Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans

If you’re anything like us, a holiday table doesn’t feel complete without a rich, comforting Sweet Potato Casserole. This casserole layers creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a gooey vegan marshmallow topping and finishes it off with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. It’s a dairy-free, egg-free twist on a classic, perfect for everyone at the table. The warm spices and natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes bring a cozy feel, while the marshmallows and pecans add the perfect mix of soft and crunchy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to bring a little festive comfort to your weeknight meal, this casserole is bound to impress—and, if I may say so, it might even steal the show!

Table of Contents

Easy Sweet Potato with Marshmallows and Pecan Streusels vertical image

About Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic American dish commonly served during Thanksgiving and Christmas. With roots in Southern cooking, it traditionally includes ingredients like butter, sugar, and often marshmallows, a touch that was popularized in the early 20th century as part of a marketing effort by a marshmallow manufacturer. Since then, it’s become a holiday staple, appreciated for its blend of sweet and savory flavors.

In many households, sweet potato casserole symbolizes comfort and tradition, representing the flavors of fall and holiday warmth. The pecan streusel is inspired by Southern baking traditions, adding a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the casserole. The addition of vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter allows those on a dairy-free, vegan diet to enjoy this holiday classic while still keeping true to the original spirit of the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Classic Holiday Flavors: A perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and nutty for a comforting side dish.
  • Vegan & Dairy-Free: All the taste of traditional sweet potato casserole with vegan marshmallows and plant-based ingredients.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for prepping ahead to reduce holiday stress.
  • Perfectly Textured: A creamy sweet potato layer, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy pecan topping make for an unbeatable combination.

Key Ingredients

  • Sweet Potato Starch Noodles: Traditional Korean noodles that are gluten-free and have a unique chewy texture.
  • Vegetables: Use a variety of your favorite vegetables like carrots, spinach, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, and onions.
  • Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty flavor and aroma.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a robust flavor.
  • Sugar: Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar for a healthier alternative.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added crunch.
  • Scallions: Freshly chopped for garnish and flavor.

How To Make Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Streusel

  1. In a large pot, add all the sweet potatoes and add enough water to cover the potatoes.
adding sweet potato and water in a pot
  1. Bring the sweet potatoes to a boil, and boil until fork tender.
Boil water and cooked sweet potato to fork tender
  1. Strain the sweet potatoes, and add the sweet potatoes back to the pot over gentle heat to remove excess water.
adding drained sweet potatoes back in the hot pot
  1. To the sweet potatoes, add vegan butter, vegan cream, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mash everything to even desired consistency.
Adding vegan butter, salt, cinnamon and vegan cream to the sweet potatoes
mash the sweet potatoes
mashed sweet potatoes in a pot
  1. Transfer the sweet potatoes mixture to a casserole dish, and top with vegan marshmallows and pecan streusel.
transfer sweet potatoes to the baking dish
spreading sweet potatoes evenly in a baking dish
adding vegan marshmallow to sweet potatoes
adding streusel to sweet potatoes and marshmallow
sweet potato, marshmallow and pecan streusel in the baking pan
  1. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the marshmallows to prevent burning.
baking the easy sweet potatoes in the oven
  1. Remove and allow to cool before serving.
Easy sweet potatoes with marshmallow streusel is ready
Easy Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Streusel is cooling down
Easy sweet potatoes with marshmallow streusel is served in a grey plate

Pecan Streusel

  1. To a bowl, add and combine the dry ingredients.

  1. Add cold vegan butter, and using a fork incorporate it into a play-dough like consistency.

  1. Add pecans and fold it into the streusel mixture.

Have It Your Way!

  • Sweetness Control: Adjust the brown sugar and maple syrup to taste.
  • Add More Spices: Try adding cloves or allspice for a different spice profile.
  • Garnish Options: Top with additional pecans, fresh rosemary, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
  • Alternative Milk Options: Feel free to use almond, coconut, or soy milk if oat milk isn’t available.

Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Vitamin A: 377% DV
  • Vitamin C: 20% DV
  • Calcium: 5% DV
  • Iron: 6% DV

Health Benefits

  1. High in Vitamin A
    Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, supporting immune function, skin health, and vision.
  2. Boosts Immunity
    The combination of vitamin C from sweet potatoes and antioxidant-rich pecans strengthens immunity and fights oxidative stress.
  3. Heart Health
    Pecans and oat milk contain heart-healthy fats and fiber, which help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and promote cardiovascular health.
  4. Rich in Fiber
    Sweet potatoes provide fiber for digestive health, helping regulate blood sugar levels and keeping you fuller for longer.
  5. Anti-inflammatory
    Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg have natural anti-inflammatory properties, promoting joint and muscle health.
  6. Lower Sugar Alternative
    Using maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar allows for slower digestion and a more stable energy release.
  7. Supports Bone Health
    The vegan butter and oat milk add small amounts of calcium, while pecans provide essential minerals like magnesium, which is beneficial for bones.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecan Streusel is ready

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecan Streusel

Berry Berry Life
Our Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes, a gooey layer of vegan marshmallows, and a crunchy pecan streusel topping for the ultimate holiday side dish. This dairy-free, egg-free recipe is packed with warm spices and natural sweetness, making it a perfect addition to any holiday table. Whether you’re hosting or simply want to bring a touch of comfort to your meal, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lbs Sweet Potatoes peeled and chopped
  • 4 oz Vegan Butter
  • ¼ cup Vegan Cream
  • ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Salt

Pecan Struesel:

Toppings:

  • Vegan Marshmallows

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, add all the sweet potatoes and add enough water to cover the potatoes.
  • Bring the sweet potatoes to a boil, and boil until fork tender.
  • Strain the sweet potatoes, and add the sweet potatoes back to the pot over gentle heat to remove excess water.
  • To the sweet potatoes, add vegan butter, vegan cream, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mash everything to even desired consistency.
  • Transfer the sweet potatoes mixture to a casserole dish, and top with vegan marshmallows and pecan struesel.
  • Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the marshmallows to prevent burning.
  • Remove and allow to cool before serving.

Pecan Struesel:

  • To a bowl, add and combine the dry ingredients.
  • Add cold vegan butter, and using a fork incorporate it into a play-dough like consistency.
  • Add pecans and fold it into the streusel mixture.

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Adjust the Sauce: Add more water or vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner sauce, or let it cook longer for a thicker consistency.
  • Substitute the Protein: Swap tofu for tempeh or seitan if you like a different texture.
  • Customize the Veggies: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or napa cabbage, for more variety.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Storage Tip: Store leftover jjajangmyeon sauce separately from the noodles to prevent sogginess. Reheat on the stove and enjoy the next day!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 350kcal
Keyword Baked, Sweet Potato
Tried This Recipe?Mention us @Berry_Berry_Life or #berryberrylife

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5 from 1 vote

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