Step 1

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Step 2

2 Grease a 2-quart baking dish, such as an 8-by-8-inch Pyrex, with cooking oil spray

Step 3

3 Combine the mashed sweet potato, maple syrup, eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons of the butter, the vanilla extract, cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a balloon-whisk attachment or a handheld electric mixer

Step 4

4 Beat on medium-high speed for several minutes, until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture has slightly increased in volume, then transfer to the baking dish, smoothing the mixture evenly

Step 5

5 Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the pecans, whole-wheat pastry flour, light brown sugar and the remaining pinch of salt in a medium bowl; use your clean fingers or a fork to evenly incorporate and coat the pecans

Step 6

6 Sprinkle over the top of the sweet potatoes in the dish

Step 7

7 Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until fragrant and lightly caramelized on top

Step 8

8 Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving