Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating traditions, and indulging in the comfort of cherished recipes. For my family, Mamie’s Sweet Potato Crunch holds a special place on our table. We stumbled upon this gem over 14 years ago, and while we’ve lovingly kept the name the same, the flavors have been tweaked and elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.
This isn’t your typical sweet potato casserole. It’s warm, comforting, and downright magical, thanks to Mamie’s unique topping. The buttery, pecan-studded crunch is what makes it truly unforgettable, transforming humble sweet potatoes into something extraordinary. Each bite is a harmonious blend of velvety sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Why This Recipe is Special
My son Lucas looks forward to this dish every single year. For him, it’s not Thanksgiving without Mamie’s Sweet Potato Crunch. Is it indulgent? Absolutely. But it’s worth every single bite.
What makes this recipe even more fun is its versatility. While we often bake it in a pan for family-style serving, you can also make it as individual servings. Spoon the sweet potato mixture into mini pie dishes lined with a graham cracker crust, then top them with the signature pecan topping. These Sweet Potato Crunch Pies are not only fun to eat but also an eye-catching addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Trust me, you’ll want to double—or even triple—this recipe. It goes fast, and everyone will be requesting it again and again!
Mamie’s Sweet Potato Crunch
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the topping
- 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions for Family-Style Servings
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake 3 large sweet potatoes on a baking sheet until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow them to cool slightly, then remove the skins and mash.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, flour, marshmallows and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
- Add the Topping and Bake: Spread the marshmallow & pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy this comforting family-style dish and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Instructions for Individual Servings
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake 3 large sweet potatoes on a baking sheet until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow them to cool slightly, then remove the skins and mash.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Mini Pie Dishes: Line 8-12 mini pie dishes or ramekins with graham cracker crusts (store-bought or homemade). Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into each dish, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, marshmallows and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
- Add the Topping and Bake: Spread the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in each mini dish. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pies are heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly. These individual servings are fun to display and even more fun to eat—perfect for a special occasion!
Why We Love It
Mamie’s Sweet Potato Crunch is more than just a side dish—it’s a symbol of love and tradition. Over the years, we’ve made small changes to enhance the flavors, but the heart of the dish has remained the same. The creamy sweet potatoes paired with the caramelized pecan topping bring nostalgia and warmth to every bite. Whether served in a pan or as adorable mini pies, this dish is always a showstopper.
A Family Tradition Worth Sharing
This recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a memory. It’s Mamie’s legacy and a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with the people we love most. Every time we serve it, we feel like a piece of Mamie is right there with us, making our Thanksgiving even more special.
This year, I hope you’ll give Mamie’s Sweet Potato Crunch a try. Whether you make it as a casserole or in mini pie form, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable addition to your Thanksgiving table. Who knows—it might just become a tradition in your family too!
