Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Heavenly Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Autumn Bliss

Sweet potato pie has been my go-to comfort dessert since childhood memories first sparked my culinary passion.

Grandma’s kitchen always smelled incredible when she pulled this golden beauty from the oven.

Creamy, smooth textures blend perfectly with warm spices that dance across your palate.

Southern kitchens understand the magic of transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Seasonal baking becomes an adventure when you embrace these delightful flavor combinations.

Each slice tells a story of tradition and love, connecting generations through a single delectable moment.

Ready to create something magical that will make everyone ask for seconds?

Reasons to Bake a Classic Sweet Potato Pie

  • Craft Homemade Comfort: Create a delightful dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to your family gathering, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas of cinnamon and sweet potatoes.
  • Simplify Baking Skills: Master this beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic cooking techniques, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress their loved ones with a delicious homemade pie.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Goodness: Embrace the rich flavors of autumn and winter with a classic sweet potato pie that highlights the natural sweetness of seasonal ingredients, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy weekend treats.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the pie by adjusting spices or adding a dollop of whipped cream, making it a versatile dessert that can adapt to different tastes and preferences.

Everything Needed for Sweet Potato Pie Filling

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Fresh root vegetables that form the primary base and flavor of the pie.
  • Pie Crust: Traditional pastry shell that holds the sweet potato filling.
Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to complement the natural potato flavor.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the pie's rich, aromatic profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall flavor complexity.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Help bind the filling and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
  • Evaporated Milk: Contributes creamy richness and helps achieve a silky filling consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, moist pie filling.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the pie.

Simple Steps for Baking Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prep and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender, about 20–25 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla. Stir until fully blended.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Whisk in eggs, evaporated milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and velvety with no lumps.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the filling into a prepared pie shell, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake Until Set

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes. Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean, the pie is done.

Step 6: Cool and Slice to Serve

Let the pie cool completely before cutting. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to deepen.

Tips for Silky and Sweet Potato Pie Slices

  • Use a potato ricer or hand mixer for ultra-creamy, lump-free sweet potato filling that ensures a silky texture.
  • Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger ratios to match your taste preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a perfect golden crust.
  • Let eggs and milk sit out before mixing to help ingredients blend more evenly and create a smoother filling.
  • Prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.

Sweet Potato Pie Variations for Every Occasion

  • Gluten-Free Crust Variation: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free graham cracker or almond flour crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Sweet Potato Pie: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
  • Spiced Maple Alternative: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup and add extra warming spices like cardamom or allspice for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie and glycemic impact while maintaining the pie's rich taste.

Pairings for Classic Sweet Potato Pie

Smooth, caramel-rich bourbon complements the pie’s warm spices and creamy texture, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Freshly whipped cream infused with a touch of ground cinnamon adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, rich pie filling.

Cold, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spiced sweet potato pie, balancing temperature and flavor.

Toasted pecans coated in a light brown sugar and cinnamon glaze offer a crunchy texture and nutty depth that elevates the pie’s sweetness.

Storing Sweet Potato Pie for Dessert Time

  • Store the sweet potato pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it flat to maintain the pie's shape and prevent crushing.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure complete coverage to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm individual slices in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent edges from burning. For best results, heat until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

  • How do I know if my sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

Boil the sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender. When you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance, they’re ready to be mashed.

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Drain them well and mash them before mixing with other ingredients. Fresh sweet potatoes provide a richer flavor, but canned works in a pinch.

  • Why do I need to add eggs to the sweet potato pie filling?

Eggs act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, custard-like texture. They also help the pie set properly during baking and provide structure to the filling.

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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern charm meets comfort in this classic sweet potato pie, blending creamy spiced filling with a buttery, flaky crust. Homemade goodness invites warm memories and delightful flavors you’ll savor with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cubed
  • 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) evaporated milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C), positioning the rack in the center.
  2. Submerge sweet potatoes in boiling water for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender, then drain completely.
  3. Mash the potatoes until velvety smooth, removing any lumps or stringy fibers.
  4. Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, and warm spices until uniformly blended.
  5. Incorporate vanilla extract, then fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring smooth integration.
  6. Gradually pour in evaporated milk and melted butter, stirring continuously to create a silky, homogeneous filling.
  7. Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared pie shell, spreading evenly to the edges.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slight wobble in the center and golden edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let the pie rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours to set completely.
  10. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

  • Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index and more complex flavor profile.
  • Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter alternatives to create a plant-based version of this classic dessert.
  • Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling to intensify their natural caramelized sweetness and concentrate flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom or replace some ground spices with fresh grated spices for a more vibrant and aromatic pie filling.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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