I’m so excited to share this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe with you—it’s become one of my favorite go-to dishes, especially for busy holidays or when I just want something comforting without fuss. Using the crockpot to make this casserole means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your oven and giving you rich, soft sweet potatoes with an irresistible pecan topping that’s crunchy and sweet all at once.

What really makes this recipe special (besides being incredibly easy) is that bright touch of orange juice mixed in, which adds a fresh zing that balances the sweetness perfectly. If you’ve ever been hesitant about making sweet potato casserole because it feels complicated, this crockpot version will be a total game changer for you. Trust me, your family and friends will ask for it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all come together to create the perfect harmony of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping, with a hint of orange that brightens the whole dish. When you shop, look for good-quality canned sweet potatoes and fresh pecans to make sure every bite tastes just as amazing as the first spoonful.

Sweet Potatoes: Using canned sweet potatoes keeps things simple and consistent; I always drain them well before using.
Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy mixing, and it helps give the casserole a rich flavor.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar to sweeten the potatoes just right.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note, especially in the topping.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch; it adds brightness.
Large Eggs: Help bind the casserole for a creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A double dose here—both in the sweet potatoes and topping—because vanilla makes everything better.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess without watering down the flavor.
Chopped Pecans: For that crunchy topping—toast them lightly if you want extra depth.
Flour: Works with butter and brown sugar to make a perfect crumbly topping.

Variations

I love to tweak recipes to my taste and yours can be just as fun! The great thing about this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is how adaptable it is—whether you want it richer, healthier, or with a twist, it’s easy to customize.

Maple Syrup Boost: I sometimes swap out part of the sugar for pure maple syrup in the sweet potatoes to add a cozy fall vibe.
Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, a flax egg instead of eggs, and almond milk in place of evaporated milk—you’ll still get amazing flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes—it’s surprising how well the heat pairs with the sweet and nutty topping.
Nut-Free: If pecans aren’t your thing, try toasted coconut flakes or pumpkin seeds for a crunch.

How to Make Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potato Base

Start by draining your canned sweet potatoes well to avoid a watery casserole—this step is key! Then, place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and mash them up with a fork or potato masher until smooth but still a little chunky. Add softened butter, sugar, salt, brown sugar, orange juice, eggs, vanilla, and evaporated milk, then mix until everything is blended. If you want to skip the mashing mess, you can also use a hand mixer on low to get that creamy but slightly textured consistency.

Step 2: Layer Into the Crockpot

Spoon your sweet potato mixture into the crockpot and spread it evenly. If your crockpot tends to stick, a light spray of cooking oil or a buttered liner can save some cleanup later. Cover with the lid and set your crockpot to low for about 3 to 4 hours. You’re looking for a hot and firm casserole that holds together but is still creamy inside.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping

While the sweet potatoes are warming up, mix your chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, softened butter, and salt in a bowl until crumbly and combined. This topping mix is what gives the casserole that unforgettable crunch—and it’s worth every moment to get it just right! I like to make it a little chunky because those bigger pecan bits are what make it special.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When your casserole is just about done, sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour on low, letting the topping melt slightly and the nuts toast up a bit in the residual heat. Don’t skip this step—it’s the crowning touch! Once it’s done, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving so everything sets.

How to Serve Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top for a fresh crunch just before serving. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup if I’m feeling indulgent. A little fresh orange zest right over the top also brightens the dish beautifully—you’ll enjoy that aromatic lift.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey or ham, but honestly, I serve it anytime with grilled chicken or even as a side to a simple green salad for a cozy weeknight dinner. It also complements heavier dishes, balancing out richer flavors with its natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of rosemary or thyme. It makes it feel extra special and personal at holiday tables. Another favorite trick is layering the casserole in a clear glass crockpot insert so guests can see the lovely contrast between the creamy sweet potatoes and rich pecan topping—always sparks compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in the crockpot insert or transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate. The casserole holds up great for up to 4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe, I recommend freezing before adding the pecan topping. Wrap the casserole tightly in foil and then plastic wrap for the best protection. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping fresh, and warm it up in the oven or crockpot.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use the crockpot on low or a 325°F oven covered with foil to keep moisture in. The key is to warm it gently so the sweet potatoes stay creamy and the topping remains crisp—reheating too fast can dry it out. A quick 5-minute broil at the end can revive that delicious pecan crunch if needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned in this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh, peel and cube your sweet potatoes and boil or steam them until tender before mashing. This will take a bit longer than using canned, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, but it’ll give you a fresher flavor and a similar texture.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy in this crockpot recipe?

Timing is everything. Add the pecan topping during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking, rather than at the beginning. This helps the topping bake lightly without being steamed, so it stays crispy and delicious.
Can I make this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe scales up well—just use a larger crockpot or two smaller ones. If you don’t have enough crockpot space, you can keep batches warm on low after cooking until ready to serve.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not quite as written, since the topping calls for flour. But you can substitute gluten-free flour blends very successfully without losing texture or flavor.
Can I prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet potato base a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before transferring to the crockpot and adding the topping for finishing.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines convenience with classic holiday comfort. It’s the recipe I reach for when I want to impress without stress, knowing it’ll come out perfectly every time. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other version—so cozy, so sweet, so satisfying. Give it a go, and trust me, it’ll become a new favorite in your rotation too!