If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, look no further than this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe. This classic Southern treat boasts a luxuriously smooth and creamy custard filling, infused with the perfect balance of aromatic spices, all nestled within a flaky, buttery crust. Whether it’s for a festive holiday table, a comforting family gathering, or simply a sweet moment to savor, this pie never fails to impress with its rich texture and nostalgic flavor. It’s a timeless recipe that brings joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this pie. Each one plays a starring role in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and that iconic golden hue.
- Mashed cooked sweet potatoes (2 cups): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
- Evaporated milk (½ cup): Brings richness and a silky consistency to the filling.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for setting the custard and giving it structure.
- Melted butter (¼ cup): Infuses the pie with a luscious, buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall depth and warmth of the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a cozy spice that’s synonymous with sweet potato pie.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Offers subtle nutty undertones that complement the cinnamon.
- Ground ginger (¼ tsp): Provides a gentle zing to brighten the spice blend.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: A flaky base to cradle the rich filling, you can use store-bought or homemade for a personal touch.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and sweet potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the best flavor, cook your sweet potatoes by roasting or boiling until tender, then mash them until completely smooth. This ensures the filling is silky without any lumps.
Step 2: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt, then whisk everything together until the mixture is perfectly blended and creamy. For an ultra-smooth filling, a quick blend with an immersion blender works wonders.
Step 3: Prepare the pie crust
Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it down to fit snugly. This flaky shell will hold the luscious filling as it bakes, creating that classic sweet potato pie texture we all love.
Step 4: Pour the filling and bake
Pour the sweet potato filling evenly into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean, signaling that creamy custard perfection.
Step 5: Cool and slice
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Chilling helps the filling to firm up, making those slices clean and picture-perfect. Enjoying it slightly warm or chilled is entirely up to your preference!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish takes this pie over the top. A dollop of freshly whipped cream is classic and adds a light, airy contrast to the rich filling. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slowly on top creates an irresistible treat. For a bit of crunch and elegance, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon.
Side Dishes
When serving this pie as part of a larger meal, it pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham. The pie’s classic warm spices complement hearty mains perfectly, making it a favorite at holiday dinners. For a simple coffee or tea time, it shines all on its own beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing things up? Serve individual mini sweet potato pies in ramekins for personalized indulgences. Or layer pieces of leftover pie with whipped cream in parfait glasses for a stunning dessert presentation. You can also drizzle caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a tropical twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your sweet potato pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and moist for up to four days, making it a convenient and satisfying dessert that keeps well.
Freezing
To freeze the pie, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving cold.
Reheating
Warm slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes to revive that freshly baked flavor and texture. Microwave reheating works too, but keep it short to avoid drying out the custard. Serve with your favorite toppings for a treat that tastes just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch. Just be sure to mash them well and adjust sugar to taste, as canned versions may vary in sweetness and moisture.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, though the filling might be slightly less rich. To mimic evaporated milk, gently simmer whole milk to reduce its volume by about half before using.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a wonderful buttery flakiness and a personal touch. If you’re short on time, store-bought crusts are perfectly fine and still yield delicious results.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
To avoid crust edges getting too dark, cover them with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking. This protects the delicate edges while allowing the filling to cook through perfectly.
Is this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just be sure to check your pie crust ingredients if buying store-bought, to confirm it doesn’t include animal fats.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to savor. It’s filled with comforting flavors and a velvety texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try because once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic in Southern kitchens and beyond. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
This sweet potato pie features a smooth, creamy, and warmly spiced custard-like filling baked in a flaky crust. A classic Southern dessert, it is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a comforting and nostalgic treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pie evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, whisk the mashed sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy to create the base of the filling.
- Mix Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt to the sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface for baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set and a knife inserted into the filling comes out mostly clean, indicating the custard is cooked through.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and cool it completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the pie set further and makes slicing easier without cracking.
Notes
- Roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling them enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the pie filling.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the filling mixture briefly with a blender or food processor before pouring it into the crust.
- Serve the pie plain, or top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
- Diet: Vegetarian
