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Creamy Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

creamy brown sugar sweet potato casserole with pecans - featured image
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A rich and comforting sweet potato casserole featuring a silky, spiced potato base topped with a crunchy, caramelized brown sugar and toasted pecan crust. This holiday staple balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (Garnet or Jewel varieties preferred)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup raw pecan pieces, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scrub sweet potatoes and steam in a steamer basket over boiling water for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Peel the skins off the cooled sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add softened butter, heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the potatoes.
  4. Beat on medium-low speed with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides and taste to adjust seasoning.
  5. Grease an 8×8 inch casserole dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until dissolved and bubbly.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans until coated.
  8. Pour the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is bubbly and pecans are lightly toasted.
  10. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

Steaming preserves nutrients and prevents waterlogging compared to boiling. Do not rush the mashing step to ensure a smooth texture. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for deeper flavor if desired. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with foil. Can be made ahead: store potato mixture in fridge for 24 hours, add topping before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday recipes, Thanksgiving side dish, brown sugar pecans, comfort food, fall recipes

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-brown-sugar-sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecans/