Maple-Pecan Sweet Potato Bliss

This maple-pecan sweet potato bliss is exactly what it sounds like—pure comfort in every bite. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble that bakes to golden perfection. It’s warm, cozy, and the perfect side dish or dessert for fall and holiday gatherings. Whether I serve it alongside roasted turkey or enjoy it as a sweet treat, it always brings that homey feeling to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. The natural richness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the warm maple flavor and the nutty, buttery crunch of pecans. It feels indulgent but is made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead and reheat, which makes holiday cooking so much smoother. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just myself, this one always disappears fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sweet potato base:

• sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• pure maple syrup

• plant-based or regular butter

• cinnamon

• nutmeg

• salt

• vanilla extract

• milk or plant-based milk (for creaminess)

For the pecan topping:

• chopped pecans

• brown sugar

• flour (all-purpose or almond flour)

• butter (melted)

• cinnamon

• pinch of salt

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. I boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and mash them in a large bowl.

3. I stir in the maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and just enough milk to make the mixture smooth and creamy.

4. I spread the mashed sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

5. In a separate bowl, I mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.

6. I sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.

7. I bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp and the sweet potatoes are warmed through.

8. I let it cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm, and even better the next day.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of orange juice or zest to the sweet potato mixture for a citrusy brightness. For a dessert-style twist, I top it with mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking instead of (or along with) the pecan topping. If I want it nut-free, I replace the pecans with rolled oats or sunflower seeds for crunch. I’ve also used coconut milk for extra creaminess and it worked beautifully.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through. The topping stays crispier in the oven, but both methods work. I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture can become a bit watery after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it a day in advance. I assemble the whole dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Then I bake it fresh the next day, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, I can, but I make sure to drain them well and reduce the added maple syrup since canned sweet potatoes are often pre-sweetened.

How do I make this vegan?

I use plant-based butter and milk. Everything else in the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly if I skip marshmallows or use vegan ones.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the pecan topping, and the rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free.

Is this more of a side dish or dessert?

I’ve served it as both. It’s sweet enough to satisfy dessert lovers, but it pairs beautifully with savory dishes too, especially at Thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Maple-pecan sweet potato bliss is one of those feel-good dishes I can serve any time I want to impress or simply indulge. It’s packed with fall flavor, has the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy, and makes the whole house smell amazing while it bakes. Whether I’m making it for a holiday or just a cozy night in, this dish delivers comfort and joy in every spoonful.

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