Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that hits all the right notes of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia, you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe. I absolutely love how this casserole combines tender roasted sweet potatoes with a dreamy maple-sweetened filling, plump raisins, and that irresistible crunchy pecan topping. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want a bit of Southern comfort in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe starts with some simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a role in building that classic Southern flavor profile that I love so much. Make sure to pick organic sweet potatoes if you can; they roast up beautifully and have such great natural sweetness.

• Sweet potatoes: The star of the show—roasting them brings out their caramelized sweetness and creamy texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting, it adds a subtle richness that helps the spices stick.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices make the dish extra cozy and aromatic.
• Almond milk (or other preferred milk): Keeps the filling creamy without overpowering the sweet potatoes’ flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the maple syrup.
• Unsalted butter: Cubed and baked into the filling for pockets of rich, buttery goodness.
• Organic brown sugar: Helps enhance the sweetness and creates a gentle caramel note.
• Pure maple syrup: Integral to the recipe—don’t skimp on this, it’s what brings everything together.
• Ground allspice: Just a pinch adds complexity and warmth.
• Organic raisins: Soaking them before baking makes them plump, juicy, and meld seamlessly into the dish.
• Marshmallows: Yes, marshmallows! They add that gooey, melty fun that’s absolutely classic in sweet potato casseroles.
• Raw pecans: The topping’s crunch and toasty flavor really elevate the dish.

Variations

I love that this Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe is flexible — making it your own is half the fun! Over time, I’ve played with a few tweaks depending on the occasion or what I have on hand, and you should totally experiment too.

• Make it vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use your favorite plant-based milk; I’ve tried it with almond milk and coconut oil, and it’s just as delicious.
• Crunchy crumble topping: Instead of just pecans with maple syrup, try making a classic pecan crumble with brown sugar, flour, and butter for an extra-textured contrast.
• Adult-friendly raisins: Soaking raisins in a splash of bourbon or rum adds an unexpected, sophisticated twist that guests love.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for more warmth if you like bold spice profiles.

How to Make Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this helps with even roasting and easy cleanup. Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg until each piece is coated in fragrant spice. Spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet, so they roast evenly. Pop them into the oven for about 50-60 minutes. You want them tender on the inside and a little golden and charred on the edges — that texture contrast really elevates the casserole. When they’re done, give them a minute or two to cool; they’ll be easier to handle when mixing.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Filling

While your sweet potatoes finish roasting, lower the oven temp to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish — I like to use a little butter or nonstick spray. In a big bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked and drained raisins, and marshmallows. It’s totally fine if some of the sweet potatoes mash up — I love that mix of creamy and chunky texture in this filling. Spread the mixture evenly into your baking dish. For an extra buttery burst, tuck the cubed butter pieces gently throughout the dish. And here’s a fun trick — press a few extra marshmallows all over the top for gooey pockets that surprise every bite.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Maple Topping

In a small bowl, stir together raw pecans and maple syrup until every nut is glazed with that sweet syrup. Generously scatter this topping all over the sweet potato mixture in your baking dish, making sure it’s well covered. This topping is what makes the casserole unforgettable with its crispy, sticky sweetness.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover your casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes to heat everything through and melt the butter. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the topping is nicely golden brown and the marshmallows are perfectly melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set up — this makes scooping easier and safer.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling just a few extra toasted pecans on top right before serving because they add a fresh crunch and pretty finish. Sometimes I add a light dusting of cinnamon or a small sprig of fresh thyme for a subtle herbal note that brightens the richness. If you’re feeling festive, a few pomegranate seeds scattered on top make it look festive and add a juicy tartness that pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as the sweet sidekick to roasted turkey or baked ham, especially during holidays. It also pairs beautifully with simple green beans or a crisp kale salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance out the sweetness with some freshness and bite. For casual meals, I like serving it alongside grilled chicken and steamed broccoli for a wholesome dinner that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For serving at big family gatherings, I’ve spooned this casserole into small individual ramekins to create cute, personal portions — everyone gets their own beautiful bowl with that perfect crisped topping. Another fun idea is to assemble it in a decorative ceramic baking dish or cast iron skillet for rustic charm. During holidays, placing it alongside sprigs of rosemary and a few mini pumpkins on the table turns this casual casserole into a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it stays fresh and tasty for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, which means second-day servings taste even better! Just be sure to cover it well so the pecan topping doesn’t go soft in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times and had great results. Just bake it through completely, let it cool, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap followed by a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven. The texture stays lovely, although the topping may be less crisp after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven rather than the microwave to preserve the texture. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. This way, the topping stays delightful and the filling stays creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels both homey and special. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a Sunday supper, it always brings smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — and that your family asks for seconds just like mine does! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to casserole for sweet potatoes with a little bit of magic.

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