“Lighter” Traditional Sweet Potato Pie Casserole
So I find when it comes to Thanksgiving and sweet potato casserole, most people over kill this poor vegetable. There is no need to drown it in gobbs of butter and sugar and marshmallows, Gross! (No offense).You just need a little bit to compliment this naturally sweet vegetable and let the natural sweetness do it's thing.Sweet Potatoes ARE SO GOOD FOR YOU TOO. Vitamin C, B vitamins, high fiber content and don't forget potassium. You will love this, I make it always and no one knows this is a lightened version. Shhhh.Also, what is great is you can make this the day ahead and when ready to assemble; stir in half the pecans and then sprinkle the remaining on top.I love the toasted pecans and brown sugar here, what a great combo. A few dashes of Cinnamon can always work on this too. These might just be even tastier the next day, as with any holiday left over. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3/4 coconut sugar or can use brown packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- a dash or 2 of cinnamon optional
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins or until tender. Drain, cool slightly.
- Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add sugar and the next 3 ingredients through vanilla. Mash sweet potato mixture with a potato masher. Fold in 1/4 cup pecans. Scape potato mixture into an even layer in an 11 by 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecans. Bake at 375 F for 25 mins until golden. Enjoy!