Dessert

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping and Mini Marshmallows Recipe

Name: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping and Mini Marshmallows Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans canned yams; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup milk or almond milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Byreem everly December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

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Introduction

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Canned Yams is an easy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family gatherings. It combines the sweetness of yams with a crunchy pecan topping for a comforting treat everyone will love.

A glass baking dish filled with a two-layer dessert on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is smooth, bright orange with a soft, mashed texture, appearing thick and creamy. The top layer is a crumbly brown topping with chunks of pecans scattered evenly, giving a crunchy look. One corner of the dish is partially scooped out with a light wooden spoon resting inside, showing the contrast between the smooth orange base and the coarse pecan topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans canned yams
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk or almond milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter, melted (for topping)
1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Boil the canned yams along with their liquid in a medium saucepan for 5-10 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, then stir in sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
Step 7: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly bubbling.
Step 8: If desired, add mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
Step 9: Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for extra warm flavor.
Use walnuts instead of pecans if preferred or to change up the texture.
Top with mini marshmallows at the end of baking for a classic sweet touch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

A glass casserole dish contains a baked dish with two visible layers: the bottom layer is smooth, bright orange sweet potato mash, filling the whole dish, while the top layer is a crumbly brown streusel topping mixed with whole and halved pecans scattered evenly, their shiny, toasted texture visible. A wooden spoon is resting inside, partially scooping the sweet potato layer from the corner, showing a clear separation between the two layers. The dish sits on a dark textured cloth laid on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned yams?

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes. Boil or bake them until tender, then mash and use the same quantities as canned yams.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The topping contains all-purpose flour which has gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour.