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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel or Marshmallow Topping

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

This holiday classic features creamy whipped sweet potatoes enriched with buttermilk and vanilla, with your choice of two traditional toppings: a crunchy brown sugar pecan streusel or toasted marshmallows.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:28:00 GMT
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A close-up of a baked sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust in a glass dish. Pin it
A close-up of a baked sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust in a glass dish. | recipesim.com

My grandma's Buttermilk Sweet Potato Casserole is pure comfort in a dish! I've tweaked her recipe over the years adding a touch of buttermilk that makes it extra special. The combination of creamy spiced sweet potatoes with either toasty marshmallows or that amazing pecan streusel on top makes everyone at the table smile.

What Makes This Extra Special

The magic happens when that tangy buttermilk meets sweet potatoes and warm spices. I love how versatile it is you can make it more dessert-like with marshmallows or go for that amazing crunch with the pecan topping. Either way it's always the first empty dish at our holiday table.

What You'll Need

  • Sweet Potatoes: Cook them until they're super tender.
  • Sugars: Both white and brown for perfect sweetness.
  • Baking Powder: Makes everything light and fluffy.
  • Butter: Use unsalted for better control.
  • Flavors: Vanilla and cinnamon make it cozy.
  • Buttermilk: My secret ingredient for tang.
  • Eggs: For that custard-like texture.
  • Topping Stuff: Flour and pecans or marshmallows.

Let's Make It

Start With The Potatoes
Cook them until tender then mash until they're silky smooth.
Mix It Up
Blend in your sugars butter spices buttermilk and eggs until creamy.
Choose Your Topping
Make that crumbly pecan mix or get those marshmallows ready.
Into The Oven
Spread it in your dish add the topping and bake until golden.
A glass baking dish filled with creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy brown sugar and breadcrumb crust. Pin it
A glass baking dish filled with creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy brown sugar and breadcrumb crust. | recipesim.com

Topping Choices

You really can't go wrong here! The marshmallows get all toasty and give you that nostalgic holiday feel while the pecan streusel adds this amazing buttery crunch. Sometimes I even do half and half to make everyone happy.

My Best Tips

Make sure those potatoes are really well drained no one likes watery casserole. Use a wide dish so you get plenty of topping in every bite. And here's a trick warm those potatoes before mashing they'll get so much fluffier.

Make Life Easier

This keeps great in the fridge for a few days. You can even prep the potatoes and streusel ahead of time just warm everything up before you put it together. It's a lifesaver during busy holiday cooking.

Perfect Pairings

Whether you're serving it alongside turkey at Thanksgiving or having it for dessert with some whipped cream it's always a hit. Sometimes I even drizzle a little maple syrup over the top for extra decadence.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare casserole up to filling stage, refrigerate up to 2 days. Add topping just before baking.

→ Why use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds tang and makes potatoes extra creamy without being too rich.

→ Which cooking method is best?

All work well - baking gives most flavor, Instant Pot is quickest, boiling works fine too.

→ Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Fresh are recommended for best texture and flavor, but canned work in a pinch.

→ Why both light and dark brown sugar?

Different molasses content adds depth, but all light brown sugar works too.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A creamy sweet potato casserole with buttermilk and vanilla, topped with either crunchy pecan streusel or toasted marshmallows.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 5 pounds sweet potatoes.
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
03 1 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
06 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
07 3/4 cup buttermilk.
08 2 large eggs.
09 Extra butter for dish.
10 3/4 cup chopped pecans.
11 1/3 cup flour.
12 1/2 cup light brown sugar.
13 1/2 cup dark brown sugar.
14 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
15 2 cups miniature marshmallows.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook sweet potatoes until soft (see cooking options below).

Step 02

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 03

Butter 3-quart gratin dish.

Step 04

Whip potatoes with butter, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Beat in buttermilk, add eggs, and whip until smooth.

Step 05

Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish.

Step 06

Mix pecans, flour, and sugars. Stir in melted butter and crumble over potatoes.

Step 07

Bake 35-40 minutes.

Step 08

Bake potatoes 30 minutes. Top with marshmallows and bake for 5-10 minutes until toasted.

Step 09

Bake at 400°F for 30-60 minutes, boil for 15-20 minutes, or use Instant Pot for 10 minutes on high pressure.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead through filling stage.
  2. Buttermilk adds creaminess and tang without excess richness.

Tools You'll Need

  • 3-quart gratin dish.
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Instant Pot (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, buttermilk).
  • Eggs.
  • Tree nuts (pecans).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 422
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 4 g