Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful blend of tender roasted sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a sweet maple pecan topping. It’s the perfect comforting side dish for holiday dinners or anytime you crave a touch of Southern charm.

Ingredients
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
- 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground allspice
- 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg until fully coated.
- Step 3: Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 50-60 minutes until tender, charred, and golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and 2 cups marshmallows. Stir gently, allowing some sweet potatoes to mash while keeping some chunks.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Distribute the cubed butter throughout the casserole. For extra gooeyness, tuck a few additional marshmallows into the mixture.
- Step 7: In a separate bowl, combine raw pecans and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Stir to coat the pecans well.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously over the casserole to cover the top. Cover the dish with foil.
- Step 9: Bake covered for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and marshmallows have melted.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite main dishes and sides.
Tips & Variations
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them and enhance their sweetness before adding to the casserole.
- For a richer flavor, substitute almond milk with coconut milk or whole milk.
- Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred, keeping the same maple syrup coating.
- If you like a crunchier topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing with maple syrup.
Storage
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the topping crispier compared to microwaving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the topping and bake right before serving for best results.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh roasted sweet potatoes provide better texture and flavor, but if using canned, drain them well and mash lightly before mixing with other ingredients.
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy meal. Roasted sweet potatoes are mixed with warm spices, raisins, and marshmallows, then topped with a buttery pecan and maple syrup crumble, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Casserole Filling
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
- 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground allspice
- 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained
- 2 cups marshmallows
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even roasting surface for the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly coated, which enhances their flavor during roasting.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 50-60 minutes until tender, charred, and golden. Remove and let them cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Grease Dish: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large 9×13 baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Casserole Filling: In a bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Mix until combined, allowing some sweet potatoes to mash while retaining chunks.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Tuck in small cubes of unsalted butter throughout the mixture, and gently press a few extra marshmallows into the top for added gooey goodness.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together raw pecans and maple syrup until the pecans are well coated, which will create a sweet and crunchy topping.
- Add Topping and Cover: Generously sprinkle the pecan and maple syrup topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then cover the dish with foil to keep moisture locked in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole in the oven for 15 minutes with the foil on, allowing flavors to meld and the topping to set.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and slightly toasted.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving alongside your favorite main dishes and sides.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this sweet, nutty, and comforting southern classic!
Notes
- Soaking the raisins before adding them to the casserole prevents them from absorbing moisture from the dish, keeping them plump and flavorful.
- You can substitute almond milk with whole milk or any favorite plant-based milk if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, feel free to use unsalted butter instead of olive oil during roasting if desired.
- Marshmallows are a traditional addition; to make it vegan, use vegan marshmallows or omit them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, southern sweet potatoes, maple sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, pecan topping, roasted sweet potatoes

