Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting and soul-satisfying about a classic Sweet Potato Pie Recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness and creamy texture of sweet potatoes with warm spices and a buttery crust, resulting in a pie that feels like a heartfelt hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe is a timeless treasure that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe calls for simple, essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating its luscious flavor and perfect texture. From the sweet potato itself providing that rich, earthy base to the spices that give the filling its warm depth, every item is carefully chosen to complement each other beautifully.

• 1 (1-pound) sweet potato, with skin: The star ingredient that gives the pie its creamy sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
• 1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the pie, balancing the natural flavor of the sweet potato.
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps to create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the filling together, giving it structure as it bakes.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Infuses a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweet potato perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a classic, comforting spice note.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a gentle sweetness.
• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: The buttery and flaky foundation that holds the luscious filling.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato

Start by boiling the whole sweet potato, skin on, until tender, which usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes. This method keeps the flesh moist and flavorful. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water, peel off the skin, and break the flesh apart in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend in the softened butter until smooth and creamy—this is the heart of your filling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

To the sweet potato mixture, add the sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat everything on medium speed until the mixture is silky smooth. This careful blending ensures your sweet potato pie has that perfectly tender and evenly spiced custard texture everyone loves.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the luscious filling into your ready-to-go unbaked pie crust. Make sure the crust is fitted snugly in a 9-inch pie dish so it can beautifully support the rich filling without any spills during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pie in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The pie will puff up as it cooks, almost like a soufflé, but don’t worry—that’s the sign of a perfect bake and it will gently deflate as it cools, setting into a soft, creamy texture.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, consider topping your sweet potato pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that cool contrast. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or even some toasted pecans adds a little extra texture and flavor flair.

Side Dishes

This pie stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re creating a meal around it, pair it with savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham to balance the sweet and spice. A crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables can offer a refreshing palate cleanser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try serving individual mini sweet potato pies in ramekins or tart pans. You can also drizzle caramel sauce or a touch of maple syrup on top for an extra indulgent touch that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sweet potato pie keeps surprisingly well and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover pie warm, simply place individual slices on a baking sheet and heat in a 350 degrees F oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crust’s flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this pie, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure they are plain without added sugar or spices.

What type of pie crust works best?

A classic buttery pie crust is ideal as it complements the creamy sweet potato filling well. You can use store-bought or homemade for convenience or extra flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, you can bake the crust partially before adding the filling, or brush it with a thin layer of beaten egg white to seal it before pouring in the filling.

Can I make this pie vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute or flax eggs for a delicious vegan version.

Why does the pie puff up and then deflate?

The pie filling contains eggs which cause it to rise during baking much like a soufflé. As it cools, the filling settles into a smooth, creamy texture, which is perfectly normal and desired.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from scratch—each bite is like capturing a little piece of comfort and tradition. If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, this pie deserves a place at your table. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors that this pie brings into your home.

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