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Creamy Brown Sugar Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

creamy brown sugar pecan sweet potato casserole - featured image
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A foolproof, velvety sweet potato casserole featuring a rich base of roasted potatoes, cream cheese, and spices, topped with a crunchy, caramelized brown sugar pecan crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large sweet potatoes (Beauregard or Jewel varieties)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scrub sweet potatoes clean, prick with a fork, and roast whole for 45-60 minutes until very soft.
  3. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes, cut in half, and scoop flesh into a large mixing bowl, discarding skins.
  4. Add softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the bowl. Mix with a hand mixer or masher until smooth and creamy.
  5. While potatoes cool, toast pecan halves in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Chop pecans and set aside to cool.
  6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it resembles wet sand, then fold in toasted pecans.
  7. Pour sweet potato mixture into a 9×9 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle pecan topping over the top and press gently.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Roasting the potatoes whole concentrates their natural sugars and adds smoky depth compared to boiling. Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid lumps. Toasting the pecans is essential for flavor. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 baking blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, easy dessert, comfort food, brown sugar pecans

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-brown-sugar-pecan-sweet-potato-casserole-best-easy-recipe/