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A freshly baked sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows.

Grandma's Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

This classic sweet potato casserole features a creamy, spiced sweet potato base generously topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, perfect for a comforting side dish or holiday meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sweet Potato Mixture
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes 4-5 medium, firm and blemish-free
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pecan Streusel Topping
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Bowl
  • Potato Masher or Electric Mixer
  • Medium Bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender, or peel, chop, and boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Scoop out the flesh into a large bowl.
Mash the Base
  1. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting spices as desired.
Prepare the Topping
  1. In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly.
Add Topping and Bake
  1. Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping over the sweet potato base. Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the streusel. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger to the sweet potato mixture for an additional warming spice.