Sweet potato casserole topped with hazelnut oat crumble, baked golden in a white dish

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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Created on October 28th, 2025 at 11:39 am

A cozy twist on a timeless classic

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams brings rich, comforting flavor to your holiday table — without the stress. Made with pantry-friendly canned yams and upgraded with creamy coconut milk, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy fall dinners. The star? A toasted hazelnut and oat crumble topping that adds irresistible crunch and warmth. Whether you’re prepping for a Gratitude Gathering or just want a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing bake, this twist on a classic delivers every time.

Creamy canned yam casserole with a crisp nutty topping, perfect for holiday dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting, nostalgic, and just a little upgraded — this sweet potato casserole is everything you love about the original, with a delicious twist. Canned yams keep prep easy, coconut milk adds a creamy depth, and the hazelnut-oat topping brings texture and flavor that makes it stand out from the crowd. Ideal for holiday spreads, potlucks, or make-ahead side dishes, it’s a dish your guests will talk about long after the meal ends. Plus, it’s family-friendly and naturally gluten-light!


⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 9

📝 Ingredients List

Base Layer

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing pan)
  • 1 (40 oz) can cut sweet potatoes in syrup, undrained
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup canned coconut milk (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping – Hazelnut & Oat Crumble

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
  • ⅓ cup rolled oats, lightly toasted

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large saucepan
  • Sharp knife (for optional topping prep)
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 2-quart baking dish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter.
  2. Simmer & mash: Pour canned yams and syrup into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then drain and mash until smooth.
  3. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, white sugar, coconut milk, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
  5. Make the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine hazelnuts, oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
  6. Top it off: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the sweet potato base.
  7. Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Cool & serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. The topping will set beautifully! 😍🥄

💡 Pro Tips

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
  • Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Add topping just before baking.
  • Swap it out: No hazelnuts? Try walnuts, almonds, or pecan-oat blend.
  • Single-serve style: Bake in ramekins for a charming individual presentation — perfect for dinner parties or brunch boards.

🍂 Bringing It All Together

This remixed Sweet Potato Casserole checks every box: easy, nostalgic, and totally delicious. The coconut milk makes it extra smooth and flavorful, while the hazelnut-oat topping brings a crunchy, cozy twist that elevates this dish beyond the usual. Whether you’re hosting a big Holiday at Home or keeping it small, this side dish will always earn a spot on your fall table. It’s one of those recipes that feels familiar yet special — and those are the ones we keep coming back to. 🍠💛


📊 Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 plate4765g66g23g5g41g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Classic sweet potato casserole with coconut milk and crunchy topping

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