Healthy Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole

This Healthy Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is a brilliant contemporary take on a timeless autumn classic. It showcases all the scrumptious elements of a traditional sweet potato casserole, but with a delightful twist - it's crafted from a medley of nourishing, whole ingredients. This vegan sweet potato casserole is guaranteed to be a hit with all.

Sweet potatoes are a staple of Thanksgiving Day. There are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy them, such as my Apple Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, or my Rainbow Sweet Potato Kale Salad. However, there is no more nostalgic way to enjoy sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner than a delicious sweet potato casserole. 

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Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients:

This gluten-free sweet potato casserole is the perfect side dish because it is made with healthy and affordable ingredients you can pick up at your local grocery store. 

Sweet Potato Mixture:

• Fresh Sweet Potatoes - Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. You can also use sweet potato puree like I do in my Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies for a quicker option!
• Coconut Sugar - Coconut sugar serves as a healthier alternative to refined sugars. It imparts a gentle sweetness without the rapid blood sugar spikes associated with traditional sugar.
• Plant-Based Milk - Plant-based milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk, provides creaminess without dairy. It's lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice. If you love a traditional buttery sweet potato filling, I recommend using full-fat coconut milk.
• Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the sweet potato mixture, adding a delightful, natural sweetness.

Nut-Free Crumble Topping:

• Coconut Sugar - The crumble topping uses coconut sugar as a more wholesome sweetener option, offering a richer flavor and minimal processing.
• Gluten-Free Flour - Gluten-free flour makes this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while contributing to the desired crumbly texture. There are plenty of gluten-free flour blends out there, and they can all produce slightly different results. I've linked my go-to gluten-free flour blend.
• Gluten-Free Oats - Gluten-free oats provide essential fiber and nutrients, adding a pleasant crunch to the topping of this healthy sweet potato casserole recipe. 
• Raw Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. They bring a delightful nutty flavor and texture without the use of nuts. I always purchase them in bulk so that I can make my Homemade Sunflower Seed Milk.
• Sunbutter Organic Sunflower Seed Butter - Sunbutter is a nut-free alternative that contributes creaminess and richness, offering a source of healthy fats and proteins. It's a great choice for those with nut allergies.
• Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract complements the flavors of the crumble topping, infusing it with a warm and aromatic flavor. 
• Water - Water is used to adjust the texture of the topping, allowing it to crumble beautifully over the sweet potato mixture.

Maple Glaze:

• Pure Maple Syrup - Pure maple syrup adds a luscious drizzle of natural sweetness and flavor. It's a healthier alternative to processed syrups, providing essential minerals.
• Coconut Butter - Coconut butter creates a velvety, dairy-free glaze. It's a source of healthy fats and lends a creamy, rich quality to the dish. Coconut butter is a favorite in my kitchen. If you pick it up, make sure to make my Healthy Pistachio Rose Cookies.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole:

This gluten-free sweet potato casserole is one of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes because it can be prepped ahead of time, and it's absolutely delicious!

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 45-60 minutes or until they're soft. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Mixture:
   • To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the coconut sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to a large bowl or casserole dish. Mash well until everything is thoroughly combined. If you made this mixture in a large bowl, transfer it to a casserole dish.
3. Prepare the Nut-Free Crumble Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine coconut sugar, gluten-free flour, gluten-free oats, raw sunflower seeds, Sunbutter Organic Sunflower Seed Butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
   • If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water and mix until it has a crumbly texture.
4. Crumble the Topping:
   • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
5. Bake:
   • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
6. Prepare the Maple Glaze:
   • While the casserole is baking, make the maple glaze by combining the maple syrup and coconut butter and mixing until smooth.
7. Drizzle and Serve:
   • Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the prepared maple glaze over the crumble topping while it's still warm.
8. Serve:
   • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and wholesome Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole!

Hint: You can add a couple of tablespoons of vegan butter to the sweet potato mixture for extra buttery goodness.

Substitutions:

If you need to substitute a particular ingredient in this recipe, there are a handful of easy substitutions that can be made. Here are some of the common ones.

• Pecan Topping - This is a nut-free sweet potato casserole; however, if you wish to make a pecan crumble, you can use pecans in place of sunflower seeds. For an extra special touch, you can make my Healthy Maple Candied Pecans.
• Almond Flour - If you don't have a nut allergy, you can use almond flour in place of gluten-free flour.
• Canned Sweet Potatoes - If you don't have time to bake the fresh sweet potatoes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. I recommend using 3 cans. 

If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed, make sure to leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole Variations:

There are plenty of ways to spice up this classic side dish for the holiday season. Here are some of my favorite variations to make. 

• Marshmallow Topping- For a classic and indulgent variation, cover the sweet potato casserole with a layer of vegan mini marshmallows. Bake until they turn golden brown for a gooey, sweet topping. This is my favorite twist on the classic dish. 
• Citrus Zest - Enhance the sweet potatoes with a burst of citrus flavor. Mix orange or lemon zest into the sweet potato mixture for a bright and refreshing twist.
• Spiced Streusel - Create a spiced streusel topping by adding ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the classic streusel mixture. It's a warm and aromatic twist.

What You Will Need To Make This Nut-Free Sweet Potato Casserole:

This is the perfect easy side dish for any holiday dinner because it's easy to make and requires minimal equipment. Here's what I recommend using to make this recipe.

• Casserole Dish - The casserole dish is essential for baking and serving the sweet potato casserole. It provides the right shape and size to hold the mixture and allows for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowls - You will need a mixing bowl to combine the crumble topping. 
• Potato Masher or Electric Mixer - The choice between a potato masher and an electric mixer depends on your preferred texture. A potato masher is perfect for a chunkier consistency, while an electric mixer creates creamy, sweet potatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons - Precise measurements are essential in baking. Measuring cups and spoons ensure that you use the right amount of each ingredient, resulting in a balanced and delicious casserole.

Storage:

This gluten-free sweet potato casserole stores very well and makes for the perfect Thanksgiving leftovers. I recommend storing any leftover casserole in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh for longer. If stored properly, it will stay fresh for a full week in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Related Sides For The Holidays

Looking for other delicious side dishes like this to make for the holidays? Try these:

If you try this Healthy Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, I'd really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!

Related Sweet Potato Recipes:

Want to make more delicious sweet potato recipes? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!