Sweet Potato Pie is the kind of soul-satisfying, heartwarming dessert that brings everyone to the table with a smile. With a velvety, spiced sweet potato filling nestled into a flaky crust, it’s no wonder this Southern classic is a holiday favorite. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to revisit a comforting staple, this recipe highlights everything that makes Sweet Potato Pie unforgettable: rich flavor, homey nostalgia, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie is refreshingly simple, and each element plays a vital role. From the buttery base to aromatic spices, these basics come together to create magic, so don’t skip or skimp—every item adds a pop of color, richness, or that irresistible pie-shop aroma.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This is the vessel for everything delicious—go with store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
- Mashed cooked sweet potatoes (2 cups, about 2 medium): The star of the show, lending natural sweetness and stunning color to the pie.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds luscious texture and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the deal and helps create that classic creamy filling.
- Evaporated milk (1/2 cup): Brings silkiness to each slice without being too heavy.
- Large eggs (2): Binds the filling so every forkful is beautifully set.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor profile and adds a lovely aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Wakes up the sweetness with cozy spice.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a touch of warmth and nostalgic flavor.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances every other flavor—don’t forget this tiny but mighty ingredient.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s good and hot when your pie is ready to bake. Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into your favorite pie dish, crimping the edges for a little extra flair or leaving them rustic for that homemade touch.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your warm, mashed sweet potatoes and softened butter. Beat them together until the mixture becomes silky and lump-free; this is your chance to get that dreamy, smooth texture in every bite.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Milk, Eggs, and Flavors
Next, add in the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until you’ve got a beautifully thick, pourable batter with flecks of spice and plenty of sweet aroma.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the sweet potato filling right into your prepared pie crust, using a spatula to smooth the top. This ensures the pie bakes evenly and comes out bakery-perfect, whether you’re a novice or seasoned pie maker.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center looks set and a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean. Allow the Sweet Potato Pie to cool completely so that creamy filling has time to firm up—your patience will be rewarded!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie
Garnishes
When it comes to garnish, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of cinnamon can turn a simple Sweet Potato Pie into an eye-catching centerpiece. For extra flair, try toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup—each adds both flavor and a pretty finish that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Pie pairs beautifully with other comforting desserts like apple crisp or pecan bars, but it also shines alongside a fresh fruit salad. If you’re going all out for a Southern spread, serve it after a classic fried chicken dinner for the ultimate indulgence!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, consider baking the pie in mini tart shells for individual servings, or serve it parfait-style layered with whipped cream in jars. Guests of all ages will love being handed their own personalized Sweet Potato Pie treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Sweet Potato Pie should be wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it perfect for nibbling on after a big holiday meal—or breakfast, if you’re feeling cheeky.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this pie! Once cooled completely, wrap it well and pop it in the freezer for up to two months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for a make-ahead dessert that tastes just as good as fresh.
Reheating
If you enjoy your Sweet Potato Pie warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or warm the whole pie (covered loosely with foil) in a 300°F oven until gently heated through. Either way, it’ll taste just like it came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch, just be sure to drain and mash them well. The flavor is a bit different compared to freshly roasted or boiled sweet potatoes, but the pie will still be creamy and delicious.
What’s the difference between Sweet Potato Pie and pumpkin pie?
Both pies are custardy and spiced, but Sweet Potato Pie has a naturally richer sweetness and a smoother texture. The flavors are earthier and more comforting, making it a staple in Southern baking traditions.
How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when the center looks set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean—a bit of moisture is fine, as it’ll set more as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep that dreamy, creamy texture everyone loves.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter for regular, and use coconut milk or another non-dairy milk in place of evaporated milk. Your Sweet Potato Pie will still be rich and full of flavor.
Is Sweet Potato Pie best served warm or cold?
You can enjoy it either way! Many folks love it chilled, but warming it slightly brings out the spices and gives the filling a pudding-like quality. Try both and see which way your friends and family prefer.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or just because you’re craving a classic, Sweet Potato Pie is always a treat worth sharing. Give this recipe a try—once you taste that creamy, spiced filling in a flaky crust, it’ll become a cherished part of your baking rotation, guaranteed.
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Southern American cuisine with this classic Sweet Potato Pie. A perfect dessert for holidays or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, beat together mashed sweet potatoes and butter until smooth. Add sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, spices, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Fill pie crust: Pour filling into pie crust and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until set. Let cool before serving. Top with whipped cream or cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling.
- Pie can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Bring pie to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
