Sweet Potato Crunch is a traditional midwest recipe. This Sweet potato casserole with canned yams and a pecan crunch topping is simple to make and is absolutely delicious!
Sweet Potato Crunch - a casserole recipe that is on nearly every table during the holiday season. You can always find this side dish on my table for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
My favorite part about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and cooked the next day. Plus, sweet potato crunch uses canned sweet potatoes so the time to cook and cool potatoes are eliminated!
Check out this video to learn how to create this Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams or Sweet Potatoes.
How to Make an Easy Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine drained sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla, and salt, mashing potatoes and stirring well.
- Pour into an oven-safe dish, set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, pecans, and brown sugar until well blended.
- Sprinkle pecan mixture over casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until set.
- Let sit 10 minutes. Serve hot.
What's the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?
You can use either canned yams or sweet potatoes for this baked sweet potato crunch. However, there is definitely a difference between the two root vegetables. Here is a list of differences to help you decide which vegetable you prefer:
- Yams are larger in size compared to sweet potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are more nutritionally dense than yams
- Yams are sweeter than sweet potatoes
- Sweet potatoes often have elongated ends while yams have rounded ends
In a large bowl, combine drained sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla, and salt.
PRO TIP: The sweet potatoes need to be well-drained. I used a fine-mesh strainer and let them sit for at least 5 minutes to make sure all extra liquid was gone before mashing them for the sweet potato casserole.
Once all your ingredients are in the bowl, mash the sweet potatoes and stir well until all ingredients are combined.
In a small bowl, combine butter, pecans, and sugar until well blended.
PRO TIP: You could swap the pecans for old-fashioned oats or marshmallows to make a sweet potato crunch no nuts or sweet potato crunch with marshmallows version. 
Slowly pour the mashed sweet potato mixture into your baking dish. Then, crumble on the pecan topping.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until set. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to cool. Serve warm.
Enjoy your Sweet Potato Crunch this holiday season. The recipe pairs well with any dish. Still on the search for the main dish? Here is a list that has all been guest approved:
- Whole Beef Steak Tenderloin
- Maple Chicken Thighs
- Baked Pork Chops
- Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze
- World's Simplest Thanksgiving Turkey
If you enjoyed the recipe make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
Ingredients
- 40 oz. can cut sweet potatoes in light syrup drained
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Topping
- 2 tbsp. butter softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine drained sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla, and salt, mashing potatoes and stirring well.
- Pour into an oven-safe 9x9 inch dish or pan, set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, pecans, and sugar until well blended.
- Sprinkle pecan mixture over casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until set.
- Let sit 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Karen Robinson says
What size baking dish do you use.
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Great question! I used a 9 x 9-inch pan. I'll update the instructions with this as well. Thanks for asking!
MJ says
Can you use fresh sweet potato instead of canned?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
You sure can! I'd love to hear how it works for you!
Kimmy says
Doubled the topping, but made it at least 4 times!