Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, cleaned
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened or melted
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pecan Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
Other
- 2-3 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher or whip with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Sweet Potato Layer: Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth surface.
- Make Pecan Streusel: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans evenly.
- Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the prepared pecan streusel topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Bake First Phase: Bake in the preheated oven at 375ºF for 10-12 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the streusel is slightly set.
- Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking: Remove from oven and evenly scatter 2-3 cups of miniature marshmallows on top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.
Notes
- Use either milk or cream depending on desired richness for the sweet potato mash.
- Watch the marshmallows carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning.
- Chopped pecans can be toasted beforehand for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead up to step 6, then refrigerated and baked before serving.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American