I’m excited to share my streusel sweet potato casserole recipe with you. This dish combines soft, tender sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. It’s a comforting and impressive treat that works beautifully for family dinners or special gatherings.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
I love making this casserole because it turns ordinary sweet potatoes into a star dish. By baking the sweet potatoes until they’re perfectly tender and then topping them with a crumbly streusel made from flour, brown sugar, butter, and pecans, I create a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This recipe is simple, yet it offers a sophisticated twist that can elevate any meal.
Description
In this recipe, I start by baking whole sweet potatoes until they’re soft and easy to mash. After a short cooling period, I peel and mash them before mixing in butter, milk, egg, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. I then spread this creamy mixture in a greased baking dish. For the streusel topping, I combine flour, additional brown sugar, cold butter, and chopped pecans to create a crumbly layer that bakes to a golden finish. This combination of a silky base with a crunchy topping makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
• 5 medium sweet potatoes, washed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat and Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
o Preheat your oven to 400°F.
o Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 60 minutes or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
o Remove from the oven and let them cool for 20 minutes. - Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture:
o Peel the sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl.
o Mash the sweet potatoes until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture for interest.
o Add the 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
o Lightly grease an 11 x 7-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
o Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in the pan. - Make the Streusel Topping:
o In a small bowl or using a food processor, combine 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar (from your pantry), and 1 tablespoon cold butter.
o Pulse or stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
o Fold in the 1/3 cup chopped pecans until evenly distributed. - Final Bake:
o Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
o Lower your oven temperature to 350°F and bake the casserole for about 45 minutes.
o The dish is ready when the topping is golden brown and crumbly, and the casserole is bubbling gently. - Serve:
o Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture.
Process Details
• Baking the Sweet Potatoes: I ensure the sweet potatoes are soft enough by testing them with a fork. This makes them easier to mash and mix with the other ingredients.
• Mixing the Filling: Combining the warm mashed sweet potatoes with butter, milk, and spices creates a smooth base that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• Creating the Streusel: Mixing the streusel ingredients until just combined helps keep the topping light and crumbly rather than overly dense.
Tips for Success
• Uniform Sweet Potatoes: Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they bake evenly.
• Check for Tenderness: Always test the potatoes with a fork before proceeding; they should be very soft.
• Even Streusel Distribution: Make sure to spread the streusel topping evenly to get a uniform crunch in every bite.
• Don’t Overmix: When preparing the streusel, mix just until the crumbs form to keep them light and airy.
Serving Ideas
• Holiday Side Dish: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or a festive vegetarian entrée.
• Comfort Food Delight: Enjoy it as a hearty side during a cozy family dinner or a casual weekend meal.
• Creative Twist: For an extra-special touch, serve a warm scoop with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 280–330
• Fat: 12–16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50–55 grams
• Protein: 4–6 grams
I truly believe this streusel sweet potato casserole is a delightful way to transform simple sweet potatoes into a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With its creamy base and crunchy topping, it’s perfect for any meal or celebration. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—feel free to let me know how it turns out for you!
