A Silky-Smooth Sweet Potato Base + Buttery Pecan Streusel = Holiday Perfection

When the holiday season rolls in, every table seems to boast a dish that steals the spotlight. For many families, that star is the one and only Sweet Potato Casserole — warm, comforting, and irresistibly indulgent.

This recipe takes the classic to an entirely new level: ultra-creamy sweet potatoes, perfectly seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, crowned with a crunchy, caramelized pecan streusel topping that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this casserole delivers nostalgia, comfort, and pure holiday magic.

⭐ Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Is Everyone’s Favorite

✔ Creamy, silky texture thanks to butter, eggs, and just the right amount of milk
✔ Perfectly balanced sweetness from a blend of white and brown sugar
✔ Crunchy pecan streusel that stays crisp, never soggy
✔ Easy to make ahead — ideal for busy holiday cooks
✔ Loved by kids and adults alike

🥘 Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 4 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ⅓ cup milk or heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

For the Irresistible Pecan Streusel

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: Creating Your Holiday Masterpiece

Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes

Option A — Roast (Best Flavor)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork.

3. Bake 45–60 minutes, until soft.

4. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl.

Option B — Boil (Quickest)

1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes.

2. Boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

3. Drain very well.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

1. Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. In a large bowl, combine:

   • mashed sweet potatoes

   • granulated sugar

   • brown sugar

   • eggs

   • melted butter

   • milk/cream

   • vanilla

   • cinnamon

   • nutmeg

   • pinch of salt

4. Mix until creamy and smooth.

5. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel

1. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, pecans, and cinnamon.

2. Add the cold butter cubes.

3. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend until crumbly with small butter chunks remaining.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

1. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly at the edges.

3. For an extra-crispy top, broil during the last 1–2 minutes.
   Watch closely—streusel burns fast!

Step 5: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to cool 15–20 minutes before serving.
This sets the filling for perfect, clean scoops.