If you’re on the lookout for a soul-satisfying dessert that blends comfort with tradition, you simply have to try Sweet Potato Pie. Famous for its silky-smooth texture, warm spices, and naturally sweet flavors, this classic treat stands out as the centerpiece at Southern holiday tables and family gatherings alike. Sweet Potato Pie is one of those recipes that brings generations together, wrapping everyone in a hug of nostalgia with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Sweet Potato Pie truly shine is its straightforward ingredient list. Each element is chosen for its essential role, from the vibrant, earthy sweetness of the potatoes to just the right touch of creamy richness. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust: Provides that crisp, flaky base to support our luscious filling; you can use store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe.
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes): The star of the show, lending beautiful color, sweetness, and moist texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and helps make the filling decadently smooth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie to perfection and supports the traditional flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk: For an ultra-silky filling that bakes up just right—never too runny, never too dense.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together so your pie slices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers warmth and depth, complementing the sweet potatoes and spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the pie with that signature cozy flavor you’ll crave.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the spice profile, giving every bite a lovely aromatic lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Rounds out and brightens all the flavors in your Sweet Potato Pie.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven gets nice and toasty, take a moment to prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Whether you go with a buttery homemade crust or a convenient store-bought one, make sure the edges are crimped and it’s ready for the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked, mashed sweet potatoes with the softened butter. Beat the mixture until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy—this step is key for achieving the signature texture of Sweet Potato Pie. Take your time so there aren’t any lumps!
Step 3: Add Sugar, Milk, Eggs, and Flavors
To those dreamy sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined, resulting in a velvety, spiced filling that smells amazing even before it’s baked.
Step 4: Fill and Bake the Pie
Carefully pour the filling into your prepared pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop the pie in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know your Sweet Potato Pie is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. If you notice the crust turning golden too quickly, a little foil around the edges works wonders to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once your Sweet Potato Pie is baked to perfection, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step helps the filling set just right and makes slicing a breeze. Serve at room temperature or stick it in the fridge to enjoy it chilled—either way, that first bite will be worth the wait!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie
Garnishes
Nothing complements Sweet Potato Pie like a lavish cloud of freshly whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg over the top for extra coziness. Even a drizzle of maple syrup or a few toasted pecans can add a luxurious touch that elevates each slice to show-stopping dessert status.
Side Dishes
To keep the spotlight on your Sweet Potato Pie, serve it alongside simple accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or perhaps fresh berries. A strong, hot cup of coffee or spiced chai makes the ideal pairing for dessert, balancing the pie’s sweetness and spice. For holiday feasts, it pairs beautifully with warm apple cider or a festive mulled wine.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unexpected twist, consider serving Sweet Potato Pie in mini tart shells or mason jars at your next gathering—guaranteed to wow guests! If you love a little crunch, scatter some praline crumbs or candied nuts on top just before serving. You can even stack thin slices for a cute pie “sampler platter” with other classics at family events.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Sweet Potato Pie, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld, making that second (or third!) slice all the more irresistible.
Freezing
Sweet Potato Pie freezes beautifully! After cooling the pie completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, your pie will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best results.
Reheating
To bring out that freshly baked flavor, warm leftover slices of Sweet Potato Pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You could also zap individual slices in the microwave in 20-second bursts—but the oven helps preserve that crisp crust and luscious filling.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch! Just drain them thoroughly and mash before measuring. However, roasting or boiling fresh sweet potatoes gives your pie even richer flavor and a stunning, natural color.
What if the center of my pie isn’t setting?
If your Sweet Potato Pie is a bit jiggly in the center after baking, give it another 5-10 minutes in the oven. Pie centers often finish setting as they cool, so patience is key! A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean when done.
How can I make my pie dairy-free?
Swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use canned coconut milk or another dairy-free substitute for the evaporated milk. The pie will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious!
Can I make the pie crust in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare your pie crust and even freeze it for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before adding your sweet potato filling for best results.
Is it safe to leave Sweet Potato Pie out at room temperature?
Like most custard-based pies, Sweet Potato Pie should not sit out for more than two hours. For longer storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and prevent spoilage.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Sweet Potato Pie at home, now’s your moment to shine! Every forkful is a celebration of tradition and flavor, perfect for gatherings or whenever you need a little comfort. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with loved ones—it’s a classic for good reason, and it might just become your new favorite, too.
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this classic Sweet Potato Pie recipe. Made with creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a buttery crust, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, beat the mashed sweet potatoes and softened butter until smooth. Add sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes until set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled with whipped cream.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with maple syrup or bourbon.
- Pie can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
