Every holiday season, I find myself coming back to this Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole.

It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy—everything I love about fall on one plate.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes form the base, while a buttery pecan topping with tangy cranberries gives it a festive twist.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just craving cozy comfort food, this casserole is one of my favorite fall recipes to bring warmth and color to the table.

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Recipe Highlights

This isn’t your average sweet potato casserole—this one’s elevated with cranberries for tartness and pecans for crunch.

The contrast of flavors and textures makes it irresistible, while the golden, buttery topping adds a caramelized finish.

It’s simple to prepare and can even be made ahead, which makes it a dream for busy holiday cooks.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any autumn gathering, this dish looks as good as it tastes and will definitely earn a spot in your seasonal rotation.

Highlights:

  • Creamy, buttery sweet potato base with a crunchy pecan topping
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  • Tart cranberries balance the sweetness perfectly
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  • Easy to make ahead and reheat for holiday meals
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  • Stunning presentation for fall tables
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  • Comforting, classic flavor with a festive twist

Ingredient Notes

  • Sweet Potatoes – Naturally sweet and creamy when baked, making them the perfect base for this casserole.
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  • Brown Sugar – Adds depth and molasses-like sweetness to complement the cranberries.
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  • Butter – Brings richness and helps both the filling and topping caramelize beautifully.
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  • Milk – Keeps the sweet potato mixture light and creamy.
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  • Eggs – Bind the mixture together for a fluffy, soufflé-like texture.
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  • Cranberries – Add brightness and tang to cut through the sweetness; use fresh or dried.
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  • Pecans – Toasted pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
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  • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor and aroma of the filling.
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  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm spices that give the casserole its cozy fall flavor.
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  • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the natural flavors.

How to Make My Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

  1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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  2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes – Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain.
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  3. Mash the Base – In a large bowl, mash sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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  4. Make the Topping – In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and cranberries until crumbly.
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  5. Assemble & Bake – Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
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  6. Cool & Serve – Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

  • Roasted turkey or baked ham
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  • Green bean casserole or sautéed Brussels sprouts
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  • Cranberry sauce for extra tart contrast
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  • Fresh rolls or cornbread
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  • A drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence

Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

For ultra-smooth sweet potatoes, use a hand mixer to whip the filling. Toast the pecans before mixing them into the topping for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up.

You can also prep the casserole a day in advance—bake it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole – A Festive Fall Favorite
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Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole – A Festive Fall Favorite

Recipe by JoanneCourse: Side DishCuisine: American, Holiday Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories per serving

320

kcal

This Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar topping studded with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. It’s a cozy, festive side dish that perfectly captures the sweet and savory flavors of fall.

Ingredients

  • For the Sweet Potato Base:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup milk

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • For the Cranberry Pecan Topping:

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

  • ½ cup cranberries (fresh or dried)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  • Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and boil for 15 minutes until tender. Drain well.
  • Mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Add butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
  • Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, chopped pecans, and cranberries. Mix until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • Substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
  • Add a splash of orange juice or zest for extra brightness.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan butter.
  • This dish can be served as a side or even a dessert—it’s that versatile!

Storage & Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts until heated through.

To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole – A Festive Fall Favorite