Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season, look no further than this homemade Sweet Potato Pie! This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and every bite brings back cherished memories of Thanksgiving gatherings filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food. The rich sweetness of the sweet potatoes combined with warm spices creates a comforting flavor that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family reunion.

What makes this Sweet Potato Pie so special is not just its taste but the joy it brings to those who share it. With a flaky crust and creamy filling topped with fresh whipped cream, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Trust me; once you make this pie, it will become your go-to dessert for every holiday!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Sweet Potato Pie comes together effortlessly. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find it simple and straightforward.
• Family Favorite: Its delightful flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie in advance, making your holiday prep less stressful.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Using fresh sweet potatoes and natural sweeteners means you’re treating your loved ones to something nutritious as well as delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to know that this Sweet Potato Pie is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these items to create a dessert that will impress everyone at your gathering.

For the 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 Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

This recipe for Sweet Potato Pie is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with flavors and textures to suit your taste.

• Add Some Citrus: A bit of orange or lemon zest can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
• Nutty Crunch: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Sweetener Swap: If you prefer a lighter version, consider using maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your pie crust. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and white grape juice gradually until the dough holds together. Chill for at least 30 minutes; this step ensures a flaky crust!

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

While your crust chills, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well and mash until smooth—this is where you’ll capture that lovely sweetness!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually stir in evaporated milk and vanilla extract until smooth. This filling is what makes your pie so rich and satisfying!

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish and pour in the sweet potato filling.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with milk; brush this mixture over the crust edges for a golden finish. Bake for about 90 minutes or until set—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Serve with Whipped Cream

Once cooled slightly, slice up your Sweet Potato Pie and serve it warm or at room temperature topped with whipped cream. Watching everyone enjoy this pie is truly one of life’s great joys!

Now you’re ready to share this comforting dessert with family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Making a perfect sweet potato pie can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes add a rich flavor and creamy texture that canned alternatives just can’t match. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and makes mashing easier.

• Chill the pie crust: After rolling out your pie dough, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and ensures a flaky crust.

• Don’t overmix the filling: When combining your ingredients for the filling, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a gummy texture, so gentle folding is key to keeping it light and fluffy.

• Bake with care: To avoid cracks on the surface of your pie, bake it at a lower temperature for longer. This allows the filling to set evenly without becoming too firm.

• Let it cool completely: Allow your pie to cool at room temperature before serving. This will help the filling set properly and make slicing easier while enhancing the flavors.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is not just delicious; it’s also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this holiday dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the dense filling perfectly.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon over the top gives an inviting aroma and enhances its warm flavors.
• Candied pecans: These provide a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pie.

Side Dishes

• Green bean casserole: This classic dish with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions offers a savory contrast to the sweet pie.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pie while adding texture to your meal.
• Cornbread: The subtly sweet and crumbly nature of cornbread complements sweet potato pie beautifully, making it a perfect pairing.
• Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the pie, providing a refreshing bite alongside each slice.

Enjoy your homemade sweet potato pie with these delightful garnishes and side dishes, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors without any last-minute stress. You can make it ahead of time and store it properly, ensuring that it’s as delicious on serving day as when it was first baked.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Label the package with the date for reference.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie.
• Place the pie in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-45 seconds.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful sweet potato pie recipe, you’re in the right place!

How do I make a sweet potato pie from scratch?

To make a sweet potato pie from scratch, you’ll start by preparing your crust using flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Then, cook and mash your sweet potatoes before combining them with other ingredients such as dark brown sugar, spices, and evaporated milk. Bake until set for a delicious homemade dessert!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for my sweet potato pie?

Yes! Canned sweet potatoes can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh ones. Just make sure to drain and mash them well before mixing with the other ingredients.

What makes this sweet potato pie special?

This sweet potato pie is special because of its rich flavor profile provided by dark brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. It’s a comforting dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this sweet potato pie as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings loved ones together. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or simply enjoying it on a cozy evening at home, this recipe is truly special. Happy baking!