Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet potato casserole features roasted sweet potatoes, and a nut crumble. It uses minimal sugar creating a perfect balance between sweet and salty. Almost like caramel, but healthier. If you’re a sweet potato lover looking for a delicious and wholesome dessert, then this recipe is just what you need.

Sweet potato casserole is a dish that is enjoyed mostly in the Southern part of the United States, and often during Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes are also considered a staple food in parts of America.

One of the reasons for its popularity is due to its sweet & salty contrasts which makes sweet potato casserole a firm favorite in the holiday season. This recipe is very different to traditional Sweet potato Casserole, it is low in sugar and healthier than other versions.

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and roasting this root vegetable brings out its incredible flavors. The flavors can be described as buttery, caramel in nature, and toasty. Get ready for a creamy, caramel wonder that will captivate your taste buds.

What do you need to make Sweet Potato Casserole?

Sweet potatoes, Butter, milk, Brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, custard powder, Pecans, Oats, Unsalted butter, Maple syrup, Cinnamon, Salt and Vanilla Extract.

Sweet potatoes form the foundational base of this recipe, they are sweet and naturally creamy. Butter and milk create a silky and rich mixture. Spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg add depth to this dish. Custard powder enriches the flavor of the sweet potato casserole. In terms of the nut crumble which is an essential part of this casserole, a combination of pecans and oats will create a crunchy and nutty layer for this dish. Consider using unsalted butter, honey with a sprinkle of cinnamon, salt and vanilla extract to create a balanced dish that has many textures and flavors.

Instructions

Roast the Sweet potatoes: This is an important step to ensure that your sweet potato casserole has a robust flavor. Roasting the sweet potatoes increases the sweetness of the sweet potato, which creates a sweet dish without adding a large quantity of sugar. Prior to adding the sweet potatoes in the oven. Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking tray covered with baking sheet.

Bake the sweet potato for 60 minutes on 200°C or 392°F. You will begin to see the caramelized liquid oozing out from the sweet potato, which indicates that the sweet potatoes are almost baked.

You will know that the sweet potatoes are fully baked by poking deep into the sweet potato with a knife, or a chopstick, or a stick. There will be no residue stuck on the utensil when you pull it out. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let it cool down for 5 minutes.

Mash the Sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes have cooled, peel off the skins. In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until it has reached a smooth consistency. Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix it until it is smooth and fluffy. Set aside.

This recipe uses ”box custard” is used in this recipe, you can also make custard from scratch. Box custard is convenient and easy.

Make the custard paste: In a small bowl, mix the custard powder with two tablespoons of milk (Custard powder paste). Stir it well to ensure that there are no lumps.

Cook the Custard: Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Stir to prevent the milk from burning. As the milk starts to heat up and boil, lower the temperature and stir in the custard powder paste. Whisk continuously until the custard thickens. This will take two to three minutes. Add the sugar.

Combine ingredients Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with the custard. Pour into the baking tray. Spread it evenly. Once the custard has thickened. Remove it off the hot plate onto a cool one. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Make the toppings: Add nuts + oats to a spice blender, you can also use a coffee grinder. Alternatively, use ground oat flour and crush the nuts with a rolling pin. Melt the butter in a small pot. (Substitute butter with coconut oil)

Add the ground nuts + oats to the small pot. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and two tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and mix well. Sprinkle the nut crumble on the sweet potatoes and enjoy.

Should you Roast the Sweet potatoes?

One of the things that many do when making Sweet potato casserole is to boil their sweet potatoes, and its faster to do so. However, the natural sugars of the sweet potato are enhanced during the roasting phase. And, if you prefer less sugar and a richer taste, caramelized taste, then we recommend that you roast the sweet potatoes.

What are the right toppings?

There are a variety of different toppings that will pair with this sweet potato casserole. One of the most popular options are a pecan crumble which is made with chopped pecans, brown sugar, butter. This will produce a rich flavor and complement the caramel texture of the sweet potato filling. Another fantastic option is a nut crumble which is used in this recipe. This is made using almonds, hazelnuts, oats, butter, sugar and walnuts. Feel free to customize the nuts according to what you have on hand. And for those of you that prefer a sweeter dish, use marshmallows. Make to sprinkle some cinnamon on the top.

A streusel topping is made with butter, sugar, spices and flour. It will create a crumbly texture which is similar to a dessert cobbler, and it will create a crunchiness on top of the sweet potato casserole. Other options include coconut flakes and pumpkin seeds.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole?

Consider serving this dessert with Rib Eye Steak, Grilled Chicken, Kale Salad, Lamb Chops, Homemade Pizza.

How to Store Sweet Potato Casserole?

Store in the refrigerator for three to four days in an airtight container. If you choose to freeze the Sweet potato casserole, consider omitting the nut crumble and simply freeze the mashed sweet potato and custard mixture. This should last approximately three months. The nut crumble can be frozen separately or prepared fresh.