Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping

Name: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs sweet potatoes; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar; 1 pinch salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

This sweet potato casserole features a rich, smooth sweet potato base made with browned butter and maple syrup, topped with a crunchy candied pecan crumble that delivers the signature steakhouse texture and flavor.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Sweet potato casserole 🏷️Sweet potato 🏷️Pecan Thanksgiving

🏷️

🏷️Side dish

🏷️Holiday

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jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

1h 35m

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

3 lbs sweet potatoes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 tbsp cinnamon sugar
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes, trim the ends, and slice them in half lengthwise. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2
Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3
Let the potatoes cool slightly, then scoop the flesh out of the skins and place it into the bowl of a stand mixer.
4
Add the browned butter to the sweet potatoes and mix on low speed until smooth.
5
Add the granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix to combine.
6
Pour in the beaten eggs and mix until just incorporated.
7
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
8
In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by combining the packed brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon sugar, and a pinch of salt.
9
Pour the melted butter over the topping ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
10
Spoon the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
11
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and caramelized.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat and watch carefully—it should smell nutty and have golden-brown solids. Don't let it burn, as this defines the casserole's flavor.
Beat the eggs thoroughly and fold them in last to keep the filling smooth and avoid streaks or lumps.
Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping in an even layer only in the final 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning while keeping it crispy.
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes after baking before serving—this helps the filling set and makes plating cleaner.

Substitutions

Light brown sugar → dark brown sugar (adds deeper molasses flavor)
Maple syrup → honey or dark corn syrup (similar sweetness and moisture)
Vanilla extract → bourbon or rum extract (for deeper complexity)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat at 300°F covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the pecan crumble topping just before baking to keep it crispy.

What does browning the butter do for this recipe?

Browned butter adds a nutty, complex flavor that elevates the sweet potato base beyond standard casseroles and mimics the steakhouse version.

Can I use candied pecans instead of making the crumble?

Store-bought candied pecans can work, but homemade crumble with brown sugar and cinnamon sugar gives better texture and control over sweetness.

How do I know when the sweet potato casserole is done baking?

The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken. The pecan topping should be golden brown and fragrant.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Walnuts or chopped almonds work as alternatives, though pecans provide the classic steakhouse flavor and slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.