Name: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces; ⅓ cup organic brown sugar; ¼ cup pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of ground allspice; 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained; 2 cups marshmallows; 1 ½ cups raw pecans; ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

I absolutely adore this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe because it brings together the perfect harmony of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors that I just can’t get enough of. The roasted sweet potatoes paired with maple syrup and cinnamon create a luscious base, while the crunchy pecan topping and gooey marshmallows on top add the ultimate comfort food texture. Whenever I make this dish, it fills my kitchen with such a warm, inviting aroma that everyone is instantly drawn to the table. It’s become one of my favorite go-to recipes for holidays and cozy weeknight dinners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

What really sets this recipe apart for me is that deep, rich flavor profile that feels so indulgent without being overly complicated. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes melds beautifully with the maple syrup and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice. When I dig in, I love how the raisins bring a juicy burst of sweetness and the pecans add a toasted crunch that’s just irresistible. It’s like a little celebration in every bite, with textures and tastes that surprise and delight the palate.

Another thing I absolutely appreciate is how easy this recipe is to prepare despite its fancy feel. The steps are straightforward and forgiving, especially roasting the sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sugars. Plus, assembling the casserole is quick and satisfying. For me, this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even as a special side dish for a casual weeknight meal when I want something comforting and a little bit special. It’s a dish that always earns compliments and repeats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a round baking dish filled with a warm dessert that has multiple layers. The bottom layer is a moist, golden-brown cake with a slightly rough texture. On top, there are fluffy white marshmallows melted and soft, spreading unevenly across the cake. Scattered on the marshmallows are many whole pecans, deep brown and shiny, adding a crunchy texture. A gold spoon is placed on the right side inside the dish, partly covered by the dessert. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s the earthy sweetness of the roasted potatoes, the warm spices that add complexity, or the gooey marshmallow and crunchy pecans that provide that classic, celebratory finish.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Sweet potatoes: I love using organic, large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed to get that perfect creamy texture when roasted.
Extra virgin olive oil: This adds just enough richness and helps the spices stick beautifully to the potatoes.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices essential for that classic cozy flavor profile.
Almond milk: I opt for almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor, but whole milk or other plant-based milks work great too.
Vanilla extract: A splash enhances the sweetness and rounds out the taste.
Unsalted butter: Cubed and scattered for melty pockets of richness throughout.
Brown sugar and pure maple syrup: The dynamic duo giving the casserole its signature sweet and caramelized notes.
Ground allspice: Just a pinch adds depth and warmth.
Organic raisins: Soaked beforehand to plump them up, adding juicy bursts of flavor.
Marshmallows: For that irresistible gooey finish that everyone loves.
Raw pecans: Tossed with maple syrup and sprinkled on top for crunch and nutty sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your sweet potatoes roast evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat every piece in that fragrant spice and oil mixture.

Step 3: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender, golden, and slightly charred on the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle.

Step 4: Lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prepare for the casserole assembly.

Step 5: In a mixing bowl, add the roasted sweet potatoes along with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked and drained raisins, and marshmallows. Stir gently—it’s okay if the potatoes break down a bit, as you want a mix of mashed and chunked texture.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Distribute the small cubes of butter evenly throughout the casserole, pressing a few additional marshmallows gently into the surface for an extra layer of gooey goodness.

Step 7: For the topping, toss the raw pecans with maple syrup in a bowl until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole, covering it fully, then cover the dish loosely with foil.

Step 8: Bake the casserole covered for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the top is perfectly golden brown and the marshmallows have melted to sweet perfection.

Step 9: Remove your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set beautifully.

Servings and Timing

This comforting Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe yields approximately 8 generous servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday meals. You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping and seasoning the potatoes, followed by around 1 hour and 30 minutes roasting and baking. In total, the entire process takes close to 1 hour and 50 minutes. I like to let the casserole rest briefly after baking, so factor in at least 5 to 10 minutes for cooling before digging in.

How to Serve This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it alongside a hearty roasted turkey or glazed ham to balance the sweetness with savory flavors. It’s also fantastic next to green bean casserole or a crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for some freshness. I’ve found that a little sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra toasted pecans on top before serving adds a lovely visual contrast and a burst of crunch that guests really appreciate.

For drinks, this dish goes beautifully with something that can complement its sweet and nutty elements. A light, fruity white wine like a Riesling or a sparkling cider are some of my favorites. If you prefer cocktails, a maple bourbon sour or an apple cinnamon mule can echo those warm fall flavors perfectly. For family-style dinners, a well-chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon adds a refreshing touch.

I serve this casserole warm to highlight the melty marshmallows and buttery sweetness, but you can absolutely enjoy it at room temperature if you’re making it ahead of time. When plating, a nice scoop per person with a little extra topping on the side looks very inviting, especially for holiday tables or dinner parties.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe by trying different variations depending on my mood or dietary preferences. For example, if you want to make it vegan, simply swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk such as oat or cashew milk. You could even replace the marshmallows with a vegan marshmallow brand or toast coconut flakes for a different kind of topping texture.

If you’re craving a little crunch with a twist, I sometimes substitute pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sweet potato mix can introduce a subtle warmth and complexity that’s delightful if you enjoy a little unexpected flavor punch. For a no-bake twist, try making the filling on the stovetop until thickened, then finishing it in the oven with just the topping.

For those looking to lighten things up or avoid added sugars, try reducing the brown sugar and maple syrup slightly, or replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tangier bite. The flexibility of this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe really makes it a joy to customize while still maintaining its essence.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftovers of this casserole in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Refrigerated, it will stay good for up to 4 days. Keeping it covered well is key to preventing it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. When I plan ahead, I usually transfer the casserole back into its original baking dish and cover it tightly.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully if you want to save some for later. I recommend freezing it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrapping the dish tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors and textures to come back together nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven to restore that fresh-baked texture. Cover the dish with foil and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes helps re-crisp the pecan topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the marshmallows rubbery and the potatoes a bit soggy. Oven reheating really brings back that just-baked comfort.

FAQs

Can I make the Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes a day or two in advance and refrigerate them. When you’re ready, assemble the casserole, add the topping, and bake as instructed. This not only saves time on the day of serving but also lets the flavors meld for an even tastier dish.

What can I substitute for marshmallows if I don’t have any?

If marshmallows aren’t your thing or you’re avoiding sugars, try toasting coconut flakes or adding a pecan and brown sugar crumble topping instead. Some people also like mixing in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just keep in mind these alternatives won’t give the same gooey texture, but they add their own charm.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace marshmallows with vegan marshmallows or omit them in favor of a crunchy topping. The maple syrup and brown sugar provide plenty of sweetness to keep it delicious.

How important is soaking the raisins?

Soaking the raisins in hot water for 5-10 minutes is a small step that makes a noticeable difference. It plumps them up, adding a juicier, fresher burst of sweetness instead of the usual dry texture. I always do this step whenever I have the time, and it really elevates the casserole.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor when roasted, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just drain well and mash them gently before combining with the other ingredients. Keep in mind the texture will be softer and the roasting flavors won’t be as pronounced, but it’s still a tasty shortcut.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that always brings joy to the table with its cozy, sweet, and nutty flavors. Whether for a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight side, it never fails to impress and satisfy. Once you make it, I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection, just like it has in mine.