Craving a dessert that’s full of warmth and sweetness? This Classic Sweet Potato Pie is the perfect Southern comfort dessert, with creamy, spiced sweet potato filling baked into a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a nostalgic and beloved favorite, especially around the holidays. 🍠🥧
Sweet potato pie has been a staple in Southern homes for generations. Its smooth, creamy filling is made with sweet potatoes, sugar, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla. The flavor is comforting, familiar, and a great alternative to pumpkin pie. Whether you’re making this pie for Thanksgiving or simply craving something sweet, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Sweet Potato Pie
This pie is rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced, with a natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes and a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The flaky pie crust adds texture, and the pie itself is easy to make, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Main Ingredients for Classic Sweet Potato Pie
Each ingredient in this recipe works together to create a rich and flavorful pie with a perfectly smooth filling:
- Sweet Potatoes (2 cups, cooked and mashed): The star of the show, sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. You can bake or boil them, then mash until smooth.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the pie and balances the flavors of the sweet potatoes.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy filling.
- Evaporated Milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess without making the filling too rich.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Provide structure and help the pie set.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the spices.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A classic spice for sweet potato pie, adding warmth and depth.
- Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, earthy spice that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- Pie Crust (1 unbaked 9-inch crust): A buttery, flaky crust is the perfect vessel for the sweet potato filling.
- You can use a store-bought crust or make your own from scratch.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this dessert not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Evaporated milk adds creaminess without making the pie too heavy, while butter enhances the richness of the filling.
How to Make Classic Sweet Potato Pie: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by baking or boiling your sweet potatoes until they are tender. If baking, prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes. If boiling, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks and boil in water for 20-25 minutes until soft. Once cooked, mash them until smooth.
- Be sure to remove any lumps to achieve a silky-smooth filling.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Make sure to blend everything thoroughly so the filling is creamy and evenly spiced.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges if desired. Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- You can use a store-bought crust to save time or make your own for a more homemade touch.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be firm but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Keep an eye on the pie during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This will help the filling set and make it easier to cut neat slices. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.
Tips for Perfect Classic Sweet Potato Pie
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture for this pie. Avoid using canned sweet potatoes, as they may be too watery.
- Don’t Overbake: The pie should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Let It Cool: Be sure to let the pie cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Sweet Potato Pie
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Sweet potato pie can be made a day or two in advance. Simply bake the pie and let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving, or gently warm it in the oven.
What can I serve with sweet potato pie?
This pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor.
Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes, sweet potato pie freezes well. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different kind of milk?
You can substitute the evaporated milk with whole milk, half-and-half, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
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