Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that will bring warmth and joy to your holiday table, then this Sweet Potato Pie is just what you need! There’s something magical about the rich, sweet flavor of sweet potatoes combined with warm spices—it really captures the essence of fall. This pie isn’t just a treat; it’s a cherished tradition in my family. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy family dinners, or any occasion when you want to impress your loved ones with something special.

Making this Sweet Potato Pie from scratch is easier than you might think! With its creamy filling and flaky crust, it brings everyone together for a slice of happiness. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on this delightful dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe features straightforward steps that even novice bakers can handle!
• Family favorite: The combination of sweet potatoes and spices makes this pie a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfect for meal prep: You can make this pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Deliciously versatile: Feel free to customize the spices or toppings to suit your taste!
• Festive feel: It’s a classic dessert that will elevate any holiday celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Pie uses simple, wholesome ingredients that create a delicious flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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 the Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Pie recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add some zest: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon for a citrusy twist.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice for more depth of flavor.
• Nutty delight: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
• Make it pumpkin-y: Blend sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree for a delicious hybrid pie!

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your pie crust. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly—this helps create a flaky texture. Gradually add ice water and white grape juice until dough forms. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures your pie has a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl, mix together softened butter and dark brown sugar until creamy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in mashed sweet potatoes along with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be beautifully blended and slightly thick.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into your pie dish. Pour in the sweet potato filling evenly over the crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set—check by inserting a knife; it should come out clean when done. Let cool before slicing so that every piece holds its shape beautifully.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Top each slice with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence! Enjoy sharing this delicious Sweet Potato Pie with family and friends—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home as it has in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll be sure to create a dessert that impresses everyone!

• Use fresh sweet potatoes – Opting for fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned will give your pie a richer flavor and creamier texture. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.

• Chill your dough – After preparing the pie crust, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps prevent shrinking during baking. This results in a perfectly flaky and tender crust.

• Don’t overmix the filling – Gently mix your ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture in the final pie, so keep it light and airy!

• Bake until set – To ensure your pie is perfectly baked, look for a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

• Allow to cool completely – Letting your pie cool completely before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously rich taste that everyone will love.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Presenting your homemade sweet potato pie can be just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to make serving time special.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and creamy texture that complements the spiced filling beautifully.
• Cinnamon sprinkle – Dusting a pinch of cinnamon over the whipped cream not only enhances the presentation but also amplifies those warm flavors.
• Toasted pecans – Chopped toasted pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet potato.

Side Dishes

• Maple-glazed carrots – These sweet and savory carrots bring warmth and color to your table, making them a great accompaniment to the rich pie.
• Green bean casserole – A classic holiday side dish, this creamy and crunchy casserole contrasts nicely with the smoothness of sweet potato pie.
• Cornbread stuffing – The fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste of cornbread stuffing balances out the spices in the pie while adding heartiness to your meal.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts – These crispy, caramelized sprouts provide a delightful bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of your dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your sweet potato pie will not only taste amazing but will also look like a showstopper on your holiday table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a holiday feast or simply want to enjoy it throughout the week, these storage tips will help you keep your pie fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie and place it in a baking dish.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can cover with foil to prevent browning.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making sweet potato pie!

What is sweet potato pie made of?

Sweet potato pie is made from sweet potatoes, sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, eggs, and evaporated milk. The crust is typically made from flour, butter, sugar, and salt.

How do I make a classic sweet potato pie?

To make a classic sweet potato pie, prepare a flaky crust, mix cooked sweet potatoes with dark brown sugar and spices, pour into the crust, and bake until set.

Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes give a richer flavor compared to canned. Just be sure to cook them until soft before mashing.

How long does sweet potato pie last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, sweet potato pie can last 3-4 days. If frozen, it can be kept for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful sweet potato pie! It’s not just a delicious dessert; it’s a slice of tradition that brings warmth to any gathering. As you prepare this recipe for your loved ones, remember that each bite carries the love and care you’ve put into it. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!