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To make the Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole, you will need the following fresh and tasty ingredients: - 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Salt, to taste - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping) Each ingredient plays a key role. The sweet potatoes give a creamy base, while maple syrup adds sweetness. Butter gives richness, and milk makes it smooth. Vanilla and spices boost the flavor. Pecans provide crunch, and brown sugar adds caramel notes. Flour helps bind the topping together. Together, they create a delightful dish that everyone will love. Enjoy gathering these ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to a good bake. Next, take your four large sweet potatoes. Peel and cube them. Place the cubes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. They should be tender when done. Drain them well, then return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the sweet potatoes. Aim for a smooth, creamy texture. Add in 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/2 cup of milk. You can use any plant-based milk if you prefer. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Scoop the sweet potato mixture into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the pecans are coated. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and ensure the casserole is hot throughout. Once it is done baking, carefully take the casserole out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time helps it set up nicely. To get a smooth mix, mash the sweet potatoes well. Use a potato masher or fork. Make sure there are no lumps. If you want it creamier, add more milk. You can also use a blender for a silkier texture. Just blend it slowly to avoid over-mixing. You can swap some ingredients for a healthier dish. Use coconut oil instead of butter. This will add a nice flavor and cut calories. You can also replace brown sugar with maple sugar or coconut sugar. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Add a pinch of cayenne or ginger for a spicy twist. You can also mix in some orange zest for a bright taste. If you love chocolate, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking. This adds a fun surprise and rich flavor. Each of these changes will make your dish unique and tasty. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor in your casserole. Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance, just cover and refrigerate it. Add the topping before baking. Customize Your Topping: Feel free to add oats or even shredded coconut to the pecan topping for extra texture and flavor. Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes; if the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegan easily. Just use plant-based milk for the recipe. Swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use maple syrup as your sweetener. This keeps the dish rich and sweet. You won’t miss the dairy at all! To make this casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free flour. You can find many brands that work well. Ensure your maple syrup is pure, as some may have additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re in good shape. Pecans are great, but feel free to mix it up! Try walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. You can even combine nuts for a tasty crunch. Just make sure to chop them well. This will give your casserole a nice texture and taste. Once you finish your Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the casserole cool to room temperature first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you want a crunchy topping again, remove the foil during the last five minutes of heating. If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Prepare the dish as usual, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Then, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. After mixing the sweet potato filling, place it in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add the topping and bake as directed. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a simple green salad. You can also add cranberry sauce for a tart contrast. This dish shines at holiday dinners and festive meals alike. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warm. You can enjoy this dish several days after the first serving! Yes, you can use other sweeteners. Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives to maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your taste, as these sweeteners may have different sweetness levels. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly. You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for butter. Both options provide a similar texture and flavor. If you want a lighter option, try using applesauce or a nut butter in small amounts. These swaps keep the recipe creamy and delicious. This blog post covered how to make a Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole. We discussed essential ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You learned variations, including vegan and gluten-free options. Storing leftovers is simple, too. In the end, this dish is not just tasty; it brings warmth to any meal. I encourage you to try it and share your experience. You will love the flavors that come together in this dish. Enjoy your cooking!

Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

A deliciously sweet and crunchy casserole made with mashed sweet potatoes, topped with a pecan mixture and baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • to taste salt
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
  • In a large pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes well and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Incorporate the maple syrup, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a sprinkle of salt into the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Stir until the pecans are well coated with the mixture.
  • Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer, ensuring a generous covering for a delightful crunch.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the casserole hot throughout.
  • Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving for optimal set-up.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve the casserole in the baking dish itself, garnishing with a few whole pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup on top just before serving.
Keyword casserole, maple syrup, pecan, sweet potato