Sweet Potato Pie is a timeless dessert that combines rich, creamy flavors with warm spices to create a dish that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. Whether it’s a cherished holiday tradition or a special treat for any occasion, this pie never fails to impress. With its smooth, velvety filling nestled in a flaky crust, it’s a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. In this recipe, weโll guide you step-by-step to create a Sweet Potato Pie thatโs bursting with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Letโs get baking.
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Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins | Servings: 8 | Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie
Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients
Got fresh sweet potatoes and a few basic kitchen staples? Then youโre just a few steps away from whipping up a homemade sweet potato pie thatโs guaranteed to impress!
- Sweet Potatoes: This recipe starts with a pound of whole sweet potatoes. Fresh sweet potatoes deliver the richest, deepest flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, canned sweet potatoes will do the trickโjust make sure to drain them first.
- Butter: Butter brings moisture, flavor, and a creamy texture to the custard filling. It’s the magic ingredient for baked goods!
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping to keep the filling soft and moist.
- Milk: Whole milk is essential hereโit creates a smooth, creamy base and helps dissolve the dry ingredients for a cohesive filling.
- Eggs: Sweet potato pie has a silky custard filling, and eggs (especially the yolks) are what bind it all together. Tip: Let your eggs come to room temperature before adding them to the mix for a smoother result.
- Spices and Vanilla: Cozy flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract are key to the signature sweet potato pie taste. Want to take it up a notch? Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
- Pie Crust: A homemade butter-flaky pie crust is the gold standard, but if youโre short on time, a store-bought frozen or refrigerated crust works just fine.
Sweet Potato Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie
Have you ever wondered how sweet potato pie stacks up against pumpkin pie?
- Flavor: Pumpkin pie tends to have a milder taste, with spices doing most of the heavy lifting. Sweet potato pie, on the other hand, has a naturally sweet, flavorful base that needs fewer spices to shine.
- Texture: Pumpkin pie is dense and hearty, while sweet potato pie has a lighter, slightly airier texture.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Making a bakery-worthy sweet potato pie at home is easier than you might think. Here’s the quick version:
- Boil and drain the sweet potatoes, then peel off the skins.
- Use a hand mixer or blender to combine the sweet potato flesh with the other ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie crust and bake until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can You Make Sweet Potato Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Sweet potato pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert, especially during the holidays when oven space is precious.
How to Store Sweet Potato Pie
Keep your sweet potato pie fresh by storing it in the fridge. Once itโs cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with storage wrap or aluminum foil. Itโll stay delicious for three to four days.
Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Pie?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pieโand itโs a fantastic way to get ahead on holiday prep!
- How to Freeze: Bake your pie on an aluminum pie plate (it freezes faster and helps prevent ice crystals). Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in several layers of storage wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Thawing: When youโre ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, and itโll be as good as fresh.
Ingredients (1x yields 8 servings):
- 1 (1-pound) sweet potato, with skin
- ยฝ cup butter softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- ยฝ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ยฝ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Directions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato:
- Place the whole sweet potato in a pot and cover it with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 40-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Peel:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Remove the sweet potato from the pot and run it under cold water. Peel off the skin and discard it.
- Mash and Mix:
- Break the sweet potato into chunks and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Fill the Pie Crust:
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- Pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool before serving. Slice and enjoy your homemade sweet potato pie. ๐ฅง
7 secrets for a flawless Sweet Potato Pie:
- Choose the right sweet potatoes โ Opt for firm, blemish-free sweet potatoes with no cracks.
- Cook the sweet potatoes properly โ Cook them until tender but not overcooked to avoid excess moisture.
- Use a perfect spice blend โ Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add depth to the flavor.
- Make a homemade crust โ A homemade crust provides the perfect texture and delicious flavor.
- Mix the eggs and sugar carefully โ Ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy for an ideal consistency.
- Bake at the right temperature โ Baking at a moderate temperature ensures a soft filling without overbaking.
- Let the pie cool before serving โ This helps stabilize the filling for a clean slice.
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- This classic recipe is perfect for holidays or any time you want a slice of comforting, homemade dessert.
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