Sweet Potato Casserole Cheesecake Recipe

Cook Time: 1 minute

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 (22 ounce) prepared mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon and brown sugar, such as Bob Evans, or about 2 cups of leftover mashed sweet potato casserole
• 1 (24.3 ounce) prepared cheesecake filling, such as Philadelphia
• 1 graham cracker pie crust
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Place the mashed sweet potatoes into a medium bowl and stir until smooth.
2. Add the cheesecake filling and stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker pie crust and top generously with mini marshmallows.
4. Freeze the pie for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to broil.
6. Place the pie in the center of the oven and broil for 1 minute, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Alternatively, keep the pie chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	547
Total Fat	30g	39%
Saturated Fat	13g	64%
Cholesterol	61mg	20%
Sodium	550mg	24%
Total Carbohydrates	64g	23%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	40g
Protein	7g	14%
Vitamin C	7mg	7%
Calcium	91mg	7%
Iron	2mg	9%
Potassium	261mg	6%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins of Sweet Potato Casserole Cheesecake

The Sweet Potato Casserole Cheesecake is a modern twist on classic American comfort food, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, earthy flavors of a traditional sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes have been a staple in North American cuisine for centuries, particularly in the Southern United States, where they were often baked, mashed, or turned into pies during the harvest season. The concept of merging sweet potatoes with cheesecake likely emerged in the late 20th century as chefs and home cooks experimented with hybrid desserts that blended holiday favorites into unique, show-stopping dishes.

Regional Characteristics

This dessert is strongly associated with the Southern United States, where sweet potato casseroles are a Thanksgiving staple. Each region often puts its own spin on the recipe: in the South, casseroles are frequently topped with marshmallows or pecans, while Northern variations may incorporate spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. The cheesecake element reflects a more cosmopolitan influence, showing the merging of traditional Southern ingredients with the universal appeal of New York-style cheesecake. Its a dessert that bridges regional culinary traditions with contemporary American dessert trends.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike a standard sweet potato casserole or classic cheesecake, this recipe uniquely combines the two. Traditional sweet potato casseroles are baked with a soft topping of marshmallows or a pecan streusel, but they lack the dense, creamy texture of cheesecake. Conversely, cheesecakes are usually made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs on a cookie or graham cracker crust, without the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of sweet potatoes. The Sweet Potato Casserole Cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds, offering a dessert that is simultaneously rich, velvety, and subtly spiced.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dessert is most often served during the fall and winter holiday season, particularly at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. Its festive appearance, with a golden-browned marshmallow topping and optional pecan garnish, makes it a centerpiece for holiday dessert tables. While it is often presented as a special occasion treat, it can also be enjoyed as a luxurious weekend dessert or at potluck dinners, where its blend of flavors is sure to impress guests.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of sweet potatoes and cheesecake offers a naturally high content of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A and potassium.
• Freezing the pie before broiling the marshmallow topping helps maintain the integrity of the cheesecake layer, preventing it from melting or cracking.
• The dish exemplifies a trend in American cuisine where comfort foods are reimagined with creative, hybrid approaches.
• Using pre-made components, such as mashed sweet potatoes or prepared cheesecake filling, makes this dessert accessible for home cooks who want gourmet results with minimal effort.
• While marshmallows are a classic topping, substituting roasted pecans or a caramel drizzle can add a sophisticated twist, appealing to modern dessert palates.

FAQ about Sweet Potato Casserole Cheesecake Recipe