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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

    Published: Nov 3, 2021 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    A glass dish of sweet potato casserole with text overlay: how to make candied sweet potato casserole.
    A glass dish of sweet potato casserole and text: candied sweet potato casserole.

    This easy Candied Sweet Potato Casserole recipe combines tender sliced sweet potatoes with a homemade candied sauce and pecans. Serve as a comforting Christmas or Thanksgiving side dish or enjoy during the week with your favorite meals during the cooler months! Gluten-free and easily vegan. No marshmallows!

    A glass dish with layers of sliced sweet potatoes with a candied pecan topping.

    Candied sweet potato casserole is a classic dish during the holidays.

    What’s not to like about tender sweet potatoes smothered in a decadent sauce and baked with a crunchy topping?

    This easy holiday side dish is made with sliced sweet potatoes and a candied sauce that is a mixture of maple syrup, butter, and orange juice.

    Orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of sweet potatoes and takes them to the next level.

    It’s then topped with a mixture of brown sugar and chopped pecans for a nutty sweet crunch in every bite!

    While this dish is traditionally served during the holidays, you can also serve it on a weeknight paired with your favorite protein or side, or even serve it as a warm decadent dessert!

    This candied sweet potato casserole pairs well with green beans almondine, braised red cabbage, and parmentier potatoes as great Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Special Diets
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • More Holiday Side Dish Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    The entire dish is made with less than 10 ingredients that are simple and can be found anywhere.

    The candied “sauce” is made with orange juice which gives it a bright citrusy flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes.

    No need to pre-cook or boil the sweet potatoes as they cook right in the baking dish with the rest of the ingredients.

    This is a no-marshmallow recipe, making it all-natural and healthier.

    You’ll love the sweet tender flavor of the sweet potatoes that contrasts well with the nutty crunch of pecans.

    This candied side dish can be served as a side on your holiday table or can easily be transformed into a dessert with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

    This is a gluten-free side dish.

    Make it vegan by simply swapping the butter for vegan butter.

    You may love Pioneer Woman's version or the Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole. Well, you'll love just how simple and tasty this version is too!

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple ingredients for this easy-to-prepare holiday side dish!

    A table with ingredients.
    • Sweet Potatoes - Tender naturally sweet potatoes make up the base of this casserole and add bright orange color to the dish.
    • Orange Juice - The candied sauce is made with orange juice which adds a bright and fresh citrus flavor to the sweet potatoes and also helps naturally sweeten them with a slight tang to balance the flavors.
    • Butter - Gives the candied sauce a rich buttery flavor that adds a dense texture and hearty flavor to the dish. Use dairy free butter to make this a vegan sweet potato casserole.
    • Brown Sugar - Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the sweet potatoes when added on top before baking.
    • Maple Syrup - Gives the entire dish a light maple flavor while adding a naturally sweet layer of flavor.
    • Pecans - Chopped pecans are sprinkled on top to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the top. Leave them out for a nut-free casserole.
    • Cinnamon - Brings the dish together giving it a warming flavor that is perfect for the cooler months. Try swapping to pumpkin spice blend.
    • Salt - Balances the sweet flavors in the dish which enhances the natural flavors.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make this recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Collage with sliced sweet potatoes and bowls of sauce ingredients.

    Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350f (175C). Grab a casserole or baking dish and set it aside.

    Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into ⅛ inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.

    Collage of sauce in a bowl and slices of sweet potatoes in a baking dish.

    Place the sweet potatoes in an overlapping layer on the bottom of the baking dish until it is completely covered on the bottom.

    Make the candied sauce: In a small saucepan, add the orange juice, butter, and maple syrup. Turn the heat to medium and continuously stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.

    Pour the sauce mixture over the layered sweet potatoes

    A bowl of pecan crunch topping.

    Assemble the sweet potato casserole: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chopped pecans, then distribute it over the top of the sweet potatoes along with the salt.

    Close up of candied sweet potato casserole ready to bake.

    Bake and serve: Bake the dish uncovered for 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are cooked through and fork-tender. The top should be lightly browned. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

    Top tips

    When preparing the sweet potatoes, make sure you use a sharp knife for safety.

    The sweet potato rounds should be cut into even slices to make sure they all cook at the same time in the oven.

    During the cooking, you can ‘baste’ the sweet potatoes by spooning some of the liquid back over the sweet potatoes.

    Serving Suggestions

    Makes a great side dish for a holiday meal next to a hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash.

    Enjoy as a dessert by serving warm with a scoop of homemade ice cream.

    Serve it next to some Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Vegan Sage Stuffing for Thanksgiving.

    This sweet casserole can make a great breakfast side next to a stack of vegan waffles, gingerbread pancakes or spanish omelette.

    Variations

    If you’re using a fresh orange to make the juice, add some orange zest to the sauce mixture for an even brighter citrus flavor.

    Top this candied casserole with sweet melty marshmallows to enhance the comforting fall vibes.

    Swap the sweet potatoes for yams to make a traditional candied yams recipe.

    Pecans make a great crunchy topping to this casserole, but feel free to use chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead.

    Purple or white sweet potatoes give this candied side dish a great variation in flavor and natural color.

    Instead of cinnamon, try using homemade pumpkin pie spice for a delightful warm flavor to match the season.

    Special Diets

    Gluten Free: This recipe contains naturally gluten-free ingredients, however, be sure to check the labels on any spices or seasonings for any wheat ingredients.
    Vegan: To make this recipe suitable for a vegan lifestyle, use a vegan butter substitute in place of the dairy milk butter. Also double-check that your brown sugar is vegan.

    Storage

    Storing: Any leftover candied sweet potato casserole can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

    Freezing: The best way to freeze this dish is to make it without the pecan and brown sugar topping. Then, wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months before heating and serving with the topping added before baking.

    FAQs

    What’s the difference between candied sweet potatoes and candied yams?

    Sweet potatoes are much sweeter than yams and usually have softer flesh. Yams taste similar but are a bit milder. Both can be used for this recipe depending on personal preference. 

    Do you peel sweet potatoes before cooking?

    While the skin is completely edible and soft after cooking, it does create a variation in texture that may not be desirable to others. For best results, peel the sweet potato before making this recipe.

    Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?

    This depends on your individual goals. Both potatoes are healthy because they are whole food, however, sweet potatoes do contain a bit more nutrient density.

    A glass dish of sweet potato casserole.

    More Holiday Side Dish Recipes

    If you're looking for more vegetarian or vegan holiday side dish recipes, then be sure to try these!

    • Maple Glazed Carrots with Cayenne
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
    • Vegan Stuffing with Sage
    • Easy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    Collage of quick vegan dinner recipes.

    Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    Plus, you'll get a free eBook: 15 Minute Vegan Dinners!

    📖 Recipe

    Close up of a sweet potato casserole in a glass baking dish.

    Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This easy Candied Sweet Potato Casserole recipe combines tender sweet potatoes with a candied sauce and pecans. Gluten-free and easily vegan.
    4.79 from 14 votes
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    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 246 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cutting board
    • Small pot
    • Baking dish
    • Oven

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lbs. sweet potatoes
    • 1 cup (235ml) orange juice
    • 4 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
    • 4 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 4 tablespoons brown sugar
    • ¼ cup (40g) pecans chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
    • Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into round slices ⅛ inch thick. Place them in overlapping layers in a baking dish.
    • Add the orange juice, butter, and maple syrup to a small pot over a medium heat and melt it all together, stirring often.
    • Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes, then sprinkle with the salt.
    • Cover the dish with foil, then place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
    • Mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it over the sweet potatoes. Return the baking dish to the oven (without the foil) and bake for a further 25 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is lightly browned.

    Tip: During the cooking, you can ‘baste’ the sweet potatoes by spooning some of the liquid back over the sweet potatoes.

      Notes

      • When preparing the sweet potatoes, make sure you use a sharp knife for safety.
      • The sweet potato rounds should be cut into even slices to make sure they all cook at the same time in the oven.
      • During the cooking, you can ‘baste’ the sweet potatoes by spooning some of the liquid back over the sweet potatoes.
      • If you’re using a fresh orange to make the juice, add some orange zest to the sauce mixture for an even brighter citrus flavor.
      • Top this candied casserole with sweet melty marshmallows to enhance the comforting fall vibes.
      • Pecans make a great crunchy topping to this casserole, but feel free to use chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead.
      • Purple or white sweet potatoes, or yams, give this candied side dish a great variation in flavor and natural color.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 306mgPotassium: 399mgFiber: 3gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 11044IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg

      The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

      Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

      More Christmas Recipes

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      • Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
      • Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Shona

        November 02, 2022 at 8:10 pm

        How many fresh oranges should I use to make the sauce? Also, is there another fruit I could use instead? Thanks. Been Vegan almost half my life, so appreciate these recipes. Too many vegan recipes have a ton of ingredients, and you have to travel the world to get them. These look delicious and don't take a big bite out of my time and pocketbook.

        Reply
        • Kate Hackworthy

          November 03, 2022 at 9:12 am

          I hope you like the recipe! You should be able to get 1 cup of juice from about 4 oranges.

          Reply
      2. Toni

        November 28, 2021 at 1:24 pm

        5 stars
        Such a perfect recipe for Thanksgiving! Everyone at my house loved it.

        Reply
      3. Lubna

        November 25, 2021 at 1:51 pm

        5 stars
        Sooooo good! We had it for Thanksgiving.

        Reply
      4. Kristen

        November 23, 2021 at 2:07 pm

        5 stars
        I tried this last night and it was a huge hit. Love the subtle flavor the orange juice brought to the dish.

        Reply
      5. Dan

        November 23, 2021 at 1:28 pm

        5 stars
        I have never had sweet potatoes in a sweet way like this, but they were amazing, and my kids loved them too.

        Reply
      6. maryanne

        November 03, 2021 at 1:46 pm

        5 stars
        I love the sound of this healthier (marshmallow-less!) sweet potato casserole! I am adding this to my Thanksgiving menu - I can already taste the pecans and cinnamon!

        Reply

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      Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

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      Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

      Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

      Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

      Collage of press logos.

      Popular recipes

      • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
      • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
      • Mini Baked Potatoes
      • Easy Lentil Soup

      Healthy Recipes

      • Butternut Squash Salad
      • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
      • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
      • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

      My cookbook

      Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

      Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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