If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s both sweet and delightfully fluffy, then my Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This classic southern favorite brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with warm spices and a hint of bright orange zest, topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply craving something special, this recipe balances sweetness and texture in such an irresistible way that every bite feels like a cozy celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role: sweet potatoes provide the velvety base, spices evoke warmth, and the nutty pecan topping adds that memorable crunch.
- Sweet potatoes: 12 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed for creamy, naturally sweet goodness.
- White sugar: 2 cups to sweeten the base evenly without overpowering.
- Milk: 1 cup to add moisture and richness to the mixture.
- Butter (for base): 1 cup melted, adding luxurious flavor and silkiness.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons to deepen the sweetness with a warm aroma.
- Eggs: 4 large, beaten to lend structure and a light, airy texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to balance and enhance the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for a cozy, spicy note.
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, adding a subtle earthy warmth.
- Orange zest: 1 teaspoon brightens and lifts the overall flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: 2 cups for the topping’s rich sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: ⅔ cup, used in the topping for structure and crispness.
- Butter (for topping): ⅔ cup melted to create that perfect crumbly texture.
- Chopped pecans: 2 cups for toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft base.
- Mini marshmallows (optional): ½ cup to sprinkle on the last 10 minutes for a festive, gooey finish.
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4-quart casserole dish thoroughly to ensure the soufflé doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This simple prep step sets the foundation for a beautifully baked dish.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes carefully, then boil them until they’re tender enough to mash smoothly without lumps. This step is key to creating the silky texture that defines the soufflé. The natural sweetness of the potatoes shines here, forming a delicious canvas for the flavors that follow.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with white sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Stir everything together until perfectly smooth and well blended. This mixture brings together warmth, sweetness, and a lovely citrusy brightness that makes this soufflé truly special.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix the dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly but combined. This topping will add that iconic crunchy layer over the soft, spiced base. When you sprinkle it evenly over your sweet potato mixture, you’re setting the stage for a spectacular texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake the Soufflé
Spread the sweet potato mixture in your greased casserole dish, then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 55 to 60 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible by this point.
Step 6: Add Mini Marshmallows (Optional)
If you’re feeling festive or crave an extra layer of gooey sweetness, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. They melt into soft, toasted cloud-like pockets that elevate the Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe into a holiday showstopper.
How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, add a few toasted pecan halves or a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top just before serving. These simple garnishes highlight the flavors already in the soufflé and give a polished, inviting look that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This soufflé pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table or Sunday supper. Fresh greens or a crisp cranberry sauce provide bright, refreshing contrasts that balance the rich, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins for a cute, personal touch, or bring it straight from the oven in the casserole dish for a rustic family-style feel. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on the side offers an extra layer of indulgence that can wow anyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soufflé in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making for even tastier bites the next day, and it reheats beautifully without losing its charm.
Freezing
This soufflé freezes well if wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or stored in a freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for an easy make-ahead solution.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soufflé in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered loosely with foil to keep it moist, about 20 minutes or until heated through. If using leftovers, you can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, though the oven method preserves the crispy topping better.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re well mashed and drained to avoid excess moisture affecting the soufflé’s consistency.
What if I don’t have orange zest? Can I leave it out?
Yes, the orange zest adds a bright note, but the soufflé will still be delicious without it. You might substitute a teaspoon of orange juice or a splash of vanilla for a slightly different twist.
Is it necessary to add the marshmallows?
The marshmallows are completely optional, but they do add a fun, gooey layer on top that’s especially popular during the holidays. If you prefer a nut-only topping, feel free to skip them!
Can this recipe be halved?
Absolutely! You can easily halve or quarter the recipe to make a smaller portion. Just adjust your baking time accordingly and keep an eye on it as smaller dishes tend to cook faster.
How do I know when the soufflé is done?
The soufflé is ready when the topping is golden and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set but still slightly soft inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a memorable dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served at a festive gathering or a cozy family meal, its rich flavors and perfect balance of textures are sure to bring smiles at the table. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Soufflé is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner. Featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm spices and bright orange zest, it’s topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble. For an extra festive touch, mini marshmallows can be added during the last minutes of baking to create a delightful gooey finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 12 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp orange zest
Topping
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup butter, melted
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional, for the last 10 minutes of baking)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and boil them until tender. Once soft, mash them until smooth to create a creamy base for the soufflé.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with white sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble the Base: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, forming a smooth surface.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato base in the casserole dish.
- Bake the Soufflé: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional): In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top for a sweet, gooey, festive finish. Bake until marshmallows are melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- The marshmallow topping is optional but adds a nostalgic, festive touch to the soufflé.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; just add marshmallows before reheating.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend.
