Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (Dairy-Free)
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Cook300 min
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Total315 min
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Servings8
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Sweet potato casserole is a holiday staple that traditionally relies on butter and cream. This slow cooker version is dairy-free and just as delicious. The best part of this recipe is how simple it is – you’re relying on sweet potatoes, warm spices, and brown sugar for richness instead of heavy dairy products. The orange juice adds moisture and brightness, while the vanilla extract adds more flavor. Top it with vegan marshmallows and broil them until golden, and you’ll get that gooey texture everyone loves. Your dairy-free guests will appreciate having a casserole made for them. Consider checking out slow cooker sale deals* to find the perfect appliance for preparing this and other holiday dishes.
Sweet Potatoes Star Ingredient
This slow cooker sweet potato casserole combines tender roasted sweet potatoes with warm autumnal spices, a touch of citrus brightness, and a marshmallow topping for a classic holiday side dish. The recipe balances natural sweetness from the brown sugar and orange juice with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, while vanilla extract adds depth to the overall flavor profile. The marshmallows provide a contrasting texture and are broiled to golden perfection for an indulgent finish. Serve this elegant dish in a beautiful serving bowl set* to impress your guests at the holiday table.
Ingredients:
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (Dairy-Free)
by veganpreps.com
Ingredients
- 5 medium sweet potatoes (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg), peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), melted
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups vegan mini marshmallows
Instructions
- 1Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of vegan butter. Add the chopped sweet potatoes.
- 2Pour the orange juice and melted vegan butter over the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar. Stir briefly to coat.
- 3Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the sweet potatoes are completely tender and pierced easily with a fork.
- 4Use a fork or potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker to your preferred texture – fully smooth or slightly chunky. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Scatter vegan mini marshmallows in an even layer over the top.
- 6Broil on HIGH 4 to 6 inches from the heating element for 2 to 3 minutes, watching constantly, until the marshmallows are golden and toasted. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after reheating, as flavors can mellow during storage.
Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray because the high sugar content can cause burning. The casserole is delicious with vegan plant-based marshmallows or without them – it’s still sweet enough from the brown sugar on its own. Check that your slow cooker’s ceramic insert can go in the oven before you broil the marshmallows in it. If it can’t, use a 13×9 baking dish instead.
Slow Cooker Preparation Tips
Begin by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, which is important given the high sugar content in this recipe that can easily burn. Peel and roughly chop 5 sweet potatoes – the chopping doesn’t need to be precise since you’ll be mashing them later – and spread them evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, combine 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle these spices over the sweet potatoes, then pour 1/2 cup orange juice and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract over the top along with 1/2 cup brown sugar.
Cook the mixture on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, with the low setting being preferred to prevent the sugar from burning. Monitor the potatoes and stop cooking once they reach a soft consistency. Once fully cooked and tender, mash the sweet potatoes until they reach a uniform puree consistency.
To finish the dish, carefully remove the slow cooker insert (not the electric shell) and place it in your oven, checking first that your slow cooker insert is oven-safe. If it isn’t, transfer the mixture to a 13×9 baking dish. Set the oven to broil and top the sweet potato mixture with 2 cups vegan mini marshmallows, then broil until they turn golden and gooey. For a vegan version, use vegan marshmallows or omit them entirely while still enjoying the natural sweetness from the brown sugar.
Vegan Marshmallows or Omit Entirely
Plant-based marshmallows made from cornstarch or aquafaba brown beautifully under the broiler just like traditional ones. If marshmallows aren’t your thing, don’t worry. The brown sugar already sweetens your dish perfectly, and you’ll still get that rich, creamy texture from the mashed sweet potatoes. You can also top it with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, which adds nice complexity to each bite.
Pairs Well With Holiday Dinner
Every traditional holiday table needs a sweet potato casserole, and this slow cooker version works really well alongside other holiday dishes. The warm spices – cinnamon and nutmeg – complement savory flavors without fighting for attention. Preparing this dish in your slow cooker frees up valuable oven space for other sides. The creamy texture pairs nicely with holiday meals, and the brown sugar sweetness balances salty gravies. Your guests will appreciate how the marshmallow topping adds visual interest to their plate. This casserole is a key part of a complete holiday meal.
Final Thoughts
Making sweet potato casserole in your slow cooker is easy and hands-off, which means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family during the holiday rush. You’ve got a reliable dish that impresses without needing your constant attention. The slow cooker does the hard work while you handle other preparations.
In This Recipe.
