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Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole is a nutrient-rich, vegan-friendly dish featuring mashed sweet potatoes blended with coconut milk and warm spices, topped with a crunchy pecan and oat streusel. Perfect for a wholesome side or festive occasion, it combines natural sweetness with a satisfying texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 cups sweet potatoes, about 4 large potatoes
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk, light or regular
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg

Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ⅓ cup gluten-free old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup oat flour or almond flour
  • 3-4 Tablespoons coconut oil, in solid form


Instructions

  1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9x13 or 9x9 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Make Topping Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, oats, oat or almond flour, and brown or coconut sugar. Cut in the solid coconut oil using a fork or knife until the mixture resembles a sandy texture with pea-sized chunks of oil. Set aside.
  4. Mash Sweet Potatoes and Mix: Place the cooked sweet potatoes into a large bowl and mash with a fork. Add the coconut milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, ground flaxseed, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top. Evenly sprinkle the pecan and oat topping over the sweet potato layer.
  6. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, oven, or microwave to maintain texture.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the casserole's consistency.
  • For milk alternatives in the sweet potato mixture, almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk can be used instead of coconut milk; be sure to use unsweetened versions.
  • Use either brown sugar or coconut sugar for the topping to suit dietary preferences.
  • The ground flaxseed acts as a binder and adds nutrition; do not omit.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg