Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with you because it’s honestly one of my go-to comfort foods for the holiday season and beyond. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here, and that means you can spend less time slaving away in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about that warm, sweet, and slightly nutty casserole filling the house with irresistible aromas!
What makes this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe really special to me is the balance between creamy sweet potatoes and the crunchy pecan topping, all done with minimal fuss. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish to bring to a potluck, family dinner, or even a simple weeknight treat, this is the recipe for you. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite around my kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe plays a key role, creating that classic creamy texture and crunchy topping we all love. Plus, it’s pretty easy to find everything at your local grocery store, and swapping a few things won’t throw off the balance too much.
- Sweet Potatoes: I like to use canned sweet potatoes for convenience, but freshly cooked and mashed ones work great too if you want a more homemade touch.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness without adding extra salt, important for balancing flavors.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds that mild sweetness we all expect in a casserole like this.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweeter elements and keeps it from tasting flat.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a nice caramel note, especially important in the topping.
- Orange Juice: This little citrus kick freshens up the casserole and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Large Eggs: They’re your binder here, helping to hold everything together as it cooks low and slow.
- Vanilla Extract: A warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes and pecans.
- Evaporated Milk: Gives creamy texture without watering down flavors like regular milk might.
- Chopped Pecans: For that irresistible crunchy topping that adds texture and nutty goodness.
- Flour: Works with the butter and sugar to create that classic crumbly texture on top.
Variations
I love how this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe lends itself to fun tweaks depending on your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment—the basics hold up well through a few swaps or additions.
- Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg: One fall, I stirred in a teaspoon of cinnamon, and it gave the casserole a warm, spicy note that was irresistible.
- Swap Evaporated Milk for Coconut Milk: This variation adds a subtle tropical flavor, and it’s perfect if you want dairy-free options.
- Make It Vegan: Try replacing eggs with a flax egg and using vegan butter—I’ve done this for a friend’s gathering, and it was a hit!
- Top With Marshmallows: For those who love a sweeter topping, a few mini marshmallows added near the end of cooking creates a gooey, classic finish.
How to Make Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes and Mix Ingredients
Start by draining the canned sweet potatoes if you’re using those, or peel and boil fresh ones until tender. Then, mash them up until smooth—this is key to getting that creamy casserole texture. In a large bowl, mix your mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, light brown sugar, orange juice, eggs, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk. I like to whisk everything well to make sure it’s totally combined and silky smooth. If you miss a good mix here, the texture can be a little uneven.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine your chopped pecans, light brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, softened butter, and salt. Use your fingers or a fork to mix everything until it’s crumbly and you can see little clusters forming. This topping is what makes the casserole stand out with its crunchy contrast, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook in the Crockpot
Grease your crockpot insert lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the crockpot, then sprinkle the pecan topping all over. Cook on the low setting for about 3 to 4 hours—you’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and the topping to be golden and crisp. Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often as it slows cooking, but if your crockpot tends to cook unevenly, a quick stir around hour two helps.
How to Serve Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes
I often add a final sprinkle of chopped pecans on top before serving for an extra pop of nuts. If it’s holiday time, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar works wonders. Sometimes I drizzle a little maple syrup over the top—it adds a subtle extra sweetness that’s just heavenly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roast turkey or glazed ham, making it a perfect accompaniment for holiday feasts. I also love serving it alongside green beans almondine or a crispy kale salad to keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I sometimes spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and top with toasted pecans and a mini sprig of fresh rosemary. It’s charming and feels so thoughtful. Another time, I layered the casserole into a beautiful glass casserole dish so the layers are visible—everyone loved how inviting it looked!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe has cooled, I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole a few times and found that it holds up well. I wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to use the oven so the topping stays crisp. Just place the casserole in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is faster but can make the topping a little soggy, so use that method only if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned in this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While canned sweet potatoes make this recipe quick and easy, you can substitute with fresh ones. Just peel, boil or bake them until tender, then mash thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients. Fresh sweet potatoes sometimes have a stronger flavor and a bit more moisture, so you may want to adjust sugar or liquid slightly to taste.
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How long should I cook the casserole in the crockpot?
I recommend cooking the casserole on low for 3 to 4 hours. You want it bubbly around the edges and the topping to develop a nice golden color. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker model, so start checking around 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
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Can I make this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace eggs with a flax or chia seed egg, use vegan butter, and swap evaporated milk for a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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What can I do if I don’t have a crockpot?
No crockpot? No worries! You can bake this casserole in a 9×13 inch baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes. Layer the topping on and bake until golden and bubbly, checking around 30 minutes to prevent burning the topping.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe has become a treasured part of my seasonal celebrations and weeknight dinners alike. I hope you find it as comforting and fuss-free as I do. There’s something magical about a dish that’s so simple yet hits all the right notes — creamy, sweet, nutty, and just a little bit special. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorites, too!
Print
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family meal. It combines smooth, buttery sweet potatoes with a rich, sweet, and nutty pecan topping, all slow-cooked in a crockpot to perfection, delivering deep flavors and a tender texture without needing an oven.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 (29-ounce) cans sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2–1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1–1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Topping
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (measured after chopping)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: Drain the canned sweet potatoes and combine them in a large mixing bowl with softened butter, sugar, salt, light brown sugar, orange juice, eggs, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk. Mash or blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, light brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, softened butter, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the topping mixture is crumbly but sticks together when pressed lightly.
- Assemble in the Crockpot: Grease the inside of the crockpot to prevent sticking. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the crockpot base. Then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for approximately 3 to 4 hours. The casserole is done when the sweet potato mixture is hot and set, and the topping has become crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the crockpot insert or serve directly from the crockpot. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set fully for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use canned sweet potatoes for convenience, but if you prefer, fresh cooked and mashed sweet potatoes can be substituted.
- Evaporated milk gives a rich flavor; whole milk can be substituted but will slightly alter the texture.
- If the topping looks too dry, add a little extra melted butter to bind it better.
- Cooking times may vary depending on crockpot model and size; check doneness starting at 3 hours.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or as a sweet side dish for holiday meals.
Keywords: Crockpot sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, pecan topping, easy sweet potato recipe, slow cooker casserole
