Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ideal plant-based twist on a classic dish. It’s dairy-free, egg-free, and full of flavor thanks to cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy sweet potatoes, and a nutty, golden topping. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, great for feeding a crowd, and naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or looking for a nourishing fall-inspired side, this casserole fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• Coconut milk or other non-dairy milk

• Maple syrup

• Ground cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Salt

• Apples, peeled and sliced thin

• Coconut oil or vegan butter

• Rolled oats

• Chopped pecans

• Brown sugar or coconut sugar

• All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.

3. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. In a skillet, sauté the sliced apples in a bit of coconut oil or vegan butter for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Layer them over the sweet potato mixture.

5. In a bowl, combine oats, pecans, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Add melted coconut oil or vegan butter and mix until crumbly.

6. Sprinkle the oat-pecan topping evenly over the apple layer.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

8. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 8 people and takes about 50 minutes from start to finish—20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking.

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds or more oats for crunch.

• Sugar-Free Option: Replace brown sugar with additional maple syrup or use date syrup for a refined sugar-free version.

• Add Spices: Try adding ground ginger or cloves for a more aromatic flavor.

• Different Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for more contrast, or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a mellow sweetness.

• Top with Marshmallows: For a festive twist, sprinkle vegan marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake with fresh topping added.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato and apple layers ahead and refrigerate them separately or together in the dish. Add the topping just before baking.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in the topping.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, just be sure they are unsweetened and drain them well before mashing. Adjust the sweetness in the recipe if needed.

What type of apples work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the casserole, but sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Gala also work well for a softer flavor.

How can I make this oil-free?

Use applesauce in place of coconut oil or vegan butter in the topping for an oil-free version.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze it without the topping for best results. Add the crumble fresh before baking after thawing.

What non-dairy milk works best?

Full-fat coconut milk gives a creamy texture, but almond, oat, or soy milk also work well.

Can I use something other than oats for the topping?

You can substitute crushed nuts, granola, or even breadcrumbs if you’re not avoiding gluten.

What’s a good substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are great alternatives.

Is this dish sweet or savory?

This casserole leans toward the sweet side, but it’s balanced by spices and the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes, making it suitable as a side or dessert.

Conclusion

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that fits beautifully on any table—from weeknight dinners to special holiday feasts. With its creamy base, tender apples, and crunchy topping, this casserole delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead, simple to adapt, and guaranteed to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

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