This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is the ultimate holiday side dish, combining silky smooth sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery pecan topping. The buttery crumble melts into a golden-brown crust that’s perfectly crisp and adds a nutty sweetness to every bite.

I first made this version of sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a favorite among friends and family. The filling is creamy and lightly spiced, while the butter pecan crumble topping takes it to the next level with a satisfying crunch. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble is a show-stopping side that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

First, the flavor is perfectly balanced. The filling is creamy and naturally sweetened with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the buttery pecan topping adds a caramel-like crunch that’s absolutely irresistible.

The texture is a perfect contrast. The smooth, fluffy sweet potato filling melts in your mouth, while the buttery crumble topping brings a crisp, nutty layer that makes each bite a delight.

This casserole is also incredibly easy to make ahead. Simply assemble it the night before, then pop it in the oven before serving. It saves you time and tastes even better when prepared in advance!

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal, this dish will bring the warmth and coziness of Southern flavors to your table.

Ingredients Notes

With just a handful of ingredients, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble is both simple and delicious.

Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. They have a natural sweetness and creamy texture that works beautifully for casseroles.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used in both the filling and the topping to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. For the topping, melted butter combines with the pecans and brown sugar to form a deliciously caramelized crumble.
Brown Sugar: Both the filling and the topping use brown sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor and sweetness. You can use either light or dark brown sugar; dark will give a richer flavor.
Milk: A splash of milk helps make the filling creamy and smooth. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute with half-and-half for an even richer texture.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the sweet potatoes, enhancing the natural flavors. Cinnamon is essential, while nutmeg adds just a hint of spice without overpowering the dish.
Eggs: Adding eggs to the filling helps give it a light, fluffy texture and binds it together. Without eggs, the casserole might be too dense.
Pecans: Chopped pecans create the crunchy topping. They pair perfectly with the sweet potatoes, adding a toasty, nutty flavor to every bite.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps create the crumble topping by adding structure and ensuring a golden, crispy finish.

For equipment, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a potato masher or hand mixer to get the filling smooth.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

Here’s how to create this incredible Sweet Potato Casserole in just a few easy steps:

Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes, then place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Filling
Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, using a potato masher or hand mixer. Add in the butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Make the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until you have a crumbly, well-mixed topping. Sprinkle it generously over the sweet potato filling, covering the surface completely for that perfect balance of crunchy and creamy.
Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden-brown and slightly crisp. If you’d like the topping extra crisp, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

This casserole takes about an hour from start to finish, with most of the time spent in the oven. Serve warm, and watch it become the star of your meal.

Storage Options

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a great make-ahead dish, storing beautifully for both leftovers and pre-holiday prep.

Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freeze: You can prepare the casserole in advance and freeze it. Assemble without baking, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven. This will keep the topping crispy and the filling smooth. If using the microwave, expect a softer topping.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is delicious as is, but here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

Add Marshmallows: For a classic twist, add mini marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt and turn golden, adding a gooey layer on top of the buttery crumble.
Nut-Free Option: If you’d like a nut-free casserole, swap the pecans for crushed gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free crushed cereal. You’ll get a similar crunch without the nuts.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk, like almond or oat milk, and substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Maple Syrup: Replace part of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, earthy sweetness. Maple syrup pairs beautifully with the butter pecan topping and adds even more flavor depth.
Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a hint of citrus that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and spices.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is a must-make for the holiday season, combining rich flavors, creamy filling, and a perfectly crispy topping. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, year after year. Enjoy!