Step 1

For the sweet potatoes: Add the chopped sweet potatoes to a large pot of salted water to cover by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and maintain a simmer until the sweet potatoes are very tender; about 15 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes. Set aside.

Step 2

For the filling: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, beaten eggs, and orange juice. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

For the topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a bowl until combined and beginning to clump. Stir in the pecans and spread the topping over the sweet potatoes in an even layer.

Step 5

Bake until the sweet potatoes are mostly set in the center and beginning to brown on top; 25 to 30 minutes.