. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, heavy cream and melted butter to the bowl. Mix everything together until combined
  2. Taste the mixtures so you can determine if you need more maple syrup or not. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a 2-3 quart baking dish and set aside.
a collage of three images showing how to make the butter crunch top for the sweet potato crunch.
  1. Now we will make the crunch topping. Cut the cold butter into little squares in a small bowl or plate. Add in the flour, brown sugar and half the pecan.
  2. Mix the ingredients well using your fingers to get a sandy mixture with some chunks.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly on top of the sweet potato and bake for 20 minutes or until the top browns.
an image showing how to make the final pecan maple syrup glaze for the sweet potato casserole.
  • Just before serving melt the remaining butter, add the rest of the pecans and toast then pour in the maple syrup and cook on medium for 1-2 minutes. Take it off heat and pour over your dish then serve immediately. You can also pour the sauce in a sauce jug and serve on the side.

💡 Expert Tips

  • I like using unsalted butter but you can use salted butter if you prefer.
  • I highly recommend baking the sweet potato rather than boiling them. Baking intensifies the flavor and caramelize the sweet potato making it insanely tasty.
  • Try browning the butter before mixing it with the nuts and the maple syrup for an extra special finish.
  • While making the crunch topping, cutting the butter into small squares helps with mixing with other ingredients.

⌛ Make Ahead

  • You can bake the sweet potato then refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2 months. To use let the sweet potato thaw in the fridge then proceed with the recipe.
  • You can assemble the sweet potato layer, refrigerate for 2 days, take it out and proceed with the recipe.
  • You might as well combine the topping and place in a container in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
  • The butter and maple sauce can also be made ahead, placed in a container in the fridge.

🧺 Storage

Leftover sweet potato casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

💬 FAQs

Which Sweet potato to use?

There are many varieties of sweet potatoes sold in the stores here. Better use orange fleshed sweet potatoes. I like using Beauregards which is mostly sold under just sweet potatoes. Garnet is another good variety to use if you can find it. Jewels work as well but the final dish will have a lighter orange color.

Are sweet potatoes actually good for you?

Up until this point of my life, I've considered sweet potato to be a non-healthy food. Until I knew better, it is very rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. It is considered a good source of B vitamins and vitamin C. It is also high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant which converts to vitamin A once consumed.

can you freeze sweet potato casserole?

Sure you can, with proper sealing and freezing. Make the sweet potato layer then lay a sheet of plastic wrap directly over the top of the sweet potato to create sort of airtight seal. Cover with a lid and store in your freezer. It is not recommended to store for over a month as the quality of dairy begins to decline affecting the flavors.

Overhead photo of sweet potato crunch in a white casserole dish.
My family is a big fan of sweet potatoes so this sweet potato crunch casserole is one of our favorite.

When I was growing up, we would snack on sweet potatoes as is. My sweet mom would pop it in the oven, which is still my favorite way to cook sweet potato, and we would snack on it hot right out of the oven in cold winter days.

When I grew older, there was this famous traditional sweet potato casserole, where you mix mashed sweet potatoes with nuts and raisins, then top the whole thing with sweet bechamel sauce. Something very similar to the traditional pumpkin baked casserole.

So you see, sweet potatoes has always been kind of a dessert in the Middle East. Imagine the cultural shock I got when I first knew that guys here in the US, serve it as a side with their turkey in one of the most important family gatherings during the year😆. Do not get me wrong, I love the southern style sweet potato casserole, that classic one is a killer, but I can only eat it as a dessert, too sweet for my taste to be on the dinner table.

📣 Related Recipes

Enjoy this sweet potato casserole as a treat or a side to many main dishes, here are some of our favorites:

  • Air fryer turkey breast is delicious and easy recipe that qualifies for any time of the year.
  • Roast duck is another delicious and super easy meal for special occasions.
  • Stuffed roast chicken like grandma used to make.

More Sides

  • Green bean casserole with cream of chicken soup is one of our favorite ways to enjoy green beans. Tender green beans in a homemade creamy sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions. The perfect side for gatherings and holidays.
  • Gouda mac and cheese is a delicious extra creamy twist to the classic mac and cheese recipe. A velvety comfort food recipe with a distinct smoky flavor that is sure to satisfy.
  • Cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort side dish for your family meals specially during the holidays. A gooey side dish with velvety texture and smooth rich flavor.
  • Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the right answer when spicy comfort food craving hits.

Sweet Potato Recipes

  • Try this recipe for Stove top Candied Sweet Potato and you will never look back. Sweet potatoes caramelized in brown sugar , Karo and cinnamon syrup low and slow for an enhanced unforgettable flavor.
  • Need a quick and easy side dish? Whip up these Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer for a quick meal that your whole family will enjoy.
  • These Sweet Potato Cookies are soft and fluffy and will look great on your dessert table.
  • This Whipped Sweet Potatoes side dish will bring warmth and comfort to your Thanksgiving table in a new way.
  • A delicious and easy Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato recipe creamy rich and pleasantly perfumed with orange. Topped with a buttery nutty candy like layer this recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday party.
  • Want to perfect your sweet potato recipes this season? Check out this guide on how to cook sweet potatoes to perfection.

🥣 Equipment

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  • Baking casseroe dish.

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Close up of a spoon serving some sweet potato crunch.

Sweet potato crunch

A rich and creamy sweet potato casserole with a buttery crunch topping that works as a side dish or a mildly sweet dessert
4.69 from 58 votes
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Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 533kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds sweet potato.
  • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  • 1 Tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Topping:

  • ½ cup 65g flour
  • ¼ cup 45g brown sugar
  • 1 cup 100g pecans, chopped and divided.
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 8 Tablespoons cold butter divided.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400F, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Wash and clean the sweet potato, place them on the baking sheet.
  • With a sharp knife cut a slit in each one and arrange on the baking sheet.
  • Bake in the oven for 1 to 1 and a half hour until they are cooked and soft.
  • Set aside to cool down so you can handle.
  • Reduce oven to 350F.
  • Scoop the sweet potato flesh out and place in a deep bowl. Mash with a fork or a potato masher to your desired texture.
  • Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter, cinnamon and heavy cream.
  • Mix everything well together and taste to make sure you do not need more maple syrup. This depends greatly on the sweetness of your sweet potato.
  • Place the sweet potato mixture on a 2-3 quarts baking dish and level with the back of a spoon.

Make the crunch topping:

  • Cut 6 tablespoons of cold butter into small squares and place on a plate.
  • Add in flour, brown sugar and half the chopped pecans.
  • Mix with your fingers until a crumble forms.
  • Spread the topping evenly on top of the sweet potato.
  • Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Maple syrup sauce:

  • In a skillet melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Add the remaining chopped pecan and toast for a couple of minutes.
  • Pour maple syrup over and mix well.
  • Let it boil for a couple of minutes then turn heat off.
  • Pour the sauce over the baked casserole and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • It is better to pick up same sized sweet potato so they cook evenly.
  • I like using unsalted butter but you can use salted butter if you prefer.
  • I highly recommend baking the sweet potato rather than boiling them. Baking intensifies the flavor and caramelize the sweet potato making it insanely tasty.
  • Try browning the butter before mixing it with the nuts and the maple syrup for an extra special finish.
  • While making the crunch topping, cutting the butter into small squares helps with mixing with other ingredients.
  • You can add 2 cups of mini marshmallows before the crunch topping for an extra special dish.
  • Another way to serve the sauce is by pouring it into a sauce jug and serve it on the side.
  • Make ahead tips:
    • You can bake the sweet potato then refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2 months. To use let the sweet potato thaw in the fridge then proceed with the recipe.
    • You can assemble the sweet potato layer, refrigerate for 2 days, take it out and proceed with the recipe.
    • You might as well combine the topping and place in a container in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
    • The butter and maple sauce can also be made ahead, placed in a container in the fridge.
  • To store:
    • Leftover sweet potato casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 533kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 895mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 32642IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2mg
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First published Nov 1, 2017. Last updated Sep 14, 2023 with clear instructions, step by step instructions and readability.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shirley

    February 12, 2023 at 6:21 pm

    This sweet potato casserole,
    looks easy, delicious and that
    would be nice presentation. Easter is coming up. Can’t wait to make the SP Casserole.
    Thank you
    Amiraspantry ******

    Reply
  2. Sally Ann Dawson

    November 24, 2022 at 3:30 pm

    5 stars
    I like this recipe a lot! The only thing is I thought there was too much cinnamon. I think 1 teaspoon would have been enough.

    Reply
  3. Virginia

    November 18, 2022 at 7:06 am

    5 stars
    Turned out great! Everyone loved it

    Reply
  4. Fran Stevens

    November 04, 2022 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    I use Butter Pecan syrup for pancakes. Do you think that would work well with this recipe?

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 08, 2022 at 9:49 am

      Fran, I haven't tried that before sorry about that.

      Reply
  5. Mary

    November 09, 2020 at 4:50 am

    5 stars
    Very tasty

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 13, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks Mary.

      Reply
  6. kitchenriffs

    November 01, 2017 at 8:22 am

    You should try sweet potatoes in chili sometime -- they go really well with spicy hot stuff. Anyway, this is a terrific looking dish! Good enough for a side -- or dessert! 🙂 Thanks so much.

    Reply

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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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