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Close-up of key ingredients: Grade A Dark Robust Taste maple syrup, fresh orange sweet potatoes (Jewel or Garnet variety), whole pecans, and bowls of cinnamon and nutmeg
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Soft, velvety sweet potatoes baked under a crunchy, buttery pecan topping Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is that comforting, crowd-pleasing side that fills the house with warm maple and spice. This easy-to-follow recipe blends pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla into silky mashed sweet potatoes, then crowns them with a maple-scented pecan streusel for a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. A Southern tradition ideal for holiday tables, potlucks, or cozy family dinners
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Sweet Potato Filling
  • 3 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted or dairy-free butter
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup milk whole or dairy-free
  • 2 eggs beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Maple-Pecan Topping
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted or dairy-free butter
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the peeled sweet potato chunks to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, approximately 15–20 minutes. Drain well and let the potatoes steam off excess moisture for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mash & Mix Filling: In the pot or a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
  4. Assemble Base: Spread the sweet potato filling mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
  5. Prepare Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter and maple syrup until the mixture forms coarse clumps with evenly coated pecans.
  6. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer, pressing lightly so it adheres properly. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  7. Optional Broiling: For extra color and crispness, broil on low for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow it to set slightly. Serve warm alongside your favorite entrées.