Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Heavenly Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: A Cozy Fall Classic

Crafting a delightful sweet potato pie brings comfort and warmth to any gathering.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dessert with deep culinary pride.

Creamy, smooth textures blend perfectly with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Rich orange filling nestles into a flaky, golden crust that promises pure deliciousness.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each delectable slice.

Seasonal spices and velvety sweet potatoes create a magical dessert experience.

Why Sweet Potato Pie Is a Classic Comfort Dessert

  • Savor Family Comfort: This sweet potato pie delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that bring everyone together around the table, creating cherished memories with each delightful slice.
  • Master Simple Baking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, ensuring a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weekend desserts, this pie adapts beautifully to different occasions and always impresses guests with its rich, smooth texture.
  • Nutritious Indulgence: Sweet potatoes pack a healthy punch with vitamins and fiber, transforming this classic dessert into a more nutritious option that doesn't compromise on incredible taste.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A creamy orange vegetable that provides the rich, smooth base for this classic Southern pie.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delightful caramelized texture in the pie filling.
  • Butter: Contributes a rich, smooth flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent and help create a custard-like consistency.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Milk: Work together to add depth of flavor and create a silky smooth texture.
Seasoning:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pie.
Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Serves as the delicious foundation that holds the sweet potato filling.

How to Bake Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) temperature, preparing it for the delicious sweet potato pie adventure.

Step 2: Create The Silky Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Granulated sugar
  • Softened butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Milk

Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Fill The Pie Crust

Gently pour the luscious sweet potato mixture into an unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 55-60 minutes. Watch for the filling to set beautifully in the center, creating a golden and stable texture.

Step 5: Cool And Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest, allowing the filling to settle and the flavors to meld. Once cooled, slice and serve this heavenly dessert to eager guests.

Helpful Tips for Sweet Potato Pie

  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that's equally creamy and delicious.
  • Use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned for a richer, more authentic flavor and better texture.
  • Cool the pie completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts and prevent the filling from falling apart.
  • Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the pie's warmth and add an extra layer of flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, covering loosely with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Variations to Explore with Sweet Potato Pie

  • Marshmallow Topping Pie: Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, gooey layer that adds extra sweetness.
  • Pecan Crunch Pie: Spread a layer of chopped pecans mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon over the pie filling before baking for a crunchy, nutty texture.
  • Coconut Cream Pie: Fold shredded coconut into the sweet potato mixture and top with toasted coconut flakes after baking for a tropical flavor profile.
  • Bourbon Spice Pie: Add a splash of bourbon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, rich undertone that complements the sweet potatoes.

Suggested Pairings for Sweet Potato Pie

  • Elevate Sweet Potato Pie Pairings
  • Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the pie's sweetness, creating a perfect balance with its robust flavor profile.
  • Match Creamy Bourbon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of bourbon, adding a luxurious, spirited touch that complements the pie's warm spices.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast and enhances the pie's creamy, sweet texture.
  • Pour Spiced Chai Latte: Warm chai with its aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom mirrors the pie's comforting autumn flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Storage Advice for Sweet Potato Pie

  • Store the sweet potato pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the completely cooled pie in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw individual portions quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed pie in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. For a crisp crust, avoid microwaving and use the oven method for best results.

FAQs About Sweet Potato Pie

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this pie?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just drain them well and mash before mixing with other ingredients.

  • How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

  • What type of crust works best for sweet potato pie?

A traditional butter pie crust or graham cracker crust both work wonderfully. Homemade or store-bought crusts are equally good.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the pie 1-2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 70-75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets seasonal delight in this heavenly Sweet Potato Pie that whispers memories of family gatherings. Silky smooth filling nestled in a buttery crust promises pure comfort with each delectable slice you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) mashed sweet potatoes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 unbaked pie crust

Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) melted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the pie.
  2. Thoroughly combine mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and milk, whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Transfer the creamy sweet potato mixture into an unbaked pie shell, ensuring even distribution across the entire crust surface.
  4. Place pie in preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets firmly and develops a slight golden-brown appearance.
  5. Remove from oven and allow pie to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and enhances overall texture and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Opt for roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling to enhance their natural caramelized flavor and reduce excess moisture in the pie filling.
  • Prevent pie crust from getting soggy by brushing the bottom with egg white before adding the sweet potato mixture, creating a protective barrier.
  • Consider using brown sugar or a mix of white and brown sugar to add deeper, more complex sweetness and create a richer caramel undertone.
  • Experiment with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to elevate the pie’s flavor profile and add a cozy, comforting dimension.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern United States

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 322 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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