Sweet Potato Casserole – Holiday Side – Easily Made With Vegan Ingredients | Plant-Powered Recipes — vegan sweet potato casserole

Sweet potato casserole has been a holiday staple in my family for as long as I can remember. Growing up, the kitchen would fill with warm, cinnamon-scented air while my grandmother mashed sweet potatoes and my cousins argued over whether pecans or walnuts were better on top. When I switched to a plant-powered lifestyle, I wanted to recreate that same cozy comfort without dairy or eggs — and this vegan version quickly became the one everyone asks for at gatherings. Sweet potatoes themselves are celebrated in many cultures around the world for their versatility and nutrition, and this casserole puts those rich, naturally sweet flavors center stage in a casserole that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any chilly Sunday dinner.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is for busy hosts, plant-based families, holiday entertainers, and anyone who loves a sweet, comforting side that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Core ingredients overview:

• This dish combines roasted sweet potatoes, creamy plant milk and vegan butter, maple syrup and warm spices for the mashed base, topped with a crisp oat-and-nut streusel of pecans (or walnuts), oats, and vegan butter for a crunchy, festive finish.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools (you’ll need)

• Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar casserole dish)
• Large pot or steamer
• Potato masher or fork (or food processor)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet (optional, for roasting)
• Oven

Ingredients (with a short benefit for each)

• Sweet potatoes (about 3 lb / 1.4 kg) – rich in beta-carotene and the flavorful base of the casserole.
• Plant milk (1/2 cup, unsweetened almond or oat milk) – adds creaminess without dairy.
• Vegan butter (4–6 tbsp) – provides richness and helps the mash become silky.
• Maple syrup (3 tbsp) – natural sweetness and a warm flavor that blends with spices.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – enhances overall flavor and aroma.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – offers comforting warmth and sweet spice.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – adds depth and festive spice notes.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – balances sweetness and brings out flavors.
• Cornstarch or arrowroot (1 tbsp) – helps thicken the mash for a stable casserole.
• Lemon juice (1 tsp, optional) – brightens flavors and balances sweetness.

Topping ingredients

• Rolled oats (1 cup) – adds chewy, wholesome texture and fiber.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup) – crunchy, nutty contrast and healthy fats.
• Brown sugar or coconut sugar (1/3 cup) – caramel-like sweetness for the crumble.
• Vegan butter (4 tbsp, melted) – binds the topping and browns nicely.
• All-purpose flour or oat flour (1/4 cup) – helps the crumble hold together.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – ties the topping to the spiced mash.
• Pinch of salt – balances the topping’s sweetness.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish and set it aside.
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform chunks so they cook evenly.
3. Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are very tender (about 15–20 minutes). Alternatively, roast the sweet potatoes whole on a baking sheet at 400°F (205°C) for 45–60 minutes, then scoop the flesh out.
4. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the plant milk, vegan butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice (if using), and cornstarch or arrowroot.
5. Mash the mixture with a potato masher (or pulse briefly in a food processor) until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed.
6. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, melted vegan butter, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture holds together in clumps.
8. Evenly sprinkle the oat-and-nut topping over the sweet potato layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through. If you like a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to let it set for easier scooping.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes — you can freeze the cooked sweet potato mash (without the oat topping) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the casserole dish, add the topping, and bake until warmed and crispy. The assembled casserole can be frozen, but the topping texture may be softer after thawing.

Q: What can I use instead of vegan butter?
A: You can use melted coconut oil or another neutral oil in both the mash and the topping. Coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor; neutral oils will keep the profile more traditional.

Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Yes — replace the pecans or walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, and use a nut-free milk. You can also use more oats and a bit more flour to keep the topping structure without nuts.

Q: Is there a lower-sugar version?
A: Absolutely. Reduce the maple syrup in the mash to 1–2 tablespoons or omit it completely and increase vanilla and spices. For the topping, replace brown sugar with a smaller amount of coconut sugar or leave it out and add a pinch of cinnamon to boost flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Roast for extra depth: Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling concentrates their natural sugars and adds a deeper, caramelized flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the potatoes can make them gluey — mash just until smooth and creamy.
• Make ahead: Prepare the mash and store it in the fridge up to 2 days before baking. Assemble and bake on the day you’ll serve it for a fresher topping.
• Watch the broiler: If you broil to brown the topping, stay attentive — nuts and oats can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Enjoy this cozy, plant-powered holiday side, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family so everyone can enjoy a vegan twist on a classic favorite.

Conclusion

For inspiration and variations, check these helpful recipes: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole + VIDEO! – Mindful Avocado, Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole – Brand New Vegan, and Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples & Walnuts | The First Mess.

Always add

tag after Directions.