There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of a Sweet Potato Streusel Bake wafting through the kitchen—warm spices mingling with the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, all crowned by a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. This recipe takes me right back to my childhood kitchen, where Mama Lou would lovingly prepare her signature sweet potato dishes every holiday season. Watching her sprinkle that golden streusel over the tender yams, I learned early on that food isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about creating memories and sharing love. My sister Ouma and I would sneak bites before dinner was even served, giggling and savoring every crumb. Today, I’m excited to share this cherished recipe with you, hoping it brings that same warmth and connection to your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Streusel Bake
Sweet Potato Streusel Bake is a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors—soft, velvety sweet potatoes layered beneath a crisp, crumbly topping. What makes it special isn’t just the taste but the story behind it. This dish is a celebration of family traditions, an heirloom from Mama Lou’s kitchen that Ouma and I have lovingly adapted over the years. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend brunch, it always feels like a warm hug from the inside.
What I love most is how versatile it is. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and just a hint of brown sugar in the streusel, creating a comforting treat that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Every bite brings back memories of Mama Lou’s laughter filling the room and Ouma’s mischievous grin as she claimed the biggest slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Sweet Potato Streusel Bake
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for streusel)
Substitution Tips: For a dairy-free version, swap milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g (mostly from butter and nuts)
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 20g (natural and added sugars combined)
- Sodium: 180mg
Irresistible Sweet Potato Streusel Bake Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings
Learn how to make delicious Sweet Potato Streusel Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for streusel)
Substitution Tips: For a dairy-free version, swap milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Using a hand mixer or potato masher, blend until smooth and creamy. I always take a moment here to pause and let the sweet smell remind me of Mama Lou’s kitchen—it makes the whole process feel like a warm embrace.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter in a medium bowl. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts if using. My sister Ouma swears the nuts add an irresistible crunch and depth; I couldn’t agree more.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer, covering the surface completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato layer is set but still moist. If the streusel browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This rest time lets the flavors meld beautifully, just like Mama Lou always said—good things come to those who wait!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Sweet Potato Streusel Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Using a hand mixer or potato masher, blend until smooth and creamy. I always take a moment here to pause and let the sweet smell remind me of Mama Lou’s kitchen—it makes the whole process feel like a warm embrace.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter in a medium bowl. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts if using. My sister Ouma swears the nuts add an irresistible crunch and depth; I couldn’t agree more.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer, covering the surface completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato layer is set but still moist. If the streusel browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This rest time lets the flavors meld beautifully, just like Mama Lou always said—good things come to those who wait!
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Streusel Bake
- Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture. I learned from Mama Lou to avoid overly soft or sprouted potatoes as they can affect the bake’s consistency.
- Don’t skip the cold butter in the streusel—it’s what creates that perfect crumbly texture. If it gets too warm while mixing, pop the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes.
- If you want more spice, feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the sweet potato mixture. I like to keep it simple, but Ouma once surprised us all by sneaking in an extra dash of cinnamon—it was delightful!
- For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the milk and butter accordingly, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Make sure to mash the sweet potatoes until completely smooth for a creamy base. Any lumps can make the texture less silky, which Mama Lou always warned us about.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Sweet Potato Streusel Bake is a versatile star on any table. When I serve it during holiday dinners, I love pairing it with roasted turkey or glazed ham. The sweetness and spice cut through the savory richness beautifully. On casual weekends, Ouma and I enjoy it alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a cozy breakfast treat. Learn more: Irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe You Have to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of maple syrup on top before serving, or sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor. I remember one holiday when Mama Lou surprised us with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon—it was a simple touch that made the dish feel extra special.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this Sweet Potato Streusel Bake are just as delightful the next day. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore that crisp topping.
If you want to prepare this dish ahead, you can assemble it completely and cover it tightly with foil in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This trick saved us many times when hosting family gatherings, allowing me more moments to share stories with Ouma instead of rushing in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Sweet Potato Streusel Bake?
The main ingredients for Sweet Potato Streusel Bake include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Sweet Potato Streusel Bake?
The total time to make Sweet Potato Streusel Bake includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Sweet Potato Streusel Bake ahead of time?
Yes, Sweet Potato Streusel Bake can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Sweet Potato Streusel Bake?
Sweet Potato Streusel Bake pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Sweet Potato Streusel Bake suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Sweet Potato Streusel Bake may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Making this Sweet Potato Streusel Bake is like stepping into a warm memory, a moment where food and family intertwine effortlessly. Every time I prepare it, I feel Mama Lou’s gentle hands guiding me, and I hear Ouma’s laughter echoing from the other room. It’s more than just a dish—it’s a tradition passed down with love and sprinkled with joy.
I hope this recipe finds its way onto your table, bringing comfort and connection just as it has for my family. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, know that with every bite, you’re carrying on a beautiful story of home, heart, and heritage.
