Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this sweet potato pie! This recipe is not just any pie; it’s an old-fashioned delight that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices. The creamy filling paired with a perfectly flaky crust makes it a star at any gathering. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy family night, this sweet potato pie will surely impress.

What makes this pie so special is its rich flavor and how it brings everyone together. It’s a dessert that evokes memories of family traditions while being simple enough for anyone to make. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something wonderful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar and warm spices creates a comforting taste that feels like home.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll find making this pie to be a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a slice of sweet potato pie! It’s the perfect way to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance, leaving you stress-free for your holiday gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it on its own or topped with fresh whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that come together to create the most delightful sweet potato pie. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 the Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

This sweet potato pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and personalize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Chop and sprinkle some pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment with spices by adding cardamom or allspice for unique flavor notes.
• Change the sweetness: Swap out some brown sugar for maple syrup to give it an earthy twist.
• Try different toppings: Instead of whipped cream, try serving with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a delightful contrast.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by making your pie crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and grape juice until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. This step is essential because fluffy sweet potatoes lead to a creamy filling.

Step 3: Mix Your Filling

In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, spices, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend well until everything is mixed thoroughly. The aroma will be absolutely delightful!

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about an inch larger than your pie dish. Fit it into the dish without stretching. Pour in the sweet potato filling.

Step 5: Bake!

Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set in the center. It may puff slightly; that’s normal! Let it cool before slicing—this helps improve its texture too.

Now you have a beautiful homemade sweet potato pie ready to share! Serve it warm or at room temperature with whipped cream on top. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Making the perfect sweet potato pie is all about the little details. Here are some handy tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes – Opt for firm, unbruised sweet potatoes. They add a creamy texture and rich flavor, which are essential for a delightful pie.

• Pre-bake the crust – Blind-baking your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling helps prevent it from becoming soggy. This keeps your crust flaky and perfectly cooked.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow your eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing them into your batter. This ensures a smooth and well-blended filling.

• Don’t skip the spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are what give this pie its warm, inviting flavor. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste for a personalized touch!

• Let it cool completely – After baking, let your pie cool on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, making for cleaner slices.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Presenting your sweet potato pie can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light and airy finish that complements the rich flavors of the pie.
• Cinnamon dusting – A light sprinkle of cinnamon over the whipped cream not only looks lovely but enhances that comforting spice aroma.
• Chopped nuts – Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Side Dishes

• Green bean casserole – A classic side dish with tender green beans baked in a creamy sauce topped with crispy onions makes a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts – These caramelized veggies add a savory note to your meal while remaining light enough not to overshadow the dessert.

• Cornbread muffins – Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins offer a rustic touch that pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving feast.

• Cranberry sauce – The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce provides an excellent balance against the sweetness of sweet potato pie, making every bite exciting.

Enjoy crafting this delightful dessert and sharing it with loved ones—your sweet potato pie is sure to be a hit this Thanksgiving!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making your holiday gatherings easier and more enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the pie is fully cooled before freezing.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Optionally, serve with fresh whipped cream on top.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making sweet potato pie:

What is sweet potato pie made of?

Sweet potato pie is made from a blend of mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, spices, eggs, and evaporated milk baked in a flaky crust. It’s a comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall!

How do you make a sweet potato pie from scratch?

To make a sweet potato pie from scratch, you’ll need to prepare a homemade crust and fill it with a mixture of cooked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and evaporated milk. The result is a rich and creamy filling that’s simply irresistible.

Can I substitute pumpkin for sweet potato in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute canned or cooked pumpkin puree for sweet potatoes if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long does sweet potato pie last in the fridge?

When stored properly, sweet potato pie can last up to three days in the fridge. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful sweet potato pie! It’s a wonderful treat that not only brings warmth to your holiday table but also fills your home with inviting aromas. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends or savoring it all by yourself. Happy baking!