Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping 🍠🌰

This delightful dish is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. The smooth, spiced sweet potato base pairs beautifully with a rich and buttery pecan crumble that adds the perfect texture. Perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or any cozy dinner, this casserole will leave your taste buds dancing!

Ingredients

For the sweet potato base

• 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of milk (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

For the butter pecan crumble topping

• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

2. Make the sweet potato filling: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Then, mix in the brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

🥄 Ensure that the sweet potato mixture is smooth and well-blended for a creamy texture. You can also use a hand mixer or blender for an ultra-smooth base.

3. Prepare the crumble topping: In another bowl, combine the chopped pecans, rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until crumbly and well combined.

4. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the pecan crumble topping over the sweet potato layer.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato filling is heated through.

🔥 For an extra crunch, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning!

6. Let cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, and consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat! 🍦

Variations

• Dairy-free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and milk with your favorite non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nut-free: Omit the pecans and substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warm kick!
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato base and crumble topping a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake before serving for a hassle-free dish!

With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is sure to be a family favorite for years to come! 🥰🌟