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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole – Creamy, Nutty & Holiday-Perfect

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic that brings all the flavors of fall to your table. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are lightly sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, then topped with a buttery pecan crumble that bakes up golden and crisp. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting Sunday dinner, it’s a sweet and savory Southern favorite that tastes like home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sweet Potato Base:
  • 3 large sweet potatoes about 2 ½ lbs, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk whole or evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Potato masher or mixer
  • 9×13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes – Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 12–15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
  2. Make the Filling – In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until creamy and well blended.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish – Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
  4. Prepare the Topping – In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  5. Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
  6. Serve Warm – Let cool slightly before serving so the topping sets perfectly.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble a day ahead (without baking), cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for rolled oats or crushed graham crackers.
Extra Creamy: Add a splash more milk or a tablespoon of cream.
Marshmallow Lovers: Add mini marshmallows halfway through baking for a classic twist.