If you have a craving for a comforting, rich dessert that carries the warmth of the holidays with every bite, then this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Creamy, smooth sweet potato filling meets a flaky, buttery crust in a pie that’s both classic and irresistibly delicious. This dessert showcases the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, enhanced by cozy spices and a touch of evaporated milk, resulting in a luscious treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or any time you want a slice of nostalgia and comfort wrapped into one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the velvety sweet potatoes to the aromatic spices, every component contributes to a pie that’s both homey and elegant.
- Refrigerated Pie Crust: Using a pre-made crust saves time and ensures a flaky, buttery base that holds the filling beautifully.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps smooth out the filling.
- Evaporated Milk: Gives the filling its silky, creamy consistency without making it too heavy.
- Eggs: Bind the filling together and give structure to the pie.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pie just right, complementing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant notes that make each bite feel cozy.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors, preventing the pie from tasting flat.
- Ginger Powder: Adds a subtle spicy kick that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Nutmeg: Enhances the spice blend with its earthy, slightly sweet aroma.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, poke them several times to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them on the sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender all the way through. This slow baking enhances their natural sweetness and makes the flesh incredibly soft for mashing.
Step 2: Cool and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Once baked, let the sweet potatoes cool just enough so they’re safe to handle. Peel off their skins carefully—the flesh should be soft and easily separated. Place the sweet potato flesh into a large bowl as the base for your pie filling.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add the softened butter, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and all the warming spices—cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg—to the sweet potatoes. Using a handheld mixer, beat all these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, which usually takes around 5 minutes or more due to the fibrous texture of the sweet potatoes. This smoothness is key to achieving a creamy pie filling everyone will love.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Shape your refrigerated pie crust into your pie pan, gently pressing it to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Pour in the luscious sweet potato filling, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know the pie is ready when it doesn’t jiggle if you nudge it and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or without any wet filling attached. Cooling before serving is an absolute must to let those flavors settle perfectly.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe better than a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, airy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm and silky filling. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top or add chopped pecans for a nice crunch that complements the pie’s soft texture.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides if you want to make a dessert spread. Try it alongside vanilla ice cream to balance the spices with creamy coldness, or serve with a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai to amplify the cozy flavors. Fresh fruit or a light salad can also balance the richness if you’re serving it at a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve individual mini sweet potato pies in ramekins or tart tins. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over top before serving or layer slices with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an island-inspired update. Presentation really makes the pie feel special and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover Sweet Potato Pie Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more overnight.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your pie in advance or save leftover slices for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pie or slices securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, your pie can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover pie warm, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or the whole pie in the oven at 300℉ for 15-20 minutes. This helps revive the pie’s warmth and soft texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make the sweet potato filling without a mixer?
Absolutely! You can use a potato masher or a sturdy fork to mash the sweet potatoes, then whisk the other ingredients vigorously by hand. It might take a bit more elbow grease to achieve a smooth texture, but it’s definitely doable and just as delicious.
Is it okay to use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh sweet potatoes work wonderfully and are actually preferred by many for their fresher taste and texture. Just be sure to bake them fully and allow them to cool before mashing into your filling.
Can I substitute the evaporated milk with regular milk?
While substituting is possible, evaporated milk adds richness without extra water content, which helps the filling set properly. Using regular milk may result in a softer filling that might take longer to bake or can be a bit runnier.
How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?
The best test is gentle: the pie should not jiggle when you shake it slightly. Alternatively, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with dry crumbs, not wet filling. This ensures the eggs and filling are fully set.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be stirred into the filling or sprinkled on top before baking for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind this might alter the baking time slightly, so watch it closely!
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is a heartfelt homage to classic comfort food that’s simple to make and bursting with warm, inviting flavors. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays or just because you need a slice of happiness, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and watch how this humble dessert brings smiles to the table every single time.
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
Description
This classic Sweet Potato Pie is a comforting dessert featuring a smooth, spiced sweet potato filling nestled in a flaky pre-made refrigerated pie crust. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it’s a warm and inviting treat ideal for gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pre-made Refrigerated Pie Crust (room temperature)
Filling
- 1 ½ pound Sweet Potatoes
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 12 ounce can Evaporated Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ginger Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ (190℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. This ensures they are fully cooked and tender for the filling.
- Cool and Prepare Filling: Once baked, allow the sweet potatoes to cool until they can be handled safely. Peel off the skins and transfer the sweet potato flesh to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Filling Ingredients and Mix: Add the softened butter, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger powder, and nutmeg to the bowl with the sweet potatoes. Using a handheld mixer, beat the mixture until it is completely smooth, which may take 5 minutes or more due to the texture of the potatoes.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Shape the pre-made pie crust into a pie dish to your liking, ensuring it’s evenly spread and ready to hold the filling.
- Fill and Bake the Pie: Pour the smooth sweet potato filling into the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the pie’s center is set and does not jiggle when moved. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, without any wet filling attached.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired for an extra creamy finish. Enjoy your delicious homemade sweet potato pie!
Notes
- To check sweet potatoes for doneness, pierce with a fork; they should be soft and tender.
- Using a handheld mixer helps achieve a smoother filling texture.
- If you prefer, homemade pie crust can be used instead of pre-made refrigerated crust.
- Adding whipped cream on top enhances the flavor and presentation but is optional.
- Letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps it set better for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American