There's something magical about a classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping. It’s that warm, buttery aroma, the sweet and nutty crunch of the topping, and the creamy sweetness of the potatoes that scream holiday comfort food. Whether it's the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish is bound to delight everyone at the table.

I first made this casserole for a potluck, unsure of how it would stack up against other crowd favorites. Little did I know it would steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Let me walk you through how to create this irresistible dish that’s equal parts tradition and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

This isn’t just any sweet potato casserole—it’s a masterpiece of contrasting textures and rich flavors. From the velvety sweet potatoes to the buttery, crisp pecan topping, every bite is pure comfort.

First, this recipe is easy to prepare yet feels luxurious. With just a little prep, it bakes to perfection, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.

The pecan crumble topping is a showstopper. It's not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the pecans and butter to shine, while adding just the right amount of crunch to the creamy base below.

Even picky eaters will fall in love with this dish. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a standalone dessert.

Finally, it’s make-ahead friendly. You can prepare most of the dish in advance, saving time on the big day while still serving something freshly baked and delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this casserole lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture.

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Opt for fresh, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, as they have the perfect natural sweetness and creamy texture when baked and mashed.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich molasses sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes and pecans perfectly.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best to control the saltiness. It’s used both in the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Pecans: Choose fresh, high-quality pecans for maximum flavor. They toast beautifully in the crumble and add that signature crunch.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sweet potatoes a luscious, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the richness of heavy cream is worth it.
Vanilla Extract and Spices: A touch of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg enhances the sweet potatoes’ natural flavors and adds a cozy warmth to the dish.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish and a mixing bowl for the topping to keep everything easy and efficient.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this casserole is simpler than it looks, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Here's how to create the perfect holiday side dish:

Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
Begin by peeling and cubing 4-5 large sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.
Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until creamy and smooth. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Make the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, mix 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ⅓ cup melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble.
Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

This dish is ready when the sweet potato layer is heated through and the topping is beautifully caramelized. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this casserole is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for leftovers or advance preparation.

Refrigerator: Store the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the topping. Store the sweet potato base and the topping separately in the refrigerator. Add the topping right before baking for maximum freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
Healthier Option: Reduce the brown sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and topping, or replace it with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Nut-Free Version: Replace the pecans with rolled oats or shredded coconut for a crunchy topping that’s allergen-friendly.
Add a Marshmallow Twist: For a more traditional take, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pecan crumble. Bake until they’re golden and gooey.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the sweet potato mixture for extra holiday warmth.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is the ultimate way to elevate a simple ingredient into something extraordinary. Whether it’s your first time making it or it’s already a family tradition, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table. So grab your apron and get ready to wow your loved ones with every creamy, crunchy bite!