Sweet potato pie has always been the star of my holiday table, ever since I was a little girl helping my mama in the kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling our home always meant good times and full bellies. This Southern sweet potato pie recipe is a treasure, passed down through generations. It’s incredibly creamy and perfectly spiced, making it a truly comforting dessert. I’ve found that this easy sweet potato pie recipe is simple enough for any home cook to master and always gets rave reviews. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Sweet Potato Pie
This isn’t just any pie; it’s a slice of pure comfort and nostalgia. You’ll adore this recipe because:
- The taste is unbelievably creamy and perfectly spiced, a true delight for your taste buds.
- It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight treat or last-minute dessert.
- It’s a healthier option, packed with the natural goodness of sweet potatoes.
- Making this homemade sweet potato pie is incredibly budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike for its comforting flavor.
- The aroma while baking is simply divine, filling your home with warmth.
- This homemade sweet potato pie is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive holidays.
Ingredients for Homemade Sweet Potato Pie
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a truly delicious homemade sweet potato pie. The heart of this recipe is, of course, the sweet potatoes themselves, mashed until smooth to form the base of our luscious filling. You’ll need 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes), ideally roasted or steamed until tender and then pureed for the best texture. For that signature creamy consistency, we use 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, which adds richness without the heaviness of regular milk or cream. To sweeten things up just right, grab 3/4 cup granulated sugar. The magic happens with the spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. These create that warm, comforting flavor profile everyone loves. Don’t forget 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, which act as a binder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness. Finally, you’ll need 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, either homemade or store-bought, ready to hold all this goodness for your sweet potato pie filling.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, I like to get my unbaked 9-inch pie crust ready. Make sure it’s sitting flat on a baking sheet, which makes it easier to move in and out of the oven.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the star of our show: 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes. I like to mash them until they are really smooth for the best texture in this sweet potato pie recipe. Add the 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Step 3: Now for the warm, cozy spices that make this pie so special! Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Give everything a good mix until it’s all combined and the filling looks beautifully smooth and evenly colored.
- Step 4: Carefully pour the luscious sweet potato pie filling into your prepared unbaked pie crust. Try to get it as even as possible across the crust.
- Step 5: Place the baking sheet with the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The top might look slightly firm and perhaps a little cracked, which is perfectly normal for a great sweet potato pie recipe.
- Step 6: Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven. Let the Southern sweet potato pie cool completely on a wire rack. This resting period is crucial for the filling to set properly. Enjoying this classic pie recipe is worth the wait!
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure my sweet potato pie is always a showstopper. Here are my top tips:
- Always use roasted or steamed sweet potatoes for the smoothest texture. Boiling can add too much water, leading to a watery pie.
- Don’t overbake! A slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the pie is okay; it will continue to set as it cools.
- For an extra rich flavor, consider using half evaporated milk and half heavy cream.
- Blind baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy bottom.
What’s the secret to perfect creamy sweet potato pie?
The absolute secret to a perfect creamy sweet potato pie is ensuring your sweet potatoes are mashed or pureed until completely smooth. I like to use a food processor or a ricer for this. This creates a silky texture that’s simply divine.
Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can bake the entire pie a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’s a great way to get a head start on holiday baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with sweet potato pie?
The most common mistake is a watery pie, usually caused by overcooked or boiled sweet potatoes. Another pitfall is overbaking, which can lead to a curdled texture. Always check for doneness with a knife inserted near the center.
Best Ways to Serve Spiced Sweet Potato Pie
This delicious spiced sweet potato pie is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a more festive touch, especially when making this for a holiday meal, consider serving it alongside other classic Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey and cranberry sauce. It truly shines as a centerpiece dessert.
Nutrition Facts for Sweet Potato Pie
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in a typical slice of this classic dessert. It’s a sweet treat that’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For more information on nutritional content, you can consult resources on food nutrition.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Holiday Sweet Potato Pie
Once your delicious holiday sweet potato pie has cooled completely, it’s time to think about storage. I always let mine sit on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to ensure the filling is fully set before I even think about covering it. For short-term storage, simply wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight pie carrier. This way, it will keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, which helps answer the question of how long does sweet potato pie last. If you need to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm a slice in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until just warmed through, or microwave it for short intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Pie
I get asked a lot about making the perfect pie, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned!
What are the ingredients for sweet potato pie?
The core ingredients for a classic sweet potato pie include mashed sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, salt, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You’ll also need an unbaked pie crust. These simple components come together to create that iconic flavor and texture.
Why is my sweet potato pie watery?
A watery pie is usually a sign that the sweet potatoes were boiled for too long, absorbing excess water. Roasting or steaming them until tender, and then mashing or pureeing them until very smooth, helps prevent this. Also, ensure you don’t overbake the pie; a slight wobble in the center is okay as it will firm up as it cools.
Can I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in sweet potato pie?
While you can substitute condensed milk for evaporated milk, it will change the flavor and texture. Sweet potato pie made with condensed milk tends to be much sweeter and can have a slightly different consistency. If you do substitute, you might want to reduce the added sugar. I personally prefer the classic flavor profile from evaporated milk.
What can I serve with sweet potato pie?
This sweet potato pie is delicious served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For holiday meals, it’s a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats and savory sides.
Variations of Sweet Potato Pie You Can Try
While this classic recipe is amazing, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! If you’re looking for different ways to enjoy this beloved dessert, consider these delightful variations. For those watching their diet, a vegan sweet potato pie recipe is a fantastic option, often using plant-based milks like coconut milk and a flax egg or silken tofu as a binder. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. If you love spices, try adding a bit more ginger or even a pinch of cardamom for a unique flavor twist. Some people even enjoy a baked sweet potato pie with a crumble topping for added texture!
Print
Sweet Potato Pie Perfection: 1 Magic Touch
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a classic homemade sweet potato pie with this easy recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday, this Southern-style sweet potato pie is creamy, spiced, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and salt.
- Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to the mixture.
- Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato pie filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the sweet potato pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For an even smoother texture, you can process the mashed sweet potatoes in a food processor.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup.
- This sweet potato pie can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato Pie, Homemade Sweet Potato Pie, Classic Sweet Potato Pie, Southern Sweet Potato Pie, Easy Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Pie, Holiday Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, How to Make Sweet Potato Pie, Spiced Sweet Potato Pie, Creamy Sweet Potato Pie
