Name: Melt-in-your-mouth Sweet Potato Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust; 3 medium sweet potatoes, baked and peeled; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup whole milk or evaporated milk; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; Whipped cream for serving (optional)

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Sweet potato pie has a way of transporting me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in a dish, a taste of pure comfort that feels like home. I remember watching her smooth the vibrant orange filling into the golden crust, her hands moving with a practiced grace. Learning how to make sweet potato pie myself was a rite of passage, and now I get to share that magic with you. Get ready to create a truly unforgettable pie that’s both incredibly easy and deeply satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pie

This pie is a winner for so many reasons!

The flavor is incredibly rich and creamy, with just the right amount of spice.
It’s a truly Easy Sweet Potato Pie, perfect for beginners.
You get wonderful natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes themselves.
It’s a budget-friendly dessert that uses simple, accessible ingredients.
This Homemade Sweet Potato Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays and gatherings.
The prep time is minimal, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.
It’s a satisfying treat that feels both comforting and wholesome.
The smooth texture and warm spices are pure bliss.

Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious homemade sweet potato pie. You’ll need:

1 unbaked pie crust – a flaky crust is essential for that classic look and texture.
3 medium sweet potatoes, baked and peeled – make sure they’re baked until very soft for the smoothest sweet potato pie filling.
1/2 cup salted butter, softened – this adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar – the combination of sugars gives a lovely depth of flavor.
1/2 cup whole milk or evaporated milk – milk contributes to the creamy consistency.
2 large eggs, beaten – these bind the filling together.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – these are the classic sweet potato pie spices that bring warmth.
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt – balances the sweetness.
Whipped cream for serving (optional)

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Making this sweet potato pie recipe is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create the best sweet potato pie!

Step 1: Prepare Crust and Preheat
First, place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges decoratively for that classic look. Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the pie pan on a baking sheet; this catches any potential drips and makes handling it easier.
Step 2: Make the Pie Filling
Bake 3 medium sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are very soft when pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly, then carefully peel off the skins. In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with the softened butter until you have a smooth consistency. Using an electric mixer on low speed really helps achieve that lovely, smooth filling.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Spices
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mashed sweet potatoes and butter mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined and looks creamy. Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fine sea salt. These spices are key to that comforting, warm flavor.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract on low speed until the filling is smooth and uniform. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; just combine until everything is incorporated for the perfect texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the sweet potato pie filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula. This ensures an even bake and a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Bake for 1 hour, or until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. For the last 20 minutes of baking, loosely cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil. This simple trick prevents the crust from over-browning before the filling is perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Cool the Pie
Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Let it cool for at least 1 hour. For the cleanest slices, it’s best to allow it to cool for up to 3 hours. This resting time is crucial for the filling to fully set.
Step 8: Serve
Once cooled, slice your delicious southern sweet potato pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if you like – it’s the perfect complement!

Melt-in-your-mouth Sweet Potato Pie - Sweet Potato Pie - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie

Achieving that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor in your homemade sweet potato pie is all about a few key sweet potato pie baking tips.

Bake your sweet potatoes until they are extremely tender; this is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t overmix the filling once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the pie.
Always use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk for a more uniform and well-emulsified filling.
Cool the pie completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean cuts.

What’s the secret to perfect sweet potato pie?

The real secret to that luscious, creamy texture lies in baking the sweet potatoes until they are incredibly soft, almost falling apart. This ensures they mash into a perfectly smooth puree for the sweet potato pie filling, and it complements the flaky sweet potato pie crust beautifully.

Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This makes it super convenient for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with sweet potato pie?

A common pitfall is overmixing the filling after adding eggs, which can cause your pie to crack during baking. Also, be sure to bake your sweet potatoes until they are very tender. If they aren’t soft enough, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

This delightful homemade sweet potato pie is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. It’s a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic Southern experience, a generous dollop of fluffy whipped cream is a must – its cool creaminess perfectly balances the rich, spiced filling.

Consider offering a few complementary sweet potato pie toppings to let everyone customize their slice. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness, while a sprinkle of toasted pecans provides a satisfying crunch. For a touch of elegance, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream makes it extra special. This pie truly shines with simple, yet delicious additions.

Melt-in-your-mouth Sweet Potato Pie - Sweet Potato Pie - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Sweet Potato Pie

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per slice of this delicious dessert:

Calories: 285 kcal
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Pie

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious homemade sweet potato pie for days to come. Once your pie has completely cooled on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours, it’s ready for storage. For the best results, keep any leftover sweet potato pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep your pie even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator. You can then serve it chilled or at room temperature, or gently warm individual slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Pie

What is sweet potato pie?

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert, particularly beloved in the American South. It features a smooth, creamy filling made primarily from mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened with sugar, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all baked within a flaky pie crust. It’s a comforting and deeply flavorful dessert that’s often enjoyed during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Why is sweet potato pie popular?

Its popularity stems from its comforting nature, delicious flavor profile, and connection to Southern culinary heritage. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, combined with warm spices, creates a uniquely satisfying taste. It’s also relatively easy to make, making it an accessible dessert for home bakers looking to create something special and traditional.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for sweet potato pie?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes or sweet potato puree in a pinch if you’re short on time! Just make sure you use 100% pure sweet potato puree and not pie filling. You’ll typically need about 2.5 to 3 cups of puree for a standard 9-inch pie. The texture might be slightly different than using freshly baked sweet potatoes, but it’s a convenient shortcut.

What are common sweet potato pie variations?

There are many delicious sweet potato pie variations! Some people add a touch of ginger or cloves to the spice mix, while others incorporate ingredients like bourbon or a hint of orange zest into the filling. You can also find recipes for vegan sweet potato pie and dairy-free sweet potato pie that use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, or gluten-free sweet potato pie options that use almond flour or oat flour for the crust.

Variations of Sweet Potato Pie You Can Try

While this classic Southern sweet potato pie is wonderful as is, there are so many fun ways to mix things up! Exploring different sweet potato pie variations can cater to various dietary needs or simply offer new flavor adventures.

For a plant-based option, try a vegan sweet potato pie. You can achieve a wonderfully creamy filling by using full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy milk and eggs, and a vegan butter substitute.
If you need a dairy-free sweet potato pie, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The results are just as delicious!
Craving a lighter, nuttier crust? Consider a gluten-free sweet potato pie with a crust made from almond flour, oat flour, or even a pecan crust.
For a twist on the spices, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom, or even a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note.