Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: The Dish That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Throw a Party
Imagine a dish so good, even your carnivore uncle sneaks seconds. Vegan sweet potato casserole isn’t just a side—it’s the star. Creamy, sweet, with a crunchy topping that’s basically dessert in disguise.
No weird ingredients, no sad substitutions. Just flavor explosions. Why settle for bland when you can have legendary?
This isn’t your grandma’s casserole (unless your grandma is a vegan rockstar). Ready to upgrade your table? Let’s go.
Why This Recipe Slaps

Want to Cook Delicious Plant-Based Meals From Scratch But Have No Idea Where To Start?
This casserole hits every note: velvety sweet potatoes, caramelized edges, and a toasted pecan crumble that’s borderline addictive.
It’s vegan, but no one will ask where the butter went—they’ll be too busy scraping the dish clean. The secret? A mix of coconut milk for richness and maple syrup for depth.
Plus, it’s stupidly easy to make. Even if you burn toast regularly, you’ve got this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium potatoes)
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind, not the sad carton stuff)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave if you’re fancy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (don’t skip—this is flavor magic)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (because basic is delicious)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (for that “what’s that amazing smell?” effect)
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweet, obviously)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts if you’re rebellious)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (for crunch, not cardio)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (more is always better)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted, because solid oil is useless here)
How to Make It (Without Burning Down the Kitchen)

- Roast the sweet potatoes: Poke holes in them, bake at 400°F for 45–60 minutes until tender. Let them cool unless you enjoy finger burns.
- Mash ’em up: Scoop out the flesh, discard the skins (or eat them like a chaotic snack), and mash with coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Spread in a dish: Use a 9×9 baking dish because geometry matters.
Smooth the top like you’re frosting a cake—lumps are for mashed potatoes, not casseroles.
- Make the topping: Mix pecans, oats, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Crumble it over the sweet potatoes like you’re decorating a tiny edible snowscape.
- Bake: 25 minutes at 375°F until the top is golden and your kitchen smells like a fall candle. Let it cool for 5 minutes—unless you’re into molten lava mouth burns.
How to Store It (Because Leftovers Are Life)
Fridge: Cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
It’ll last 4–5 days, if it survives that long. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for a lazy 2 minutes.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat. Pro tip: Freeze individual portions for emergency comfort food.
Why This Recipe Is a Win

Want to Cook Delicious Plant-Based Meals From Scratch But Have No Idea Where To Start?
Nutrient-packed: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
The pecans add healthy fats and protein. Basically, it’s health food in disguise.
Crowd-pleaser: Vegans, vegetarians, and even meat-eaters will fight over it. No awkward “where’s the turkey?” moments here.
Meal-prep friendly: Make it ahead, bake it later.
Perfect for holidays or “I don’t want to cook” Mondays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the sweet potatoes: If they’re not fork-tender, you’ll have lumpy mash. Nobody wants that.
- Skimping on the topping: This isn’t the time for restraint. Double it if you’re feeling extra.
- Using watery coconut milk: Full-fat or bust.
This is about richness, not dieting.
Swaps and Subs (Because Life Happens)

- No pecans? Use walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Allergic to coconut? Swap coconut milk for almond milk and coconut oil for vegan butter.
- Not vegan? Add a sprinkle of marshmallows because nostalgia tastes good.
FAQs (Because You’re Curious)
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Sure, if you’re into shortcuts. Drain them well, or you’ll end up with soup. Fresh tastes better, but we won’t judge.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely.
Prep everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be cold.
Why is my topping soggy?
You probably drowned it in syrup or didn’t bake it long enough. Crisp it up under the broiler for 2 minutes—watch it like a hawk.
Can I skip the oats?
Yes, but they add texture.
Replace with more nuts or even crushed vegan graham crackers for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
This vegan sweet potato casserole isn’t just food—it’s a mood. It’s the dish that makes people forget it’s vegan. It’s the reason you’ll get invited back to potlucks.
Make it, devour it, and bask in the compliments. FYI, you’re welcome.
Want to Cook Delicious Plant-Based Meals From Scratch But Have No Idea Where To Start?