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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Holidays

    Published: Oct 1, 2018 · Modified: Sep 28, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Sweet Potato Crunch

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    - Jump to Recipe -
    Completed side dish in white baking dish.
    Sweet potato casserole on a plate with pecans and whipped cream.
    Sweet potato crunch in a white casserole dish.
    Sweet potato crunch in a white casserole dish and some of the casserole spooned out onto a plate.
    sweet potato recipe for pinterest

    This scrumptious sweet potato crunch casserole recipe is everything great about the Fall season in one dish. Chocked full of the season's best flavors, creamy sweet potatoes, naturally sweetened, and a crunchy pecan topping. Did we mention no marshmallows?

    Sweet potato crunch on a plate with whipped cream and a casserole dish behind it.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    If you follow us on Instagram, you know that we had been struggling to turn an old family sweet potato crunch recipe into a less sweet version.  Well after FIVE failed attempts to make the perfect crunch topping, we finally present it to you… healthy sweet potato crunch!

    This easy sweet potato dish can be best described as a cross between sweet potato casserole and crustless sweet potato pie. It is one of those dishes that can please everyone. It can be a side dish or a healthy dessert depending on your menu.

    If you enjoyed our sweet potato and kale salad or our colorful sweet potato salad then you are going to love this recipe.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️ How to Make Sweet Potato Crunch
    • 💭 Variations
    • 👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips
    • 🔪Equipment
    • 🌡️Storage
    • More Holiday Side Dish Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    This is not just a Thanksgiving splurge kind of recipe. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free making it healthy enough for everyday kind of recipes.

    Did we mention it also tastes amazing? Less sweet than a traditional sweet potato casserole, this sweet potato crunch can be served as a side dish or a dessert.

    I know people are very passionate about their sweet potato casserole, no worries if that isn’t your thing.  To serve as a dessert (aka a crustless sweet potato pie), I would top with coconut whipped cream or even non-dairy ice cream.

    Finally, texture-texture-texture!  The bottom layer is essentially a custard without dairy. It is almost like a sweet potato souffle (without the risk of it falling).

    While the top is a cinnamon-pecan crunch that provides great contrast. Unlike most gluten-free desserts this sweet potato dish holds up well over a couple of days. It can be served piping hot or at room temp, the texture really does hold up that well.

    There may have been some eating it cold for breakfast too.  May have been.  You can’t prove anything…

    But really this sweet potato recipe feels light and healthy plus decadent all at the same time. And you can't beat that!

    A bite of sweet potatoes on a fork.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    This recipe is fairly basic, with no fancy ingredients which is perfect around the holidays. Nice to know you won't be out of something!

    Sweet Potato Filling

    Sweet Potatoes- This recipe uses one 15-ounce can of sweet potato puree. You can also substitute canned pumpkin puree or mash up canned yams. Fresh sweet potatoes are also an option, see our tips section for details.

    Eggs- While we used eggs in it, an egg replacer, like a flax egg, would absolutely work if you wanted to make a vegan version.

    Sugar- I prefer to bake with coconut sugar so that is what I used in this recipe. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. The recipe is very flexible.

    Coconut Oil- We need to add some fat to get the proper texture. Coconut oil is the perfect addition. If not worried about this recipe being dairy-free you can substitute melted butter or use a dairy-free vegan butter, like Earth Balance.

    Seasonings- We kept it simple with vanilla extract and salt. Don't skip the salt, all baked goods and sweets need salt.

    Pecan Crunch

    Pecans- Pecans are the base of the topping. Simple and Autumn perfect. But you can also use walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.

    Flour- I use a basic gluten-free flour blend. However, if not GF then any all-purpose flour will work in this recipe.

    Maple Syrup- We used maple syrup for three reasons; gooey texture, natural sweetness, and flavor. Honey is also an option here.

    More Coconut Oil- Our choice of fat (again!).

    Seasonings- We kept it simple with vanilla and a bit of cinnamon.

    Collage of recipe raw ingredients.

    ⏲️ How to Make Sweet Potato Crunch

    This recipe can be made up to two days ahead of time and reheated in the oven. You can serve it hot or even serve it just slightly warm. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. And it is just so easy to make!

    Step 1: Prep Sweet Potato Mixture

    In your larger mixing bowl, whisk your eggs until combined. Add the sweet potato puree, oil, sugar of choice, vanilla, and salt.

    Mix all the filling ingredients together until well combined. There should be no lumps, you want the filling to look creamy. Pour into a casserole dish.

    There is no need to grease the dish.

    Pureed sweet potato filling in a large mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Prep the Nut Topping

    Mix all the pecan crumble ingredients together in a small bowl. Next, dot over the filling. The filling will not be fully covered. It will spread a bit and the orange of the sweet potato custard will show through.

    Crunchy pecan and maple topping in a small mixing bowl.

    Step 3: Bake

    This sweet potato recipe only needs to be baked for about 30 minutes at 350 F degrees. I find that with this sweet potato recipe, along with any type of custard, bake times vary based on humidity.

    I really noticed it because we made it so many times over the course of a few weeks. Don't be alarmed if the bake time is off by a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it and when the center barely jiggles, it is done.

    The top will be crunchy (almost like the crispy sugar on top of creme brulee).

    🥗What to Serve with Sweet Potato Crunch

    Whether you are serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or any other special occasion, this recipe pairs well with just about any classic turkey dinner side dish.

    While cranberry sauce seems like the obvious choice I like to pair sweet potatoes with my tart roasted cranberries. Or my kale and cranberry salad might just be the perfect side dish. The sharp cheese will provide an amazing contrast of flavors.

    Unbaked sweet potato crunch in  baking dish.

    💭 Variations

    Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole

    If you want to make a truly paleo sweet potato crunch you can use an equal amount of almond flour plus 1 teaspoon arrowroot or tapioca starch. Can't get much healthier than that!

    This paleo version is also entirely grain-free making it allergy friendly.

    Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

    Fresh eggs should be substituted with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water.

    Let the flax egg sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to thicken. You will need 1.5 flax eggs.

    👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips

    Tip #1: When serving as a side dish I like to reduce the cinnamon by half and add a dash of cayenne just to make it a bit more savory.

    Tip #2: If you want to use fresh sweet potatoes rather than canned I recommend baking rather than boiling to control the moisture content.

    Simply prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake at 425 F degrees for 45 minutes. Cool, then scrape out the centers. Mash with a little bit of almond milk, coconut milk beverage, or regular milk until smooth.

    Tip #3: For a richer flavor add 1 teaspoon of molasses to the filling.

    🔪Equipment

    You need two mixing bowls, one medium or large bowl and one small. I used an 11-inch oblong baker. You can use a 9x9 baking pan or double the recipe and go with a 9x13 inch.

    If using canned sweet potato puree there is no need to use an electric mixer. However, if using roasted sweet potatoes a hand mixer may come in handy.

    Sweet potato crunch in a white casserole dish.

    🌡️Storage

    Leftovers will last 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Simply cover well with wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. Serve cold, room temperature, or reheat and serve.

    Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Crunch

    This casserole makes a great make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas since you can easily prep it ahead.

    Prepare sweet potato mixture and spread into casserole dish. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Prepare the crunchy topping and store it in a separate container in the refrigerator.

    Bring the sweet potato custard to room temperature then drop on the crunchy topping. Bake fresh for serving or baked ahead of time to simply serve at room temperature.

    We hope this healthy sweet potato crunch earns a place at your Thanksgiving table. We know it will definitely be at ours! I can honestly say it is one of our tried and true family favorites.

    More Holiday Side Dish Recipes

    • Celeriac Puree
    • Sweet and Spicy Hasselback Butternut Squash
    • Modern Green Bean Casserole
    • Chestnut Mushrooms with Roasted Chestnuts

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Crunch?

    I don't recommend freezing this type of sweet potato casserole once it has fully baked. If you want to get a jump on meal prep you can make the sweet potato filling and store it in a container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Fully thaw and spread in your casserole dish. Make the streusel topping and bake.

    What is the difference between sweet potato crunch and sweet potato casserole?

    The crunch version has a smooth puree of sweet potatoes and a praline-like crunch topping. Sweet potato casseroles have a rougher mash or have cubed sweet potatoes. Casseroles are topped with a looser topping that may or may not have marshmallows.

    If you try this recipe, be sure to post a photo on Instagram with @peelwithzeal so we can admire your creation! Follow Peel with Zeal on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for the latest posts.

    📖 Recipe

    Sweet potato crunch in a white casserole dish.

    Sweet Potato Crunch

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    A creamy sweet potato filling with a praline-like crunchy pecan topping. This version is gluten-free, dairy-free, and on the healthier side but still decadent!
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Dessert, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Southern, Thanksgiving
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 325 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9 inch casserole dish

    Ingredients
      

    Sweet Potato Filling

    • 1 can sweet potato puree 1 15-ounce can
    • 2 eggs whisked
    • ½ cup sugar See notes
    • ¼ cup coconut oil See notes
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

    Pecan Crunch Topping

    • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
    • ⅓ cup gluten free flour blend or regular flour if not GF
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ cup coconut oil
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Mix all the filling ingredients together until well combined.  Pour into 9-inch baking dish.
      1 can sweet potato puree, 2 eggs, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup coconut oil, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Mix together crumble ingredients in a small bowl. Dot the topping over the filling.
      2 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped, ⅓ cup gluten free flour blend, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup coconut oil, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Bake for 25-35 minutes until the center is just set.
    • Allow the casserole to cool, serve slightly warm or chilled.

    Video

    Notes

    Sweet Potato Puree- The recipe, as written, used one 15 oz can of organic sweet potato puree. If using fresh sweet potatoes, you may need to add up to a half cup of almond milk.  Bake times vary based on the type of sweet potato chosen and the water content. 
    Coconut Sugar- The sugar in the filling is very flexible. You can use honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or regular sugar. 
    Coconut Oil- I like coconut oil for its mild flavor and healthy fats. You can use vegetable oil, butter, or dairy-free butter. But coconut oil does give the best results, in my opinion.
    Gluten-Free Flour Blend- You can use any gluten-free flour brand, it doesn't need to contain xanthan gum but it is fine if it does. Any all-purpose flour or oat flour will work equally well. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 325kcal | Carbs: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g
    Keyword crustless pie, healthy sweet potato crunch, sweet potato casserole, sweet potato crunch
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Sweet Potato Crunch Web Story

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      Recipe Rating




    1. April says

      November 14, 2018 at 11:53 pm

      5 stars
      I could eat this anytime of the day! I love sweet potato anything. I've never tried a healthy sweet potato type recipe, so I'm really curious about the flavor. I can't wait to try yours.

      Reply
    2. Catherine Brown says

      November 14, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm, I love a good crunchy topping on sweet potatoes that NOT too sweet. This one looks perfect!

      Reply
    3. Holli says

      November 14, 2018 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      What a great healthy recipe. This recipe sounds so good. I know my family is going to love this.

      Reply
    4. Veena Azmanov says

      November 14, 2018 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      I love sweet potato casseroles and often make something gluten-free as an option. This looks good. Love the pecan crunch on the top. Sweet potato always makes for a pretty presentation.

      Reply
    5. Marisa Franca says

      November 14, 2018 at 8:02 am

      5 stars
      Well after five tries you've certainly gotten it to simply delicious. I never could figure out why people would continue to add more and more sweet stuff to an already sweet ingredient. It was a sugar overload. Now your creation here is more like it!!

      Reply
    6. Melissa says

      November 13, 2018 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this sounds heavenly! I love the pecan topping for the crunch, what a perfect holiday treat.

      Reply
    7. Claudia Lamascolo says

      November 13, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      my family will flip over this delicious topping I cant wait to try this. Its so festive too!

      Reply
    8. Dan Zehr says

      November 13, 2018 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      This healthy sweet potato crunch is one of the most loved in my family! This is so delicious and it makes my mouth watering. This looks really good! So yummy!

      Reply
    9. Mahy Elamin says

      November 13, 2018 at 2:31 pm

      What a delicious healthy sweet potato crunch! I simply cannot wait to try it! Very interesting combination of ingredients. I am saving this recipe for later.

      Reply
    10. Cheese Curd In Paradise says

      November 13, 2018 at 11:33 am

      This reminds me of pecan pie and sweet potato casserole....two of my favorite things. I love the gooey topping and the creamy sweet potatoes- yum!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        November 13, 2018 at 12:28 pm

        Exactly!

        Reply
    11. Veena Azmanov says

      November 13, 2018 at 3:15 am

      Sweet Potatoes, Yummy. I love them in any form. This recipe with sweet potato and crunchy toppings look tasty and delicious.

      Reply
    12. Tisha says

      November 13, 2018 at 12:32 am

      5 stars
      Sweet potatoes are perfect for the holiday season! Love that this is a healthy version!

      Reply
    13. Diana says

      November 12, 2018 at 11:03 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favourite fall recipes, with a lovely topping of maple and pecans yummm! I need to make this asap!

      Reply
    14. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says

      November 12, 2018 at 10:54 pm

      5 stars
      Sweet potatoes just scream fall, so I can see why you're loving them right now. But they are one of my favorite year-round veggies too!

      Reply
    15. Debra says

      November 12, 2018 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for hanging in there to get this recipe to us. Crunchy topping? I'm in! My family will love this, and not just for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        November 13, 2018 at 12:28 pm

        My pleasure!

        Reply
    16. Edyta at Eating European says

      October 02, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      Sweet potatoes with crunchy toppings with maple and pecans... You're speaking my language. I love this recipe and will be making it soon.

      Reply
    17. Dannii says

      October 02, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      I’m usually so boring with the ways I cook sweet potato. I am definitely trying this.

      Reply
    18. Nicole Tingwall says

      October 02, 2018 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect for my thanksgiving menu! Can't wait to make it!

      Reply
    19. Jessica Formicola says

      October 02, 2018 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      I don't think I can wait until Thanksgiving to make this! It looks great!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        October 02, 2018 at 4:48 pm

        5 stars
        And obviously, you shouldn't! Too yummy to wait.

        Reply
    20. Valentina says

      October 02, 2018 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      Looks like it was well worth the 5 tries. Yum! We always serve a couple of GF options for Thanksgiving and other events b/c my son has Celiac. I think he'd love this one. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jen says

        October 02, 2018 at 4:46 pm

        5 stars
        It is definitely a kid-friendly recipe!

        Reply

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    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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