Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 Recipe

This Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Streusel is everything you dream about in a comforting side: creamy, naturally sweet, and finished with a glorious crunchy topping. Even better, all the goodness is tucked into wholesome ingredients without any of the fuss of traditional recipes. Imagine how inviting your kitchen will smell! From the rich roasted sweet potatoes to that cozy spiced streusel, every bite feels like the holidays—whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself. Oh, and before you even think of diving in, remember to Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1… it’ll make cleanup a breeze and guarantee those golden edges everyone loves!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of familiar, nourishing ingredients, this dish quickly comes together to deliver bold autumn flavors and an irresistible texture. Don’t skip anything—each element, from maple syrup to cinnamon, lends a little magic to your casserole.

• Sweet potatoes: Roasting brings out their caramelized sweetness and gives you a tender base to work with.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds rich, natural sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
• Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things creamy, light, and subtly nutty (feel free to use any milk you love).
• Vanilla extract: Gives the casserole warmth and a classic dessert-like aroma.
• Egg (optional): Helps bind everything for a slightly fluffier texture—skip it for a vegan version.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, & allspice: Add deep, cozy layers of spice to the filling.
• Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way to enhance all the flavors.
• Whole wheat pastry flour: Makes for a healthier, crispier streusel—regular or gluten-free flour work, too.
• Rolled oats: Offer that wonderful chew and hearty bite atop the casserole.
• Brown sugar: Caramel notes in the topping bring everything together—coconut sugar is a great swap.
• Pecans: That crucial, nutty crunch in every streusel crumble!
• Melted butter (or vegan alternative): Makes the streusel irresistibly crumbly and golden.

How to Make Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1

Step 1: Roast Your Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub your sweet potatoes well and pierce each a few times with a fork to let steam escape. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and let them roast for 45 to 60 minutes, turning once if you’re feeling fancy. They’re ready when they’re melt-in-your-mouth soft and oozing a bit of caramelized sweetness. Let them cool just long enough so you don’t burn your fingers—about 5 to 10 minutes will do.

Step 2: Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1

Turn your oven down to 350°F and, here’s the key, Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1.5–2 quart dish) with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step will make sure every serving slides out easily and keeps your topping beautifully intact! Set the dish aside for assembly.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Filling

Cut open those perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, discard the skins, and drop the orange flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add the maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, egg (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Grab your hand mixer and beat until smooth and creamy, pausing to sample for sweetness or adjust spices to taste. If you like a creamier texture, add a splash more almond milk until you find your perfect consistency.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Oat Streusel

In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Drizzle in the melted butter (or your vegan alternative) and fluff with a fork until the mixture is crumbly and every nut is coated with oaty, sugary goodness. This topping will bake up into a gorgeous golden layer once in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your sweet potato filling into your prepared baking dish—don’t forget, always Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 before this step to ensure easy serving! Smooth out the top, then shower the casserole with your oat-pecan streusel. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and delightfully crisp. Let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld and you get those beautiful, neat slices.

How to Serve Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle a bit of extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top right before serving. If you really want to wow your crowd, drizzle a little extra maple syrup or some finely grated orange zest for color and zing. It’s amazing how a quick flourish can elevate your Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 creation from simple to spectacular.

Side Dishes

This casserole cozies up beautifully beside classic holiday favorites like roasted turkey or tangy cranberry sauce. It also works wonders as the hearty star alongside a crisp salad or sautéed greens. The subtle sweetness complements all sorts of savory mains, making it a year-round favorite whether it’s part of a Thanksgiving spread or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want something a little playful, divide the mixture into individual ramekins—just make sure to Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1-equivalent, so everyone enjoys their own personal casserole. Or, layer leftovers in jars with Greek yogurt for a breakfast treat. A drizzle of honey and a scattering of granola on top turns this comfort dish into a showpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be kept fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container—that way, you can quickly reheat wherever inspiration strikes!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. To make life easy, Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 that’s freezer-safe, assemble the casserole as usual, then cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the streusel is crisp again (about 20 minutes). In a hurry? The microwave works too; just know the topping might soften a little, but the flavors will still shine. Either way, every reheated bite tastes as delicious as the first serving.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the egg and use a vegan butter or coconut oil for the topping. The results are still rich, creamy, and every bit as delicious—no one will ever miss a thing.

What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch pan?

Great news: you can Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1.5–2 quart dish with no problem! The bake time may vary slightly based on the depth, but any similar-sized baking vessel will deliver tasty results.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

You can, but the flavor and texture are a bit different compared to roasting your own. If you’re in a pinch, drain and rinse canned sweet potatoes well, then mash before using. You may want to reduce the added maple syrup, since canned potatoes tend to be sweeter.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Easy! Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the flour in the topping with a gluten-free blend or oat flour. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 as usual and you’ll be ready to go.

Can I prep this in advance?

Definitely. Assemble the whole casserole up to 2 days early, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, pop it straight into the oven. For guaranteed easy serving, don’t forget to Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 before filling!

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Streusel has become a go-to in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to make it your own tradition too. With every spoonful, you’ll taste autumn comfort and know you’ve created something special. Trust me—just remember to Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch pie pan or 1 for that foolproof, crowd-pleasing finish every single time!

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