Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, sweet dish that’s perfect for holidays or any cozy dinner. This casserole features tender mashed sweet potatoes mixed with a touch of rich maple syrup, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crust that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
I love making this casserole because it brings a little bit of sweetness and warmth to the table. The maple syrup gives the sweet potatoes a natural, lovely flavor, and the pecan topping always seems to disappear first—everyone loves that mix of creamy and crispy textures. I find that using fresh pecans makes a big difference, and a sprinkle of cinnamon gives it a subtle, cozy touch.
My favorite way to enjoy this sweet potato casserole is alongside a savory turkey or ham dinner, but honestly, I’m happy just eating it straight from the oven with a big spoon! It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel like a special occasion, and I think it’s a perfect way to share something sweet and homey with the people you love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, large sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes work but may be a bit softer and less sweet.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a subtle woodsy flavor. If unavailable, try honey or brown sugar, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Pecans: Fresh pecans give the topping a nice crunch and nuttiness. Walnuts are a good substitute if pecans aren’t handy.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control over saltiness and adds richness. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter sticks.
Marshmallows: Optional but classic! Adding them gives the casserole a creamy, gooey contrast under the crunchy topping. Use mini marshmallows for even melting or chop regular ones.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunchy Pecan Topping?
The magic is in the streusel topping. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep the butter cold and cut into small pieces before mixing with the flour and sugar. This helps create a crumbly texture once baked.
- Don’t overwork the mixture; rub the butter in until you have small pea-sized crumbs—some bigger pieces add to the crunch.
- Add a mix of pecan halves and chopped pecans to balance crunch and texture.
- Spread the topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes so every bite has a good balance of creamy and crunchy.
- Bake uncovered until golden and crisp, about 25-30 minutes, and watch closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven – for baking the sweet potatoes and finishing the casserole, I keep it simple and reliable at 375°F.
- Baking sheet – to roast the sweet potatoes until tender and flavorful.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mashing and mixing all the ingredients together.
- Potato peeler and fork – for peeling and piercing the sweet potatoes easily.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – to assemble and bake the casserole evenly.
- Medium bowl and pastry cutter or fingers – for making the pecan streusel topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Instead of pecans, try walnuts or sliced almonds for a different nutty flavor and crunch.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the mashed sweet potatoes for a deeper, boozy note.
- Swirl in cream cheese or mascarpone into the mashed layer for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the streusel for a little spicy kick.
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or regular marshmallows (optional)
For The Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 45-60 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes, and then 25-30 minutes to bake the casserole until golden and bubbly. Plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes total so you have everything ready and perfectly cooked.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until they are soft throughout. When cool enough to handle, peel the skins off and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. If you need a faster method, peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil until tender, and mash.
2. Make the Mashed Sweet Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, softened butter, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole Base:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the dish. If you’d like, gently mix some mini marshmallows into the mashed potatoes or scatter them on top for a gooey, sweet touch.
4. Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients. Aim for a crumbly mixture with small pea-sized chunks of butter. Stir in the pecan halves and chopped pecans evenly.
5. Top and Bake:
Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown, crisp topping and a heated-through base.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s a wonderful side to classic Southern meals like roast turkey or ham, or enjoy it on its own as a comforting treat!
Can I Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely. Thaw the frozen sweet potatoes completely before mashing, then follow the recipe as usual. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit softer but flavor will still be delicious.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.
Can I Substitute Nuts in the Topping?
Yes, if you’re allergic to pecans or prefer another nut, walnuts or sliced almonds work well as alternatives. Just swap them one-for-one in the streusel topping.