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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan and Marshmallow

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 topped with pecan crunch and marshmallows, perfect for a festive family dinner

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

Holiday-ready sweet potato casserole topped with pecans and marshmallows, ideal for festive family dinners

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!

The best holiday sweet potato casserole topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows, ideal for festive gatherings

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.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and healthy recipes? Dive into my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re looking to simplify your meal prep, check out my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s packed with quick, easy recipes that will elevate your cooking game! Grab your copy today and transform your meals with just a few simple steps.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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