Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table, this Sweet Potato Pie is just what you need. There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy sweet potatoes, rich brown sugar, and aromatic spices. Each bite takes you back to cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and love. This pie is not only a fantastic centerpiece for Thanksgiving but also perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special to share with loved ones.

What makes this Sweet Potato Pie a favorite in my home is its old-fashioned charm. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers big flavors that impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and spiced flavor profile—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the pie ahead of time, freeing up your schedule on those busy holidays.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of dark brown sugar and warm spices creates a taste that’s rich yet comforting.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy family dinner any night of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find these simple and wholesome items will come together to create something truly delightful. Here’s what you’ll need for your Sweet Potato Pie:

For the Pie 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 Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

This Sweet Potato Pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

• Add Some Zest: Mix in some grated orange or lemon zest to brighten up the filling.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique touch.
• Sweet Swaps: Use honey or maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your pie crust. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Adding ice water gradually helps form a dough that holds together well. Chill it for at least 30 minutes—this makes it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

While your crust chills, let’s get those sweet potatoes ready! Boil them in water until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel them and mash until smooth. This step ensures that your filling will be creamy and delicious.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, spices, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is blended smoothly. This mixture will be full of flavor!

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface until it fits your pie dish. Place it carefully in the dish and pour in your sweet potato filling. Don’t forget to make sure everything looks nice—it’s going to be beautiful once baked!

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your pie for about 90 minutes or until set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean; this means it’s ready!

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once cooled slightly, beat an egg with milk and brush it over the crust for a golden finish. Serve each slice topped with fresh whipped cream—a delightful way to enhance every bite!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this amazing Sweet Potato Pie! Your friends and family are going to be so impressed by this delightful dessert that they may just ask for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Making sweet potato pie is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your dessert to perfection!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. They should be free from blemishes and soft spots to ensure a delicious filling.

• Pre-bake the crust: A pre-baked crust helps prevent a soggy bottom. Bake the crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to achieve that perfect crispiness.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for a bit before using them. This helps them blend more easily into the filling, resulting in a smoother texture.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your filling ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your pie as it cools.

• Cool completely before slicing: Allow your pie to cool at room temperature for at least two hours before cutting into it. This step ensures that the filling sets properly for clean slices.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this festive dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a lovely touch and creaminess that complements the spices in the pie.
• Cinnamon dust: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of your whipped cream gives an aromatic boost and enhances its warm flavors.
• Chopped pecans: For some added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top; they provide a delightful contrast to the smooth filling.

Side Dishes

• Classic Green Bean Casserole: This comforting dish balances the sweetness of your pie with savory green beans and creamy mushroom sauce, creating an irresistible combination at the table.
• Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with sweet potato pie, offering another layer of flavor that’s synonymous with Southern cooking.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of the pie and adds a beautiful color contrast to your holiday spread.
• Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce offers a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of sweet potato pie, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Now that you’re equipped with pro tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your loved ones and indulge in this delightful homemade sweet potato pie. Enjoy every moment of this classic holiday treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush. You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, or even freeze it for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Bring to room temperature before serving or enjoy chilled.

Freezing

• Allow the pie to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the wrapping and place the pie on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie that might help you out:

What is the best way to make sweet potato pie?

The best way to make sweet potato pie is by using fresh sweet potatoes, which provide a natural sweetness and rich texture. Follow this recipe closely for a delicious result!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for my sweet potato pie?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes if you’re short on time! Just be sure to drain them well and mash them before adding them to the filling mixture.

How do I know when my sweet potato pie is done?

Your sweet potato pie is done when the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to create this delightful sweet potato pie! Its warm spices and creamy filling are sure to bring joy to your holiday table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a special family gathering, this recipe is bound to impress. Enjoy making it and sharing it with your loved ones—there’s nothing quite like homemade desserts that warm both hearts and bellies!