Amaretto Pecan-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole
This cozy and decadent sweet potato casserole is enhanced with rich notes of amaretto and a crunchy pecan topping, making it the ultimate fall side dish. Its smooth and creamy interior pairs beautifully with the complex sweetness of amaretto, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting treat on a chilly evening.
6-8 servings
Servings
334
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
2 lbs (boiled and peeled)
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
buttermilk
2/3 cup (fresh)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
eggs
2 (large)
Amaretto
2 tablespoons (liquid)
vanilla
1 1/4 teaspoons (pure extract)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (powdered)
pecans
2/3 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2
In a large saucepan, place the sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
3
Remove the skins from the sweet potatoes and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4
In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, buttermilk, softened butter, eggs, amaretto, vanilla, cinnamon, and baking soda. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5
Stir in the chopped pecans into the blended mixture.
6
Pour the pecan mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring that it's distributed evenly across the dish.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
8
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting dish.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
39g
Carbs
4g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
21.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amaretto Pecan-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole?
It is a cozy and decadent fall side dish featuring smooth sweet potatoes, rich amaretto liqueur, and a crunchy pecan topping.
What are the main ingredients for this casserole?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of sweet potatoes, sugar, buttermilk, butter, eggs, amaretto, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda, and pecans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 334 calories.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I need to bake the casserole?
The casserole should be baked for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes?
Boil the sweet potatoes in water for 20-30 minutes until tender, then drain, cool slightly, and remove the skins.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much Amaretto is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Amaretto.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different type of nut for the topping.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect side dish for fall, autumn, and holiday gatherings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 39g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
How much protein is in the casserole?
There are 4g of protein per serving.
What is the sugar content?
Each serving contains 21.5g of sugar.
Do I need to mash the sweet potatoes?
The instructions suggest layering the peeled potatoes evenly in the dish rather than mashing them into a puree.
What goes into the blended mixture?
The mixture consists of sugar, buttermilk, softened butter, eggs, amaretto, vanilla, cinnamon, and baking soda.
When do I add the pecans?
Stir the chopped pecans into the blended mixture before pouring it over the sweet potatoes.
Can I use almond extract instead of Amaretto?
Yes, a small amount of almond extract can provide a similar flavor profile if you wish to avoid alcohol.
Should the butter be melted?
The recipe calls for softened butter to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Is buttermilk necessary?
Yes, buttermilk adds a specific tang and creamy texture that complements the sweet potatoes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crunchy texture of the topping.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used to add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, though it contains dairy and eggs.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a sweet, creamy, and nutty flavor with warm notes of cinnamon and almond-flavored amaretto.
Why is baking soda used in this recipe?
Baking soda helps to lighten the texture of the custard-like topping and aids in browning.