Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole features creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan crumble, baked until golden and delicious.
By RecipeLily Editors · Published November 14, 2026
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is a comforting holiday favorite made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a delicious buttery pecan topping. The naturally sweet potatoes are blended with brown sugar, warm cinnamon, vanilla, and butter to create a smooth, rich filling.
What makes this casserole especially delicious is its crunchy topping. Chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter bake together into a golden crumble that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potato filling.
It's a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas celebrations, or any family gathering where comforting homemade dishes belong on the table. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time, add the pecan topping before baking, and serve it warm straight from the oven.
Whether you're making it for a holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this homemade sweet potato casserole is a delicious way to enjoy a classic American favorite.
RecipeLily.com
Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole
- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 55 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 15 mins
- Servings
- 10
- Yield
- One 9 x 13-inch casserole, 10 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
Ingredients
Servings: 10
- For the sweet potato filling
- For the pecan topping
Directions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2
Place the peeled sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4
Drain thoroughly and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.
- Make the filling
Step 5
Mash the warm sweet potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or electric mixer.
Step 6
Add the melted butter, whole milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 7
Mix until creamy and evenly combined.
Step 8
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the pecan topping
Step 9
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon.
Step 10
Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms moist, crumbly clusters.
- Assemble and bake
Step 11
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato filling.
Step 12
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Step 13
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Step 14
Serve warm as a delicious holiday side dish.
Cook’s Notes
For the smoothest filling, cook the sweet potatoes until completely tender and drain them thoroughly before mashing. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery. Freshly cooked sweet potatoes provide excellent flavor, but roasted sweet potatoes can also be used for a deeper, naturally caramelized taste.
For extra crunch, use freshly chopped pecans and distribute them evenly across the topping. Avoid overmixing the pecan crumble; small clusters create a better texture after baking.
You can prepare the sweet potato filling one day ahead and refrigerate it in a covered baking dish. Add the pecan topping just before baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow extra oven time and check that the center is heated through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 325°F until warm.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories
- 365
- Fat
- 19g
- Carbs
- 47g
- Protein
- 5g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary.
