How to Cook Sweet Potatoes: To prepare the mashed sweet potatoes, you can either bake them in the oven or in the microwave.
(1) In the oven: Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork all over, and then bake unpeeled sweet potatoes in the oven for 45 minutes at 425F until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Slice sweet potatoes into half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh and mash well.
(2) In the microwave: Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork all over, and then cooked the unpeeled sweet potatoes for approximately 5 minutes on high per medium sweet potato. (If you use 3 sweet potatoes like I did, it will be approximately 15 minutes in the microwave). Slice the cooked sweet potatoes into half lengthwise, then scoop out the flesh and mash it well.

Sugar: I used light brown sugar, but feel free to use normal white sugar, cane sugar, dark brown sugar, or even coconut sugar if you prefer. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I recommend that you use granulated Monkfruit Sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute with zero glycemic index and does not raise your blood sugar).

Coconut Oil: I prefer using refined coconut oil in my cooking and baking because it has a neutral taste, as opposed to extra virgin coconut oil (which has a strong coconut taste and smell). You can also use vegan butter in equal quantities. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal dairy butter instead.

Almond Milk: I like to use my 5-minute homemade almond milk for this recipe, but feel free to use other non-dairy milks such as cashew milk, rice milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead of use normal dairy milk in equal quantities.

Eggs: In this case, eggs are essential as a binder for the sweet potato filling, to help give it more form and texture without making it dense, so I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out. 

Pecans: Pecans are traditionally used in the sweet potato casserole topping, but if you don’t like the taste of pecans, feel free to swap them out for walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds as you prefer.

Cinnamon: The ground cinnamon really adds a beautiful fall flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also use pumpkin pie spice instead.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes 1 to 2 days in advance and assemble the ingredients on the day itself so it’s easier. If you prefer, you can also cook the casserole 1 to 2 days in advance, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge, and heat it up just before serving.

Storing: If you have leftovers, wrap the sweet potato casserole in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing: Because it contains an egg, you have to cook the casserole first before freezing. To freeze, allow the cooked casserole to cool fully before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and freezing for up to 2 months. Let the casserole thaw completely overnight in the fridge before heating up or serving.

Adapted from: Cooking Classy