Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole is a bright, tropical twist on the beloved holiday classic. The base mixes creamy mashed yams with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of butter, then folds in juicy pineapple for unexpected sweetness and tang. On top, gooey marshmallows pair with crunchy pecans to create the irresistible balance of soft and crisp textures.
This casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, festive gatherings, or any time you want comfort food with a playful edge. It’s indulgent enough to feel like a treat, yet simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients. Each bite brings together sweet, spiced, nutty, and fruity flavors in a way that feels familiar but excitingly different.
Ingredients
- 1 (40-ounce) can cooked yams, drained
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 8 ounces large marshmallows, cut in half
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the base
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained yams until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should become creamy and lightly spiced, with the egg helping to bind it together.
Step 2: Add the pineapple
Fold in the drained crushed pineapple, making sure it’s well incorporated throughout the yam mixture. The pineapple adds pockets of juicy sweetness that brighten the rich base. Spread everything evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Layer the toppings
Arrange the halved marshmallows evenly across the top, creating a soft layer that will puff and turn golden in the oven. Sprinkle the chopped pecans around the marshmallows, so every forkful holds a little crunch.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned. The casserole should be warmed through, with the marshmallows forming a gooey, toasty topping. The pecans will add a nutty aroma that complements the pineapple beautifully.
Step 5: Cool slightly and serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it holds together better when sliced. Serve warm alongside savory mains it’s a dish that often steals the spotlight thanks to its sweet-meets-savory character.
Expert Tips for Success
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Drain well: Both the canned yams and crushed pineapple should be very well drained to avoid extra liquid, which can make the casserole soggy.
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Beat the egg in separately: Make sure the yam mixture has cooled slightly before stirring in the beaten egg so it incorporates evenly without scrambling.
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Even marshmallow coverage: Cut the marshmallows in half to cover more surface area with a thinner layer, helping them melt evenly instead of clumping.
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Toastier topping: For extra caramelized marshmallows, finish the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
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Make-ahead option: Bake the yam and pineapple base ahead of time, then add marshmallows and pecans just before reheating. This helps maintain the topping’s texture.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Mini marshmallows: Use minis instead of halved large marshmallows for more even melting.
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Coconut flair: Stir in 2 tablespoons shredded coconut to the base for extra tropical flavor alongside the pineapple.
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Nut-free version: Omit pecans if needed, or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
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Spiced base: Add ground nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon for a warming holiday-inspired twist.
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Zesty finish: Grate a little orange zest into the filling to amplify the fruity brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the yam and pineapple base, spread it in the baking dish, and cover tightly. Refrigerate up to one day in advance. When ready to bake, add the marshmallows and pecans just before putting it in the oven.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned yams?
Absolutely. Peel and cube about 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, then boil until tender and mash. Proceed with the recipe as written, adjusting sweetness if needed since canned yams are often softer and slightly sweeter.
What if I don’t like marshmallows?
You can skip them and use only the pecan topping, or replace with a simple brown sugar crumble (brown sugar, flour, butter) for a crisp, caramelized topping.
Is this dish very sweet?
It is on the sweeter side, especially with marshmallows and pineapple. If you’d like less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and lean more on the natural flavor of the yams and pineapple.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Marshmallows may soften somewhat, but the flavor remains delicious.
Print
Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A bright, tropical twist on the holiday classic. Creamy mashed yams blend with cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and juicy crushed pineapple for sweetness and tang. Topped with toasty pecans and gooey marshmallows for irresistible texture.
Ingredients
- 1 (40-ounce) can cooked yams, drained
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 8 ounces large marshmallows, halved
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mash drained yams until smooth. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, cinnamon, and salt until creamy and spiced.
- Fold in crushed pineapple evenly. Spread mixture into prepared pan.
- Arrange halved marshmallows evenly on top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until marshmallows puff and turn golden and casserole is warmed through.
- Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving to help set.
Notes
Drain yams and pineapple well to avoid soggy casserole.
Add egg after yam mixture cools slightly to prevent scrambling.
Halve marshmallows for more even, caramelized topping.
For extra caramelization, briefly broil 1–2 minutes at end, watching closely.
Make ahead: bake yam-pineapple base in advance; add topping just before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 136mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 51mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, pineapple casserole, holiday side, marshmallow topping, pecans, fall recipe
