The Ultimate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Cozy Fall Comfort

Sweet potato pie carries memories of cozy autumn gatherings around warm kitchen tables.

Grandmothers across the southern United States have perfected this delectable dessert through generations.

Creamy, spiced filling nestled in a flaky crust promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Rich orange roots blend seamlessly with warm cinnamon and nutmeg for a deeply satisfying treat.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a simple yet magical culinary experience that connects us to cherished traditions.

Baking this pie invites you to create your own delicious moments of connection and joy.

Slice into this classic dessert and let the magic unfold.

Why Sweet Potato Pie Brings Comfort Home

• Craft a Comfort Classic: Sweet potato pie brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, delivering a delightful dessert that feels like a loving family tradition.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: This recipe offers beginner-friendly techniques, requiring basic mixing and baking steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute.
• Celebrate Seasonal Delights: Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, and potluck parties, this pie showcases the rich, natural sweetness of seasonal sweet potatoes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adjusting spices, adding toppings, or experimenting with homemade or store-bought pie crusts to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients for Classic Sweet Potato Pie

• Sweet Potatoes: Orange-fleshed root vegetables that provide the signature flavor and creamy texture of the pie.
• Pie Crust: Buttery, flaky base that holds the sweet potato filling and adds a delicious contrast to the smooth filling.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, sweet flavor profile with depth and caramel-like undertones.

• Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture of the filling.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides a creamy consistency and enhances the overall smoothness of the pie.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that create a classic, comforting flavor profile typical of traditional sweet potato pie.

How to Bake a Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Scrub those sweet potatoes clean, slice off their jackets, and chop them into chunks.

Spread them on a baking sheet and roast until they’re tender and caramelized, about 45 minutes. Let them cool slightly, then mash into a silky smooth puree.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and tumble in your roasted sweet potato mash. Drizzle in melted butter and blend until velvety.

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks glossy and uniform.

Step 3: Create the Pie Crust Foundation

Roll out your pie dough and gently nestle it into a 9-inch pie pan.

Crimp those edges with flair, giving it a homemade touch. Pour the luscious sweet potato filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center looks set and a knife comes out clean.

If the crust starts getting too bronzed, drape some aluminum foil over the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Let the pie chill completely on a wire rack.

When ready to serve, top with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Sweet Potato Pie Success

• Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Brush the bottom pie crust with egg white before adding filling to create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
• Adjust spices to your taste, but don't overpower the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Use a hand mixer or blender to ensure the filling is completely smooth and free of lumps.
• Watch the pie closely in the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent the filling from cracking or becoming dry.

Flavor Twists for Sweet Potato Pie to Try

• Marshmallow Topping Pie: Spread a layer of toasted marshmallows over the sweet potato filling before serving, creating a campfire-style sweet finish.
• Pecan Crunch Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans across the top of the pie before baking, adding a nutty crunch and rich texture to the classic recipe.
• Maple Bourbon Infusion Pie: Replace half the sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated, deep flavor profile.
• Coconut Cream Pie Hybrid: Mix shredded coconut into the sweet potato filling and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired version.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Potato Pie

• Pair Sweet Potato Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream: Top the pie with a homemade bourbon-infused whipped cream that adds a luxurious, warming kick and complements the pie's sweet, spiced flavors.
• Sip Spiced Apple Cider: Serve a warm, mulled apple cider alongside the pie to enhance the autumnal spices and create a cozy dessert experience that highlights the pie's comforting notes.
• Match Caramel Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice to add delightful texture, nutty richness, and a decadent layer of sweetness that elevates the pie's creamy filling.

Keeping Sweet Potato Pie Fresh and Delicious

Transfer cooled pie to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, maintaining freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.

Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.

Let pie sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Cover loosely with clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture buildup.

Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, covering edges with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes good for making pie?

Sweet potatoes are perfect for pie because they have a naturally creamy texture and sweet flavor that creates a rich, smooth filling without being too heavy.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well. Just drain them thoroughly and mash before mixing with other ingredients. They save time and still provide great flavor.

• How do I know when the sweet potato pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the center is set but slightly jiggly, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The top will also have a slightly golden appearance.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this pie?

You’ll need a 9-inch pie dish, mixing bowl, potato masher or mixer, and basic baking tools like a rolling pin and measuring cups. A standard kitchen setup works perfectly for this recipe.

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern sweet potato pie beckons with rich, velvety warmth from traditional American kitchens. Smooth spices and buttery crust promise a delightful dessert you’ll savor from first delectable bite to last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) evaporated milk

Spices and Extras:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a clean workspace for crafting a luscious sweet potato pie.
2. Thoroughly wash sweet potatoes, then peel and slice into uniform chunks for even cooking.
3. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring they’re soft enough to mash completely.
4. Drain potatoes and transform them into a silky, smooth puree using a potato masher or electric mixer.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter until perfectly integrated.
6. Incorporate granulated and brown sugars, creating a rich, caramel-like base for the pie filling.
7. Gently fold in evaporated milk, cracking eggs one at a time and mixing thoroughly to maintain a velvety texture.
8. Enhance the filling with vanilla extract, creating depth of flavor, then sprinkle in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
9. Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges for a decorative finish.
10. Pour the spiced sweet potato mixture into the prepared crust, spreading evenly to ensure a consistent layer.
11. Bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating the pie halfway through to promote even cooking.
12. After 30 minutes, shield the crust edges with aluminum foil if they begin to brown too quickly.
13. Confirm doneness by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out clean with minimal filling residue.
14. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely, letting the filling set and flavors meld.
15. Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Use organic sweet potatoes for richer flavor and better nutrition, ensuring a more vibrant and natural taste profile.
• Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling to concentrate their natural sugars and deepen the pie’s overall sweetness.
• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the complex flavor layers of the pie.
• Consider using coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to evaporated milk for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg