Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is my favorite Thanksgiving recipe of all time. I look forward to it every year and only allow myself to make it once. While rationally I know this is kind of a weird dish to make on a regular basis, I totally would. It's that good. Fully loaded with pecans, brown sugar, cranberries and toasted marshmallows, this is truly the greatest sweet potato casserole of all time.

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Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

For the Casserole

• Large Yams (3): Yams are the star ingredient of the casserole, providing a sweet and creamy base. They add natural sweetness and a soft texture to the dish.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk (¾ c): Coconut milk offers creaminess and richness to the casserole. As a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk or cream, it enhances the overall texture.
• Vegan Butter (2 tbsp): Vegan butter adds richness and helps create a smooth and creamy consistency in the casserole.
• Bourbon (1 tbsp): Bourbon adds depth and complexity to the dish with its warm, smoky, and slightly sweet notes. When cooked, the alcohol content evaporates, leaving behind a rich flavor that elevates the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Brown Sugar (⅓ c): Brown sugar sweetens the casserole, enhancing the natural sweetness of the yams. It also contributes to the caramel-like flavor that complements the other spices and ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract adds a pleasant aroma and enhances the overall sweetness of the dish. It provides a subtle but distinct flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Salt (½ tsp): Salt is essential for balancing flavors. In this casserole, it helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and harmonizes the various spices and ingredients.
• Spices: Cinnamon. nutmeg, ginger and allspice add warmth and a familiar, cozy flavor that is often associated with fall and winter dishes. Their nutty flavors that pair well with sweet potatoes and enhance the overall spiciness and depth of the dish.
• Dried Cranberries (1 c): Dried cranberries add a delightful tartness and chewy texture. They provide a burst of flavor and a bit of contrast to the creaminess of the sweet potatoes.
• Mini Vegan Marshmallows (3 c): Marshmallows create a sweet and slightly sticky topping when baked, offering a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Pecan Topping Ingredients

• Pecans (½ c): Pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. When toasted, they add a rich, buttery taste and a contrasting texture to the softness of the casserole, enhancing its overall mouthfeel and adding a layer of complexity to the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Flour in the topping serves as a binding agent. When mixed with other ingredients, it helps to form a cohesive, crumbly texture that holds the topping together. It aids in creating a crisp and slightly firm layer on top of the casserole when baked.
• Brown Sugar (¼ c): Brown sugar caramelizes when baked, creating a sweet, slightly crunchy layer. It adds a rich sweetness to the topping, complementing the nuttiness of the pecans and the warmth of the spices.
• Cinnamon (2 tsp): Cinnamon in the topping adds a familiar, warm, and cozy flavor. It complements the sweet potatoes in the casserole and harmonizes with the brown sugar, providing an extra layer of spiciness and aroma.
• Vegan Butter (2 tbsp): Vegan butter contributes richness and flavor to the topping. When mixed with the other ingredients, it helps create a crumbly, buttery texture that toasts beautifully in the oven, forming a delicious crust over the sweet potato casserole.

Steps to Make Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole (with pictures)

1. Prep Potatoes: Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-2 inch chunks. Add them to a pot and cover them with water. Place the pot on the stove and heat over medium-high. Boil potatoes until fork tender. Drain and return to pot. Mash potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. At this time begin preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (205 C).
2. Prepare Filling: Add the coconut milk, vegan butter, bourbon, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and spices to the pot. Stir all of the ingredients thoroughly into the potatoes until mixture is smooth and all of the ingredients are well-distributed. Stir in the dried cranberries. Transfer filling to a 9 x 9 inch baking pan, smoothing the surface of the potatoes. Set aside.
3. Make the Topping: Add pecans, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse food processor a few times or until mixture begins to looks fine and crumbly. Add vegan butter to the bowl and pulse a few more times until it is well incorporated. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes.
4. Bake: Place casserole on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top, pressing down slightly. Return casserole to oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Watch the marshmallows carefully to make sure they don’t get too brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with additional pecans if you’d like.

Tips for Making Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for fresh, firm sweet potatoes (often labeled as yams in the U.S.) for the best flavor and texture. Look for ones that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
2. Preparation and cooking: Wash, peel, and chop the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Boil or steam them until they're tender. This can take around 15-20 minutes. Test with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
3. Creaminess: Use full-fat coconut milk (from a can) or a vegan cream alternative to achieve a rich and creamy texture for the sweet potato base. It adds depth and a delightful flavor.
4. Sweetening the casserole: Brown sugar, maple syrup, or another natural sweetener can be used to sweeten the dish. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add gradually and taste as you go.
5. Vegan marshmallows: If using vegan marshmallows as a topping, keep in mind that they melt faster than traditional marshmallows, so it's a good idea to add them in the last few minutes of baking (as directed in recipe) to prevent them from burning.
6. Allow time to rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
7. Experiment and personalize: Feel free to add your own twists to the recipe. You might consider adding ingredients, swapping ingredients for allergies or preferences, or adjusting the spices to match your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of marshmallows for the topping?

Consider making extra pecan topping (a pecan or streusel topping made with ingredients like chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and vegan butter.) This will provide a delicious crunchy element as an alternative to marshmallows. I think they work best together.

Are there healthier alternatives to brown sugar for sweetness?

Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar to sweeten the casserole. These alternatives offer a healthier option compared to refined sugars.

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato casserole ahead of time. You can make the sweet potato base and toppings separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the casserole when you're ready to serve.

How can I avoid a watery sweet potato casserole?

To avoid a watery consistency, ensure the sweet potatoes are properly drained after boiling or steaming. Mashing the sweet potatoes thoroughly and allowing excess liquid to evaporate during cooking can also help.

FAQ's Continued

Is it possible to make a nut-free topping for the casserole?

Yes, you can make a nut-free topping using oats, flour, a little extra vegan butter, and sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup. This provides a crunchy texture without nuts.

Can I freeze the sweet potato casserole?

You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Not after it's been baked! Prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning during baking?

If using marshmallows, watch them carefully while baking. Add them during the last few minutes of baking as directed in recipe below. Do not broil!

Can I make the casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or almond flour for the topping. Ensure all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Serving

Vegan sweet potato casserole is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions on how to serve it:

1. As a Side Dish for Holiday Meals: Serve the vegan sweet potato casserole as a side dish during holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebratory meal. It complements main courses like roasted vegetables, vegan roasts, or plant-based protein dishes.
2. Alongside a Variety of Dishes: Pair it with a diverse array of dishes. It goes well with other classic holiday sides like green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, or a hearty vegan stuffing.
3. As a Dessert or Sweet Treat: With its sweet and indulgent flavor, this casserole can also function as a dessert. Serve it alongside or after the main course for those who enjoy a sweeter dish to finish the meal.

Storing

To store vegan sweet potato casserole properly, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or have prepared the casserole in advance, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerator Storage: Place the covered sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator. It can typically be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
3. Quality Considerations: When reheating the sweet potato casserole, it might lose a bit of its original texture, but it should still be delicious. Be aware that toppings like marshmallows or pecans might not retain their original texture after freezing and reheating.

Remember to use airtight containers or proper wrapping to prevent the casserole from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge. To explain, proper storage ensures the casserole remains safe to eat and maintains its quality for the duration of its storage time.

If you make this recipe, please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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