This old fashioned sweet potato casserole with marshmallows takes just six ingredients and delivers tender, caramelized sweet potatoes bathed in pineapple-brown sugar syrup. Ready in under an hour!
I've used this 1940s Depression-era recipe for many years, and it consistently outshines modern versions that mask sweet potato flavor under heavy spices and excessive sugar. The golden-toasted marshmallows create that perfect balance of tender sweetness and caramelized edges.
Life in a 1940 American Kitchen
The year 1940 found American households caught between the lingering frugality of the Great Depression and the growing shadow of war across the Atlantic. While the U.S. wouldn't officially enter World War II until December 1941, families had already felt the ripple effects: steel, rubber, and certain fabrics were in short supply as factories pivoted toward military production. Kitchen cupboards reflected this resourcefulness, with home canning jars lining pantry shelves and Victory gardens sprouting in every available yard.
Women gathered around Philco radios listening to President Roosevelt's fireside chats while peeling vegetables they'd grown themselves. The migration from rural areas to factory towns meant diverse groups of people sharing potluck suppers in church basements and community halls, trading recipes that stretched ingredients without sacrificing comfort. Sweet potatoes were abundant, affordable, and storable; they became a holiday staple that delivered both nutrition and the festive sweetness families craved during uncertain times.
This casserole represents that era's genius for creating abundance from simplicity. The pineapple juice, a touch of tropical luxury, transformed humble sweet potatoes into something celebration-worthy. Marshmallows, still relatively new to American kitchens in 1940, added a playful crown that delighted children and adults alike.
What Makes This Sweet Potato Casserole Special
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
A beloved holiday classic, this old-fashioned sweet potato casserole features a creamy, rich sweet potato filling. Finish it with a gooey, toasted marshmallow topping. It’s the perfect side dish for your holiday celebration.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 regular-sized marshmallows or 1 cup of mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then add sweet potatoes and cook until fork tender; about 12-15 minutes
- Drain tender sweet potatoes and arrange in a prepared casserole dish
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ½ pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.
- Pour syrup over sweet potatoes and bake for 25 minutes
- Remove from oven and arrange marshmallows on top. Toast under the broiler until golden brown
Equipment
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CorningWare 2.5 Quart French White Casserole Dish
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Oneida Moda 2-Piece Serving Spoon Set
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If you don’t want to peel sweet potatoes, you can use 1 – 29 ounce can of yams.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 mintues
- Category: Thanksgiving, Vegetables
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
How to Make Perfect 1940s Sweet Potato Casserole
Recipe Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
This 1940s recipe traditionally uses fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Fresh sweet potatoes deliver a firmer, less syrupy result that balances beautifully with the sweet pineapple syrup. However, you can substitute one 29-ounce can of yams if you're short on time or want to skip the peeling step.
Pineapple juice adds subtle tropical sweetness and tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the brown sugar and butter. This vintage ingredient was popular in 1940s Southern cooking and helps create a glossy, caramelized syrup that coats each piece of sweet potato. The natural acidity also prevents the casserole from tasting overly heavy.
Traditional 1940s sweet potato casserole features marshmallows toasted until golden brown under the broiler. This recipe uses 8 regular marshmallows or 1 cup mini marshmallows for a fluffy, lightly caramelized topping. While pecan toppings became popular later, the marshmallow version remains the most authentic Depression-era presentation.
Drain the boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly in a colander for several minutes to remove excess moisture before arranging them in your casserole dish. This simple step prevents a soggy casserole and allows the brown sugar syrup to coat properly rather than pooling at the bottom. Avoid over-mashing the sweet potatoes, which releases additional moisture.
Marshmallows burn quickly under the broiler because they contain high amounts of sugar. Always add marshmallows during the last few minutes and watch them constantly through the oven window. Position your oven rack in the center so marshmallows sit 6-8 inches from the heating element, and broil for only 2-3 minutes until golden.
Timeless Comfort in Every Bite
More than just a sweet potato dish, this recipe is a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the flavors and customs of a bygone era. As you enjoy each forkful, whether crowned with fluffy marshmallows or a crunchy pecan topping, consider the stories this Thanksgiving casserole could tell, and the timeless comfort it still brings.
What food instantly transports you back to your family's holiday table? I'd love to hear about the dishes that mean home to you in the comments below. If you make this old fashioned sweet potato casserole, please leave a rating and review!
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