Delicious Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole Recipe for Fall Gatherings

The aroma of baked sweet potatoes wafting through the air evokes memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. This Sweet Potato Crunch shines as a beacon of comfort food, its golden crust promising a sweet, buttery experience at every bite. Imagine digging into a warm casserole, where the creamy sweet potato filling juxtaposes a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping—it’s like autumn wrapped in a delicious hug.

As you anticipate the delightful flavors dancing on your palate, picture yourself serving this happy dish at festive gatherings, holidays, or even a casual weeknight dinner. This Sweet Potato Crunch isn’t just food; it’s a ticket to nostalgic moments and joyful celebrations!

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Crunch

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Potato Crunch:

3 medium sweet potatoes (4 cups) – Look for firm, blemish-free potatoes; they should be vibrant in color for the best flavor.
¼ cup cream – Heavy cream adds richness; you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
¼ cup butter, softened – Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt in your dish.
1 large egg, whisked – This helps bind the sweet potato mixture and adds a lovely texture.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – A blend of warm spices that enhances the dish’s flavor profile, giving it that lovely fall aroma.
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for balancing the sweetness of the potatoes.
1 cup pecans, chopped – Nutty and crunchy, they provide a delightful texture contrast to the creamy filling.
½ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and a caramelized finish to the topping.
¼ cup butter, softened – For the topping; using this ensures a beautifully rich crumble.

How to Make Sweet Potato Crunch

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Sweet Potato Crunch:

Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Toss them into a pot of salted water and boil for about 20 minutes or until they are tender enough to poke with a fork. Drain and let them cool, or quickly cool them down with cold water.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
While your sweet potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch casserole dish with a generous amount of softened butter to ensure your Sweet Potato Crunch doesn’t stick.

Step 3: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sweet potatoes, whisked egg, cream, softened butter, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Use a potato masher or a large fork to mash everything together until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You want it to be velvety, so keep mixing until you achieve that perfectly creamy texture.

Step 4: Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture
Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly along the bottom. This layer serves as the soft base for your crunchy topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and softened butter. Stir until you get a crumbly mixture that resembles wet sand. This topping brings the crunch to your Sweet Potato Crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Serve
Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and fragrant. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before digging in. When it’s finally time to serve, transfer it to plates, and watch as smiles spread across faces, all thanks to your new favorite dish!

This Sweet Potato Crunch is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. Each bite transports you to that cozy gathering feeling, reminding you that food is often best when shared with loved ones. Enjoy!

Perfecting Sweet Potato Crunch Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results, start by boiling sweet potatoes until tender. While they cool, prepare the casserole dish and the pecan topping, ensuring everything is ready for a smooth assembly.

Add Your Touch to Sweet Potato Crunch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding maple syrup for extra sweetness, swapping pecans with walnuts, or mixing in a handful of dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Storing & Reheating Sweet Potato Crunch

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results, or microwave until warmed through, keeping the crunch intact.

Sometimes, while preparing this Sweet Potato Crunch, friends have asked if I have a secret ingredient. I just smile and say the love kneaded in every step is the real magic!

FAQs About Sweet Potato Crunch

What is Sweet Potato Crunch?

Sweet Potato Crunch is a delightful casserole that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping, delivering an irresistible sweet and savory dish. This casserole is not only visually stunning with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Often enjoyed during fall gatherings and holiday celebrations, Sweet Potato Crunch has become a beloved comfort food for many. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste.

How do I make Sweet Potato Crunch from scratch?

Making Sweet Potato Crunch from scratch is simpler than you might think. Start by boiling sweet potatoes until they are tender, then mash them with cream, butter, and spices for creamy goodness. Prepare your pecan topping by mixing chopped pecans with brown sugar and butter until crumbly. Layer your sweet potato mixture in a casserole dish, sprinkle the pecan topping, and bake it until golden brown. Follow my detailed recipe above for the perfect method to create this delicious dish.

Can I prepare Sweet Potato Crunch ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sweet Potato Crunch can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for holiday meals. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping separately. Assemble the casserole and cover it, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you pop it into the oven. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without the last-minute rush.

What variations can I try with Sweet Potato Crunch?

There are plenty of fun variations to experiment with for your Sweet Potato Crunch! For added sweetness, consider drizzling in maple syrup or honey to the sweet potato mixture. You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor. For a festive touch, mix in cranberries or top it with marshmallows for a classic twist. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to match your cravings or special dietary needs!

Conclusion for Sweet Potato Crunch

In summary, Sweet Potato Crunch is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy sweet potato base combined with a crunchy pecan topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Easy to make and adaptable to various tastes, Sweet Potato Crunch will surely become a go-to favorite in your cooking repertoire. Embrace this delightful recipe and share it with family and friends for a memorable culinary experience.

Sweet Potato Crunch

Delicious Sweet Potato Crunch casserole is a crowd-pleaser combining creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 462

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• ¼ cup cream
• ¼ cup butter softened
• 1 large egg whisked
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar packed
• ¼ cup butter softened

Equipment

• pot
• Casserole Dish
• mixing bowl
• Potato masher
• Electric Mixer

Method

 

1. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9" casserole dish with butter.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool, or run them under cold water in the colander.
4. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, egg, cream, butter, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a potato masher or large fork to mash the sweet potatoes.
5. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
7. In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
8. Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish.
9. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 462kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 5gFat: 32gSodium: 590mgFiber: 5gSugar: 24g

Notes

For added sweetness, consider drizzling maple syrup into the sweet potato mixture or swapping pecans for walnuts.

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