Bernice'S Sweet Potato Casserole
A comforting sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan and coconut streusel, perfect for holiday dinners and satisfying fans of sweet, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine mashed sweet potatoes, white sugar, vanilla, eggs, and 1/2 stick of butter in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until smooth and transfer to a casserole dish.
- For the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, coconut, chopped pecans, and the remaining 1/2 stick of melted butter.
- Mix the topping ingredients well until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the sweet potato mixture. If you're looking to cut down on sugar, you can substitute the white sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and replace them with additional coconut for texture. Ensure the sweet potatoes are well-mashed to avoid lumps in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole is a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham and is a fantastic addition to any Thanksgiving dinner. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad like Aunt Lao's Buttermilk Salad to balance the richness of the casserole. Leftovers can also be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bernice'S Sweet Potato Casserole contains roughly 2010 calories, with 9g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easy to serve for special occasions.
What can I use instead of coconut?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can substitute it with additional chopped nuts or even oats for a different texture. This will still provide a lovely crunch on top while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sweet potato casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, to ensure it meets specific dietary needs, check the butter used; some may prefer plant-based alternatives to keep it fully vegan.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).