Sweet Potato Pie

The Classic Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved Southern dessert that blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with warm, comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a velvety, custard-like filling that’s perfectly sweetened and spiced, set in a buttery pie crust that’s flaky and tender. This pie is a staple for holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but its comforting flavors make it a wonderful dessert option any time of the year.

 

Full Recipe:


Ingredients:

  • 1 (1 pound) sweet potato, with skin
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil the whole sweet potato with the skin on for about 40 to 50 minutes, until tender. Run cold water over the sweet potato and remove the skin.
  3. Mash the sweet potato in a bowl.
  4. Add softened butter to the mashed sweet potato and mix well.
  5. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
  7. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the pie to cool before serving, and enjoy with whipped cream if desired!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 377% DV
  • Vitamin C: 4% DV
  • Calcium: 6% DV
  • Iron: 6% DV

Cooking Tips:

  1. Choose the Right Sweet Potato: Use an orange-fleshed variety of sweet potato for the best flavor and texture. Varieties like Beauregard or Jewel sweet potatoes are ideal for their natural sweetness.
  2. Boil the Sweet Potato Whole: Boiling the sweet potato with the skin on helps retain more of its nutrients. Once it’s tender, peeling is much easier, and the sweet potato will have a smooth texture when mashed.
  3. Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can swap half of the white sugar for brown sugar. This will give the pie a deeper, more caramelized sweetness.
  4. Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add a pinch of ginger or clove for extra warmth, or increase the cinnamon and nutmeg if you prefer a spicier pie.
  5. Prevent a Soggy Crust: For an even crispier pie crust, you can blind-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before pouring in the filling. This ensures that the crust stays flaky even after baking.
  6. Perfect Pie Texture: Don’t overmix the filling. Stir gently until combined to avoid incorporating too much air into the batter, which can cause the pie to crack during baking.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerating the Pie: After baking, allow the Sweet Potato Pie to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
  2. Freezing the Pie: Sweet Potato Pie freezes well. Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up slightly in the oven.
  3. Reheating Tips: To reheat a refrigerated or thawed pie, place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until it is warm but not dried out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I make this pie dairy-free? Yes! You can easily substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
  2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh? You can! Make sure to use unsweetened canned sweet potatoes and drain them well before mashing. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.
  3. What can I serve with Sweet Potato Pie? Sweet Potato Pie is often served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a little extra flair, try topping it with candied pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  4. How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the center is set and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.
  5. What’s the difference between Sweet Potato Pie and Pumpkin Pie? Sweet Potato Pie is slightly sweeter and has a lighter, fluffier texture compared to Pumpkin Pie. The flavor is more earthy and nutty due to the natural sweetness of the sweet potato, while Pumpkin Pie tends to be spicier.

Conclusion:

This pie recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be made in advance, making it a stress-free dessert for entertaining or for any gathering. Plus, it’s versatile — you can easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs by using dairy-free alternatives or gluten-free pie crust. With its smooth, rich filling and perfectly spiced flavor, this Sweet Potato Pie will be a hit at your next family gathering or special occasion.