Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel for Thanksgiving

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is a classic Thanksgiving dish that brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. The mix of soft, sweet potato…

By Alina • October 5, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is a classic Thanksgiving dish that brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. The mix of soft, sweet potato goodness and the nutty, crispy streusel makes every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone looks forward to at the holiday table.

I love making this casserole because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The pecan streusel adds just the right touch of sweetness and crunch, and it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time. I always try to sneak a little extra streusel for myself before serving—it’s that good! Plus, using fresh or toasted pecans really amps up the flavor and makes it feel extra special without any fuss.

This dish pairs beautifully with turkey and all the classic sides, but I also enjoy it as a cozy treat on its own during chilly fall evenings. If you like, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the sweet potatoes to make it even more comforting. It’s a recipe that feels like a tradition, and every year it brings a little extra joy to the Thanksgiving celebration at our house.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, giving it that natural sweetness and creamy texture. I like using firm, fresh sweet potatoes, but you can also use frozen mashed sweet potatoes in a pinch.

Butter: It adds richness to both the casserole and the streusel topping. Unsalted butter lets you control salt levels, but salted butter works fine too. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil.

Pecans: They provide the crunch and nutty flavor in the streusel. Toast them lightly for extra depth. If pecans aren’t your thing, chopped walnuts make a good substitute.

Brown Sugar: Sweet and slightly molasses-y, it’s key in the streusel. You can replace it with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Pecan Streusel Topping?

The streusel topping needs the right balance of crumbly and crisp. Here’s how to nail it:

• Keep your butter cold and cut it into small cubes before adding to the flour and sugar mixture. This helps create a crumbly texture.
• Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until pea-sized crumbs form. Don’t overwork it or the topping will get dense.
• Stir in the pecans last to keep the pieces whole and crunchy.
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base so it bakes up nicely crisp on top.
• Bake just long enough for the topping to brown but not burn—about 30-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot – perfect for boiling sweet potatoes until tender.
• Mixing bowls – one for the sweet potatoes and one for the streusel topping.
• Potato masher or fork – to mash the sweet potatoes smooth without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough for the casserole to bake evenly.
• Pastry cutter or fork – helps blend cold butter into the streusel topping.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the sweet potatoes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Mix mini marshmallows on top of the streusel during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra gooey sweetness.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on your nut preference or what you have on hand.
• Stir in some orange zest into the sweet potato mixture to brighten the flavor with citrus notes.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel for Thanksgiving

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sweet Potato Casserole:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup pecan halves (or chopped pecans for smaller pieces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll spend about 20 minutes preparing the sweet potatoes and mixing the casserole. Baking takes around 30 to 40 minutes to get the streusel crisp and golden. So, plan for about 1 hour total from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Put them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft when poked with a fork. Drain the water well.

2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:

Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until smooth and lump-free.

3. Mix the Casserole Base:

Add the sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir everything well until it’s creamy and smooth.

4. Prepare the Pecan Streusel:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

5. Add the Pecans:

Mix in the pecans, spreading them evenly through the streusel batter.

6. Assemble and Bake:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the pecan streusel over the top. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is nicely browned and crunchy.

7. Serve:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy sweet potatoes with the crunchy pecan topping—it’s a perfect Thanksgiving treat!

Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen mashed sweet potatoes. Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid a watery casserole.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Cover the casserole tightly with foil or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crisp topping.

Can I Prepare the Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can mash and mix the sweet potatoes a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Add the streusel topping just before baking to preserve its crunchiness.

What Can I Substitute for Pecans?

Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you don’t have pecans or want a different nutty flavor in your topping.