Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a rich maple flavor. Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this casserole feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s the kind of side that steals the show at any family gathering or holiday meal.
I love making this casserole because it’s easy to prepare but still feels special. The maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming, and the pecan topping adds such a nice contrast in texture. I always find myself sneaking a spoonful before it even hits the table—can’t help it!
For me, this dish is the perfect partner to a simple roasted chicken or glazed ham, and it works equally well at Thanksgiving and weeknight dinners. I like to serve it straight from the oven while it’s bubbly and warm, but leftovers are equally tasty reheated the next day. It’s one of those recipes I know I’ll go back to again and again whenever I want something that feels like a little celebration at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes give this casserole its natural sweetness and creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, canned sweet potatoes work too, but fresh tastes best.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds depth and natural sweetness. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Pecans: Pecans bring a lovely crunch and nutty taste to the topping. Walnuts or almonds can be swapped in if pecans aren’t available.
Butter: Unsalted butter melts into the sweet potatoes for richness and binds the streusel topping. Use vegan butter if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Brown Sugar & Spices: Brown sugar sweetens and balances the flavors, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. You can adjust spices to your liking or use pumpkin pie spice as an easy shortcut.
How Can I Make a Crunchy and Flavorful Pecan Streusel Topping?
Getting the streusel topping just right means balancing crumbly texture with nutty crunch.
- Mix cold cubed butter with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this helps keep the topping crisp after baking.
- Gently fold in pecan halves, making sure they are evenly spread for consistent crunch.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly on the casserole before baking to create a golden, crunchy crust.
- Don’t worry if some crumbs fall inside—it adds more texture in every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil sweet potatoes until tender; choose one big enough to hold them comfortably.
- Mixing bowl – for mashing and mixing the sweet potato filling smoothly.
- Potato masher or fork – makes mashing sweet potatoes easy and quick.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for spreading the casserole evenly for baking.
- Pastry cutter or fork – handy for mixing cold butter into the streusel topping for a crumbly texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate, especially with spices and syrups.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked bacon bits to the topping for a smoky, salty contrast to the sweet potatoes.
- Stir in a teaspoon of ground ginger or orange zest into the potato mix for a fresh twist.
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or pistachios to change the nutty flavor and texture.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips into the sweet potato layer for a surprising sweet burst.
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4 pounds)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or whipped cream (optional topping)
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and boil the sweet potatoes, 10 minutes to assemble, and 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, plan for about 50-60 minutes total so you can enjoy a warm, comforting dish fresh from the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into similar-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water well.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Mixture:
Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash them until smooth. Add the maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until creamy and well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole and Streusel Topping:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish. If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the top now. For the streusel topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold cubed butter, using your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until crumbly. Stir in the pecan halves and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns crispy and golden brown, and the dish is heated through. If you didn’t bake with marshmallows, add whipped cream just before serving for a creamy contrast. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps maintain the right texture in your casserole.
What Can I Substitute for Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup work well as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and streusel topping a day ahead. Assemble just before baking and then bake as directed for fresh results.
