The Ultimate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: Rich, Creamy, and Perfectly Spiced

Imagine slicing into a buttery crust filled with smooth, velvety sweet potato filling, fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. There’s something about a homemade sweet potato pie that brings warmth and comfort like no other dessert. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a weeknight treat, sweet potato pie has a way of making every bite feel like a hug. It’s time to bring this classic dish to your table and fill your kitchen with that unbeatable aroma.

When it comes to desserts that taste like home, sweet potato pie is an absolute classic. It’s got that rich, creamy texture and a flavor that’s earthy, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a bit of natural sweetness and a unique texture that feels smooth but not too dense. Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a treat you can feel good about sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this pie, simple ingredients come together for a perfectly balanced flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ready-to-roll pie crust, for a 9-inch pie dish
• 2 large sweet potatoes, baked and peeled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream, for serving

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Potato Pie

Ready to get started? Follow these steps for a sweet potato pie that’s smooth, spiced just right, and guaranteed to impress.

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prep the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Pie Crust

• Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the dish, crimping the edges for a neat finish. Set the dish aside while you make the filling.

3. Blend the Sweet Potatoes

• In a food processor, blend the baked and peeled sweet potatoes until completely smooth. This step is key for a silky texture in the pie.

4. Mix the Filling

• To the blended sweet potatoes, add the sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend everything until smooth and well-combined. The filling should be creamy and thick with a beautiful, golden-orange color.

5. Fill the Pie Crust

• Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.

6. Bake the Pie

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is firm but has a slight jiggle in the center.

7. Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential to let the filling fully set. Once it’s cooled, slice the pie and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Sweet Potato Pie

• Baking Sweet Potatoes: For a richer flavor, bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Baking caramelizes their natural sugars, bringing out a deeper, sweeter taste.
• Use a Food Processor: Blending the sweet potatoes in a food processor ensures the filling is extra smooth. No lumps allowed!
• Avoid Overmixing the Filling: Mix until smooth, but don’t overwork it, as that can make the pie dense.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the pie to cool fully ensures it slices neatly. If you try to cut it while it’s still warm, the filling might not hold.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cloves if you want a little more spice.

15 Sweet Potato Pie Variations

1. Brown Sugar Swap: Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
2. Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the filling before baking for a crunchy, nutty finish.
3. Maple Twist: Add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the filling for a subtle sweetness.
4. Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a tropical hint.
5. Ginger Spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
6. Honey-Infused: Replace some of the sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness.
7. Crème Fraîche Swirl: Swirl a little crème fraîche or sour cream into the filling for a tangy contrast.
8. Orange Zest: Add a touch of orange zest to brighten up the flavors.
9. Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over each slice for an elegant touch.
10. Raisin Rum: Soak raisins in rum and add them to the filling for a boozy variation.
11. Mini Pies: Bake the filling in mini tart shells for individual servings.
12. Marshmallow Topping: Top with marshmallows and broil for a few minutes to create a toasty layer.
13. Cinnamon Roll Crust: Use cinnamon roll dough as the crust for a cinnamon-infused treat.
14. Walnut Crust: Mix chopped walnuts into the crust for extra texture.
15. Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a touch of coffee flavor.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie: 15 Delicious Options

Pair your pie with any of these to complete your dessert spread:

1. Whipped Cream: Classic and simple, it adds a light touch.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast is always a hit.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel for a rich, buttery addition.
4. Pecan Praline: Add a spoonful of pecan praline on top for a Southern twist.
5. Warm Spiced Apples: Serve alongside a bowl of cinnamon-spiced apples.
6. Maple-Glazed Pecans: Adds crunch and a sweet contrast.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over each slice.
8. Salted Caramel Ice Cream: A twist on the classic vanilla that adds a hint of salt.
9. Pumpkin Whipped Cream: Whip a bit of pumpkin puree into your cream.
10. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai pairs beautifully with the spices in the pie.
11. Gingerbread Cookies: Serve with a side of gingerbread for a cozy holiday vibe.
12. Walnut Brittle: Adds a bit of sweet crunch to each bite.
13. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the sweetness.
14. Toasted Marshmallows: Sprinkle toasted mini marshmallows for a campfire twist.
15. Hot Apple Cider: The warmth and spice of cider go perfectly with this pie.

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: Sweet potato pie can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover and refrigerate the pie. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
• In the Freezer: Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How Much Sweet Potato Pie to Make for Family Gatherings

For family gatherings, one 9-inch pie will typically serve about 8 people with standard slices. If you’ve got a big crowd or know your guests are sweet potato pie lovers, consider making two pies. You can also bake smaller, individual pies for a more personalized dessert experience.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld, making the pie taste even better. If you need to prepare it further in advance, follow the freezer instructions above. Just remember to bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven before serving.

Other Helpful Tips for Sweet Potato Pie Success

• Blind-Bake the Crust: If you prefer a very crisp crust, consider blind-baking (pre-baking) it for about 10 minutes at 350* F before adding the filling.
• Avoid Cracking: To prevent cracks, avoid overbaking and let the pie cool slowly. A water bath can also help for a super smooth top.
• Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
• Reheating Tips: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat the whole pie in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

The Ultimate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: Rich, Creamy, and Perfectly Spiced

Author: Aaron Brown Courses:Dessert Holiday Thanksgiving

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time:1 hour Rest time:4 hours Total time:5 hours 15 minutesServings:8 servingsCalories: kcal Best Season:Fall

Ingredients

• 1 ready-to-roll pie crust, for a 9-inch pie dish
• 2 large sweet potatoes, baked and peeled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prep the ingredients.
2. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the dish, crimping the edges for a neat finish. Set the dish aside while you make the filling.
3. In a food processor, blend the baked and peeled sweet potatoes until completely smooth. This step is key for a silky texture in the pie.
4. To the blended sweet potatoes, add the sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend everything until smooth and well-combined. The filling should be creamy and thick with a beautiful, golden-orange color.
5. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
6. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is firm but has a slight jiggle in the center.
7. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential to let the filling fully set. Once it’s cooled, slice the pie and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

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