Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch and Marshmallow Topping
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch and Marshmallow Topping—a showstopper perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. The sweet potato base is soft and smooth, while the pecan crunch and gooey marshmallow topping add delightful textures. This recipe is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch and Marshmallow Topping
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 1/2 pounds (2.04 kg) sweet potatoes
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 g) softened butter, plus 1 tablespoon (14 g) melted, divided
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) salt
For the Pecan Crunch Topping:
- 1 1/4 cups (31.25 g) crushed cornflake cereal
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) brown sugar
For the Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) miniature marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 7×11-inch (18×28 cm) baking dish to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake until they’re tender—about 1 hour. Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, peel off the skin.
Pro Tip: Roasting the sweet potatoes deepens their natural sweetness, giving the casserole a rich, caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. This is the foundation for your casserole, so aim for a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Create the Pecan Crunch Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture in diagonal rows over the sweet potatoes, leaving about 2 inches between each row.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. The aroma of roasting pecans and sweet potatoes will fill your kitchen.
Step 8: Add Marshmallow Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Carefully place miniature marshmallows between the rows of the pecan topping.
Pro Tip: For a dramatic presentation, use both white and colored mini marshmallows!
Step 9: Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and melty.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for another 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and meld. The crispy topping combined with the marshmallow’s gooeyness will make each bite irresistible!
Expert Tips:
- Add Some Spice: For a deeper flavor, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the sweet potato mixture.
- Customize the Crunch: Substitute other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on the traditional pecan topping.
- Marshmallow Alternatives: Prefer marshmallow fluff? Feel free to swap! Simply spread it over the casserole during the final bake.
Recipe FAQs:
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it fresh, adding the marshmallows just before serving.
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of miniature marshmallows?
Absolutely. Adjust the amount based on your preference, and spread it evenly over the casserole before the final bake for a gooey, irresistible topping.
How can I make the casserole less sweet?
Cut down on sugar in the sweet potato base by 1/4 cup if you prefer a more subtle sweetness, especially since the marshmallows add plenty of sweetness on their own.
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