Save to Pinterest This Candied Yams Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a classic holiday staple that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. Tender yams are bathed in a rich, buttery syrup infused with maple and autumn spices, then topped with a satisfyingly crunchy nut layer that creates the perfect textural contrast.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are preparing a traditional Thanksgiving feast or a cozy family dinner, this casserole offers a comforting taste of nostalgia. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone feel at home.
Ingredients
Yams Base
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Pecan Streusel Topping
- 1 cup (120 g) pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the yam cubes and cook for 12–15 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Drain well.
- Step 3
- Place cooked yams in a large bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
- Step 4
- Transfer the yam mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.
- Step 5
- For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add cold butter and cut it in with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Step 6
- Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the yams.
- Step 7
- Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Step 8
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure to drain the boiled yams thoroughly before mixing them with the syrup ingredients to avoid a watery consistency. When making the streusel, use cold butter to ensure the topping remains crumbly rather than melting into a paste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour in the streusel with a certified gluten-free flour blend. If you don't have pecans on hand, chopped walnuts work as an excellent alternative for the topping.
Serviervorschläge
This casserole is a natural partner for roast turkey or honey-glazed ham. It also fits perfectly within a vegetarian holiday spread alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and savory stuffing.
Save to Pinterest With its golden-brown topping and tender, spiced center, this Candied Yams Casserole is more than just a side dish—it's a celebration of seasonal flavors that your guests will ask for year after year.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of yams work best for this dish?
Firm yams or sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes provide the best texture and absorb the buttery syrup well.
- → Can I substitute pecans in the streusel topping?
Yes, walnuts or other tree nuts can be used instead, offering a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crispy streusel topping?
Keeping the butter cold until combining and baking uncovered helps the streusel crisp up into a golden crust.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free flour in the streusel topping to accommodate gluten sensitivities without changing the flavor.
- → Can I add marshmallows to this dish?
Mini marshmallows can be added during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra sweetness and a gooey texture.
- → How should I prepare the yams before baking?
Boil yam cubes until tender but firm enough to hold shape, then toss with the spiced syrup before baking.
