Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 55 min

Cost: $8.30 total, $1.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 lb Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted for the custard mixture)
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cold, diced for crumb topping)
  • 0.5 tbsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries (optional raisins or omit)
  • 0.67 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Pecans (coarsely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Peel and Cube Sweet Potatoes

    Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1‑inch cubes so they cook evenly.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Boil Sweet Potatoes

    Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a medium boil and cook uncovered for 10‑15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Preheat Oven

    While the potatoes are boiling, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Drain Potatoes

    Using oven mitts, carefully pour off the hot water and let the potatoes sit in the pot to steam off excess moisture.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Mash Sweet Potatoes

    Using an electric hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Egg‑Sugar‑Butter Mixture

    In a medium bowl whisk together 3 large eggs, ½ cup granulated sugar, 6 tbsp melted butter, and ½ tbsp vanilla extract until fully combined.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Combine Mixture with Potatoes

    Pour the egg mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes, whisk until incorporated, then fold in 1 cup dried cranberries.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Transfer to Casserole Dish

    Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9‑by‑13‑inch casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Make Crumb Topping

    In a small bowl whisk together 2/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup flour. Add 3 tbsp cold diced butter and rub with fingertips until pea‑sized crumbs form, then stir in 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Add Topping

    Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the surface of the casserole.

    Time: PT1M

  11. Bake

    Bake uncovered in the center of the preheated oven for 35‑40 minutes, until the topping is golden‑brown and the edges of the sweet potato layer puff slightly.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: 350°F

  12. Cool Slightly and Serve

    Remove from oven, let stand 5 minutes to set, then serve while warm.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (butter), Tree nuts (pecans), Gluten (flour)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Recipe by Natashas Kitchen

A creamy, sweet potato casserole with a buttery pecan crumb topping that tastes like a sweet potato soufflé. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, this family‑favorite side dish combines tender sweet potatoes, eggs, sugar, and dried cranberries, finished with a crunchy brown‑sugar‑pecan topping.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
1h 13m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.30
Total cost
$1.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boil potatoes until fork‑tender
  • Drain potatoes thoroughly to avoid sogginess
  • Whisk eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth
  • Fold in dried cranberries evenly
  • Rub cold butter into sugar‑flour mixture until pea‑sized crumbs form
  • Bake until topping is golden and edges puff

Safety Warnings

  • Hot steam will escape when draining the boiled potatoes – use oven mitts.
  • Melted butter and the oven are hot; handle with care to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sweet potato casserole in American Thanksgiving cuisine?

A

Sweet potato casserole has become a staple of American Thanksgiving tables, especially in the Southern United States, where sweet potatoes are abundant. The dish evolved from simple boiled sweet potatoes to a richer, sweetened version with a buttery crumb topping, reflecting the holiday’s emphasis on comfort and indulgence.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sweet potato casserole in the United States?

A

In the South, the casserole often includes a brown‑sugar‑pecan topping like Natasha’s recipe. In the Midwest, some families use marshmallows instead of a crumb topping, while in the Pacific Northwest, toasted walnuts or maple syrup are common additions.

cultural
Q

How is sweet potato casserole traditionally served during Thanksgiving in American households?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven as a side dish alongside turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole. The dish is placed on a serving platter and guests scoop generous portions, enjoying the creamy interior and crunchy topping together.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is sweet potato casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Besides Thanksgiving, sweet potato casserole appears at Christmas, New Year’s gatherings, and holiday potlucks across the United States. Its sweet‑savory profile makes it a crowd‑pleaser for family celebrations and community feasts.

cultural
Q

What makes sweet potato casserole special or unique in American holiday cuisine?

A

The combination of a silky, souffle‑like sweet potato base with a buttery, caramelized pecan topping creates a contrast of textures that is both comforting and elegant, setting it apart from plain mashed sweet potatoes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tanya's sweet potato casserole?

A

Common errors include under‑cooking the potatoes, not draining them well, using warm butter for the crumb topping (which prevents proper crumb formation), and over‑baking which can dry out the custard base. Follow the critical steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this sweet potato casserole recipe use an electric hand mixer instead of a potato masher?

A

The hand mixer incorporates air and creates a smoother, more soufflé‑like texture that a masher cannot achieve. It also blends the egg‑butter custard evenly without over‑working the potatoes.

technical
Q

Can I make Tanya's sweet potato casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the crumb topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked casserole for up to two months; bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sweet potato casserole is done cooking?

A

The topping should be golden‑brown and crisp, while the sweet potato layer underneath should be puffed at the edges and set, with a creamy, slightly jiggly interior that firms as it cools.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen focuses on approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food and holiday recipes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize flavor, convenience, and seasonal traditions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen's approach to Thanksgiving cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Natashas Kitchen blends classic holiday dishes with personal family twists, like Tanya’s famous sweet potato casserole, and provides clear visual cues, practical tips, and ingredient substitutions that make festive cooking accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

channel

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