Candied Sweet Potato Casserole: A Southern Classic
If there’s one dish that’s the star of any Southern holiday table, it’s a good ol’ Candied Sweet Potato Casserole. Now, I’m not talking about the kind where marshmallows steal the spotlight. Nope, this one’s all about that buttery, sugary streusel topping that crisps up just right—a little bite of heaven on every forkful.
Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey and ham or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is the definition of comfort food done right. Let me walk you through how to whip up this sweet and savory side dish that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds).
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- extra-large cans of yams, drained
- brown sugar
- white sugar
- vanilla extract
- large egg
- salt
For the Candied Streusel Topping:
- melted butter
- brown sugar
- all-purpose flour
No Marshmallows Needed: This Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Shines
This isn’t your average sweet potato casserole. The silky-smooth sweet potatoes combined with the buttery, crumbly topping make for a balance of textures and flavors that’s downright irresistible. The vanilla gives it a warm, homey touch, and that streusel? Well, it’s the stuff of Southern dreams.
Bring this Candied Sweet Potato Casserole to your next gathering, and I guarantee you’ll leave with an empty dish and a whole lot of recipe requests. After all, nothing says “I love y’all” quite like a dish made with sugar, butter, and a whole lot of heart.


Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large baking dish
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 2 extra-large cans of yams, drained
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Candied Streusel Topping:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a large baking dish to keep that casserole from sticking (and to make cleanup a breeze).
- Mash It Up: Drain those sweet potatoes and toss them into a big mixing bowl. Break out your hand mixer and give them a good whipping until they’re nice and smooth. No lumps here—we’re looking for that creamy texture.
- Sweeten the Potatoes: While mixing, add in the heavy cream, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, egg, and salt. Keep mixing until everything’s combined and silky smooth. Pour this heavenly mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and flour. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture—this is your magic topping. Sprinkle it generously all over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully. Then, remove the foil and pop it back in the oven for another 15 minutes. This step crisps up that streusel topping to golden-brown perfection.
- Cool & Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. Serve it up warm alongside your favorite Southern dishes—think crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, or that Thanksgiving turkey.