Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its smooth, velvety filling and a hint of warming spices, this pie is a beloved classic, especially during the holiday season. Made from simple, wholesome ingredients, it captures the essence of sweet potatoes in a luscious, creamy custard nestled in a flaky crust. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Sweet Potato Pie has a unique charm that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile make it a perfect dessert for gatherings, potlucks, and festive dinners. The spices of cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy aroma that instantly invites guests to dig in. Unlike heavier desserts, this pie feels light yet satisfying, making it a favorite even for those who may avoid overly rich sweets. The natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes means you don’t need excessive sugar, keeping the pie balanced and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, this pie never fails to delight.

Gather These Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes – cooked and smooth for the perfect filling base.
• 1 cup sugar – to sweeten the custard without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk – adds creaminess and richness.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – brings a subtle buttery flavor and tender texture.
• 2 large eggs – bind everything together and create that custard-like consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the natural sweetness and aroma.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for warmth and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a subtle spicy note that complements the sweet potatoes.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and highlights flavors.
• 1 unbaked pie crust – a flaky, buttery shell to hold all the goodness.

Equipment & Tools

• Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand whisk – to blend the pie filling until creamy.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Spatula – perfect for scraping down the bowl and folding ingredients gently.
• 9-inch pie dish – the ideal size for this classic pie.
• Oven – for baking your pie to golden perfection.

The Method for Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or steam them until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then mash until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Measure out 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes for the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend everything together until the mixture is silky and well incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out your unbaked pie crust and fit it into your 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind bake it for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but this step is optional.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the filling set fully for clean slices. Serve warm or chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Budget & Availability Swaps

• Sweet potatoes: If fresh sweet potatoes are hard to find, canned mashed sweet potatoes can be a great alternative.
• Evaporated milk: Substitute with full-fat coconut milk or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Pie crust: Use a store-bought crust or make your own with simpler ingredients like flour, oil, and a pinch of salt.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg can be replaced with pumpkin pie spice for convenience.

Method to the Madness

Mastering this Sweet Potato Pie is about balancing flavors and textures. The key is to mash the sweet potatoes until they are perfectly smooth—any lumps can affect the silkiness of the filling. When mixing, don’t overbeat; just blend until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.

Keep an eye on your oven as the pie bakes. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out – it will firm up as it cools.

For a twist, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the filling for a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the spices. This pie also pairs wonderfully with side dishes like Longhorn Sliced Baked Potatoes or a hearty soup like Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for a full, comforting meal experience.

How to Store & Reheat

• Storage: Keep leftover Sweet Potato Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power.

Handy Q&A

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes are a convenient substitute. Just be sure to drain them well and mash until smooth. They might be slightly sweeter, so you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

You can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or plant-based milk like coconut milk. The texture might be a bit less creamy, but the pie will still taste delicious.

How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?

Blind baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling helps it stay crisp. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before pouring in the filling.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sweet Potato Pie actually tastes better when flavors have had time to meld. Bake the pie a day ahead, chill it, and serve it cold or gently warmed.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Meatball Mashed Potato Casserole – a hearty, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with sweet pies.
• Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – a creamy soup packed with flavor, perfect for cool evenings.
• Longhorn Sliced Baked Potatoes – a simple, savory potato dish that complements sweet desserts wonderfully.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the essentials and insider tips, it’s your turn to create this classic Sweet Potato Pie. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and buttery crust creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Dive in, savor each bite, and watch your loved ones ask for seconds!

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