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Wholesome Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

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A comforting sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecan streusel mixed throughout, creating a caramelized, nutty flavor in every bite. This simplified version skips the fussy layering for a quicker, more delicious result.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium), peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Optional: coconut oil (for dairy-free substitute)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water by 1 inch, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and let steam for 1 minute.
  3. Transfer drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth with some small lumps. Alternatively, use a hand mixer on low for a smoother texture.
  4. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and ½ cup packed brown sugar to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir until well combined.
  5. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir with a fork until crumbly.
  7. Fold the pecan streusel into the sweet potato mixture using a rubber spatula, reserving about ¼ cup for topping if desired. Ensure pecans are distributed throughout.
  8. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved streusel on top if using.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are bubbly and top is golden brown. If adding marshmallows, sprinkle on during the last 5 minutes and watch closely.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping for best flavor. For make-ahead, assemble through step 9, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 10 minutes to baking time. Let casserole rest after baking to set properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, brown sugar, pecan streusel, Thanksgiving side, holiday side, comfort food, easy casserole

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/wholesome-brown-sugar-sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecan-streusel/