Lightened-Up Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallows
Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this sweet potato casserole with you because it’s not just any casserole—it’s the cozy fall favorite we all crave, but with a light twist. This dish has all the best flavors: creamy mashed sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and, of course, that golden layer of toasted marshmallows on top! With a hint of tropical sweetness from pineapple and coconut, it’s that perfect balance of sweet and nutty that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
And here’s the best part: this recipe swaps out the usual heavy butter and loads of sugar, using natural flavors and a dose of heart-healthy fats to keep things delicious but a little lighter. So you can enjoy every bite without the extra sugar crash!
Why I Love This Dish
This sweet potato casserole is my go-to for family gatherings and holidays. It’s super simple to make, and it has that cozy, nostalgic feel without being overly rich. I’ve always been a fan of letting the natural sweetness of the ingredients shine, so this recipe leans on sweet potatoes, pineapple, and a hint of brown sugar to do just that. And the marshmallows? Well, they just take it over the top!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Rate This Recipe:
Equipment
- large saucepan
- potato masher or potato ricer
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ½ cup pecans rough chopped
- 2 cups marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉
- Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and fill halfway with water.3 large sweet potatoes
- Cover pot and bring water to a boil. Cook until sweet potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Use a potato masher or potato ricer to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Add the brown sugar, pineapple, coconut, cinnamon, and salt to the sweet potatoes, stirring to combine. Fold in the pecans for that extra crunch.1 tbsp brown sugar, ½ cup pineapple tidbits, ½ cup shredded coconut, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 pinch sea salt, ½ cup pecans
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with an even layer of marshmallows.2 cups marshmallows
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and toasted. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Video
More About This Recipe
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Here are some simple tips to make sure your casserole turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly golden on top:- Boil Sweet Potatoes Until Tender
Make sure to cook the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. This ensures they’ll mash up smoothly and give you that creamy texture. - Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Flavor
If you have it, fresh pineapple makes this dish even better. It adds a fresh, juicy sweetness that really balances the earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes. - Go Easy on the Marshmallows
A little goes a long way with marshmallows! Spread them in an even layer so that they toast up beautifully without overwhelming the other flavors.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools on hand makes this casserole super easy to prep and bake:- Large Saucepan
A large pot is perfect for boiling the sweet potatoes, ensuring they cook evenly without getting mushy. - Potato Masher or Ricer
A potato masher or ricer is a must for getting a smooth, creamy mash. I love using a ricer for extra fluffiness! - Baking Dish
Use a medium-sized baking dish for this recipe, so the layers of sweet potato and marshmallow are just right.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Casserole
Not only does this casserole taste amazing, but it’s packed with some surprising health benefits that make it a feel-good choice, especially for those looking to support heart health and balanced energy.
- Sweet Potatoes for Fiber and Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer. They’re also rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting skin health and immune function. According to the National Institutes of Health, beta-carotene has been shown to promote eye health and reduce inflammation. - Pecans for Heart-Healthy Fats
Pecans bring a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health by helping reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. These fats are especially beneficial for women over 50 as they help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Research from Harvard Medical School suggests that nuts like pecans can lower the risk of heart disease. - Coconut for Natural MCTs
Coconut adds a hint of tropical flavor and is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that provides quick energy and may help boost metabolism. Studies from the National Library of Medicine have shown that MCTs can support energy levels without the typical blood sugar spike, making it great for sustained energy.
This Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, and it brings that perfect pop of flavor to any fall gathering. I love how light and fresh it feels while still delivering those cozy holiday vibes. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Enjoy, friends!