Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, this homemade Sweet Potato Pie is just the thing! There’s something incredibly special about this pie—it brings together the rich flavor of sweet potatoes with warm spices, making it an ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just a cozy weeknight treat, this pie is sure to impress your loved ones.

What makes this Sweet Potato Pie so delightful is not just its delicious taste, but also how easy it is to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all levels. Trust me; once you try it, it might just become your new favorite holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: This pie is beloved by both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: Warm spices combined with sweet potatoes create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pie in advance to save time on busy days—just pop it in the oven!
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store.
• Showstopper Dessert: Impress your guests with this beautiful pie that looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delicious Sweet Potato Pie, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these staples, and let’s get baking!

For the Pie Crust

• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) table salt
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (cold, 2 sticks)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) ice water (more as needed)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) white grape juice (cold)

For the Filling

• 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
• 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup (310 g) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

This Sweet Potato Pie recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it based on your taste preferences.

• Add some zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the filling for a bright citrus twist.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
• Spice things up: Adjust the spice levels—try adding extra ginger or even a pinch of cayenne for heat!
• Swap sweeteners: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar for natural sweetness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by making your crust. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar until well combined. Then cut in the cold butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Adding ice water gradually will help form a dough that’s not too sticky. Once ready, chill it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Next, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Cooking them softens their natural sweetness and makes blending easier. Drain them well and allow them to cool slightly before mashing.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter. Beat in dark brown sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This combination creates an irresistible filling that tastes like autumn!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into your pie dish. Pour in the sweet potato filling evenly. For an extra touch of color on top, beat together one egg with milk and brush it over the crust edges before baking.

Bake for about 60-90 minutes or until set in the center—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Allow it to cool before serving with whipped cream on top for that perfect finishing touch.

Now grab your fork and dig into this amazing Sweet Potato Pie! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie can be a rewarding experience, especially with these helpful tips!

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. They should be free from blemishes or soft spots to ensure a smooth filling.

• Chill Your Pie Crust: After preparing your pie dough, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and leads to a flakier crust.

• Bake Until Set: To achieve that perfect consistency, bake your pie until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

• Add a Touch of Vanilla: Incorporating vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the pie and complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully.

• Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: Allowing your pie to rest before serving allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Chilling it also makes slicing easier!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Serving sweet potato pie is all about presentation and pairing it with delicious accompaniments that enhance its flavor profile!

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a creamy contrast that perfectly balances the pie’s sweetness.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top not only looks beautiful but also boosts the warm spice notes in your pie.
• Toasted Pecans: Adding some chopped toasted pecans provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish combines tender green beans with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions, adding a savory balance to your meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring out their natural sweetness, making them an excellent contrast to the rich flavors of sweet potato pie.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread offers a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that pairs wonderfully with desserts like this one, enhancing your Southern-inspired feast.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with quinoa and cranberries, stuffed acorn squash adds color and a hint of tartness to your table while remaining seasonal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your sweet potato pie will shine as the star of any gathering! Enjoy creating this warm, comforting dessert that brings everyone together.

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of fall without the last-minute rush. You can make it in advance and store it for later, so your holiday celebrations can be as stress-free as possible.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
• Cover with plastic wrap or foil if you don’t have a container.

Freezing

• To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie that might help you on your culinary journey!

What makes this Sweet Potato Pie recipe special?

This sweet potato pie recipe stands out due to its use of dark brown sugar and warm spices, which create a rich flavor profile that perfectly embodies autumn. The addition of fresh whipped cream elevates it to a festive dessert that’s sure to impress your guests!

Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of dark brown sugar in my Sweet Potato Pie?

Absolutely! While dark brown sugar adds depth, you can substitute it with light brown sugar or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that each alternative will slightly change the flavor, but they will still yield delicious results.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie is done baking?

The pie is ready when the center has set but still has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie without eggs?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use silken tofu for a vegan version. This will maintain the texture while ensuring everyone can enjoy the dessert.

Final Thoughts

I hope this sweet potato pie recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions! With its delightful blend of spices and creamy texture, it’s bound to bring smiles to every gathering. Enjoy making this warm, comforting dessert, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations. Happy baking!