Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that warms the heart and fills the home with delicious aromas, this Sweet Potato Pie is just what you need! There’s something magical about the combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and a flaky crust that brings back memories of cozy family gatherings. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and it’s perfect for any occasion—be it Thanksgiving feasts or a simple weeknight treat. The best part? It’s easy to make and absolutely delightful to share!

Let’s dive in and create this comforting dessert together. I promise it will become a favorite at your table just like it is at mine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this pie comes together quickly, making it perfect even for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the warm flavors of sweet potatoes and spices—it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this pie in advance, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones on special occasions.
• Deliciously Flavorful: Each bite is bursting with rich flavors from dark brown sugar and warm spices—truly comforting!
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh whipped cream, this pie looks as good as it tastes, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will get you started on your Sweet Potato Pie journey. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect flavor and texture.

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 Topping:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

This Sweet Potato Pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Some Citrus: A bit of orange or lemon zest can brighten up the filling and add a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Flavor: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising kick!
• Different Sweeteners: Swap out dark brown sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust

Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and white grape juice until dough forms. This step is crucial because a flaky crust is essential for holding all that delicious filling!

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. Transfer it carefully into the dish and trim any excess hanging over the edges. Pre-bake your crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. This ensures that your crust stays crisp under all that creamy filling!

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Boil or steam your sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooled slightly, peel them and mash them until smooth. This step gives your pie its rich texture and natural sweetness—definitely don’t skip it!

Step 4: Mix Your Filling

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, spices, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend everything together until smooth. The mixture should be creamy—this is where all those wonderful flavors come alive!

Step 5: Fill & Bake

Pour your filling into the pre-baked crust. Beat an egg with milk and brush it over the top of the pie for a lovely shine when baked. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-70 minutes until set. This final bake allows everything to meld into pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Allow your pie to cool before slicing—if you can resist! Serve each slice topped with fresh whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch. You’ll see smiles all around as everyone digs into this homemade delight!

Enjoy making this Sweet Potato Pie; I know you’ll love sharing it as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure your pie turns out perfectly!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes to ensure the best flavor and texture in your pie. Fresh sweet potatoes yield a creamier filling and richer taste.

• Pre-bake the crust: Give your pie crust a quick pre-bake for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This step prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures that you have a beautifully crisp base.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and softened butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the filling, resulting in a velvety texture.

• Don’t overmix the filling: Mix just until combined when adding your ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture in your pie, which we want to avoid for that luscious mouthfeel.

• Let it cool before slicing: Patience is key! Allow your sweet potato pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve without losing shape.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Serving sweet potato pie can be as simple or as fancy as you like! Here are some ideas to impress your guests during the holiday season.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A classic topping, whipped cream adds a lovely lightness that complements the rich filling perfectly.
• Toasted pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the whipped cream brings out the warm spices in the pie and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Green bean casserole: This creamy dish adds a savory contrast to your sweet potato pie while providing that comforting feel of home cooking.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts balances out the sweetness of the pie, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is a staple side dish that enhances any Thanksgiving table while offering a delightful texture contrast.
• Stuffing: A hearty stuffing seasoned with herbs adds depth to your meal and complements the flavors of sweet potato beautifully.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience with this delicious homemade sweet potato pie! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of fall any time you like! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring your holiday gatherings are stress-free and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer, slice the pie beforehand for easy serving.

Freezing

• Let the pie cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent browning.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about making a sweet potato pie!

How do I make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch?

Making sweet potato pie from scratch involves preparing the crust and filling separately. Start by baking or boiling sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them. Combine this with sugar, spices, eggs, and evaporated milk for a creamy filling. Pour into a prepared crust and bake until set!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes in my Sweet Potato Pie?

Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes can save you time. Just ensure they’re well-drained before mashing, and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What makes this Sweet Potato Pie recipe special?

This recipe stands out due to its use of dark brown sugar and warm spices that evoke cozy memories of Thanksgiving gatherings. The buttery crust perfectly complements the creamy filling, making each slice a delightful experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope this sweet potato pie brings warmth and joy to your table this holiday season! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that creates lasting memories with loved ones. Enjoy making this special treat, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me! Happy baking!