Irresistible Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe with a Crispy Pecan Streusel Topping

If you’ve been searching for the perfect side dish to bring to your holiday table, look no further than this Sweet Potato Soufflé. It’s the ideal blend of creamy, fluffy sweet potatoes and a crunchy, sugary pecan streusel topping that adds just the right amount of texture and flavor contrast. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or just craving a comforting, warming dish, this soufflé delivers an unforgettable combination of sweetness and spice. Plus, the light and airy texture will make this dish the talk of your next family gathering!

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This delicious recipe is inspired by the incredible recipe found on the Insanely Good Recipes website, and I'm thrilled to share it with you!

A Sweet Tradition

Sweet Potato Soufflé has long been a staple in Southern cuisine, often gracing tables during Thanksgiving or Christmas. The combination of smooth mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the rich streusel topping feels like a warm hug in a dish. What makes this version stand out is its balance of flavors—sweet, nutty, and lightly spiced with a hint of crunch.

Ingredients

For the Optional Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Pinch of cinnamon

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 5-6 large sweet potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 7 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Optional Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans and a pinch of cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Bake for about 1 hour or until soft and tender. Once done, lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
4. Mash and Mix: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skins and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. While still warm, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually beat in the melted butter, then add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
6. Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add about 1/2 cup of the whipped egg whites into the sweet potato mixture and whisk until fully combined. Gently fold in the rest of the whipped egg whites until no streaks remain.
7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the soufflé mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. If you're using the streusel topping, sprinkle it evenly over the soufflé. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s puffed up and golden brown on top.
8. Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potato, spices, and that crunchy pecan topping!

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Soufflé:

• Speed Up the Process: If you’re short on time, peel and cube the sweet potatoes before boiling them. They’ll cook faster than baking, and you can still mash them while they’re warm.
• For an Ultra-Smooth Texture: For the smoothest soufflé possible, pass the mashed sweet potatoes through a sieve or blend them in a food processor before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.

Variations and Pairings

• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and coconut milk instead of dairy butter and whole milk.
• Perfect Pairings: This Sweet Potato Soufflé pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty green bean casserole. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of paprika to garnish for added color and flavor.

Let me know how this recipe turns out for you, and feel free to get creative with the toppings and spices! If you liked this recipe, be sure to follow me for more delicious, comforting dishes, and don’t forget to check out Insanely Good Recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking!