Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Bring an inch or two of water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add sweet potatoes, cover and steam until very soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove basket and discard water. Return sweet potatoes to the pot. Add milk, 4 tablespoons butter, salt, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon and pepper; mash until desired consistency. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.

Step 3

Stir pecans, pepitas, dried fruit and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the sweet potatoes.

Step 4

Bake casserole until hot and the nuts are lightly toasted, 20 to 30 minutes.