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Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole: Perfect Pecan Topping Recipe

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A comforting sweet potato casserole featuring a smooth, spiced mash topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan mixture. This recipe balances rich flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds large sweet potatoes (Garnet or Jewel varieties)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup raw unsalted pecan pieces
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork. Bake directly on the rack or on a rimmed baking sheet for 45-60 minutes until soft when squeezed. Let cool until safe to handle.
  3. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Discard skins and mash until smooth.
  4. Add softened butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  5. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast pecan pieces for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. In a small bowl, combine toasted pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Mix with fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Transfer the seasoned sweet potato mash into a 9×9 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping mixture over the top, pressing down lightly.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are bubbling around the edges.
  9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set.

Notes

Toast pecans for enhanced flavor. Use cold butter for the topping to ensure crunchiness. If the topping is too dry, add a teaspoon of melted butter; if too wet, add a tablespoon of flour. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream with coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, holiday side dish, comfort food, Thanksgiving recipe, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://islatable.com/cozy-sweet-potato-casserole-perfect-pecan-topping-recipe/