Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines nostalgia with comforting flavors, then this Sweet Potato Pie is just what you need! Every bite of this pie takes me back to family gatherings, where the kitchen was filled with laughter and the aroma of warm spices. The creamy filling, enriched with dark brown sugar and cozy spices, makes it a perfect treat for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.

This pie isn’t just delicious; it’s also simple to make. Whether you’re trying to impress your loved ones or just treating yourself on a busy weeknight, this old-fashioned Sweet Potato Pie will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll be whipping up this pie in no time!
• Family-friendly: The sweet and creamy filling is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it great for gatherings.
• Make-ahead convenient: Prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge — easy peasy!
• Deliciously cozy flavors: The blend of warm spices creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy dinner at home, this pie fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Gather them up, and let’s create something delightful together!

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 is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some zest: Mix in some orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist that brightens up the flavors.
• Nutty goodness: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Swirl in some chocolate: For a decadent twist, fold in some chocolate chips into the filling before baking.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing together your flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and grape juice until the dough comes together. This crust will be flaky and buttery—just what we want!

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface. Fit it into your pie dish and trim any excess. Pre-bake it until lightly golden. This step ensures your crust stays crisp against that delicious filling!

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Boil sweet potatoes until tender. Once soft, peel them while they’re still warm—this helps keep them moist. Mash until smooth; no lumps here! The creamy texture is essential for that velvety filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In another bowl, blend together mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture will give us that rich flavor we love!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your luscious filling into the pre-baked crust. Beat an egg with milk to brush over the top before baking again until set. This creates a lovely glossy finish!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your pie cool completely before slicing into it—trust me; it’s worth waiting! Serve each slice topped with fresh whipped cream for an extra special touch.

And there you have it! Your homemade Sweet Potato Pie is ready to be enjoyed by family and friends. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience with a few helpful tips!

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. They should be vibrant in color, which indicates freshness and flavor, making your pie taste even better.

• Bake, Don’t Boil: Baking the sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and caramelizes their sugars, resulting in a richer flavor compared to boiling.

• Chill Your Dough: After mixing your pie crust ingredients, let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent shrinkage while baking and gives you a flakier crust.

• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Gently combine your filling ingredients until just blended. Overmixing can introduce excess air, leading to cracks in your finished pie.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set properly and makes for cleaner slices when serving.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Presenting your sweet potato pie beautifully can enhance its appeal and make your holiday gathering feel extra special!

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich filling.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top not only looks lovely but also complements the warm spices in the pie.
• Candied Pecans: For added texture and a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some chopped candied pecans over each slice right before serving.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish brings a creamy element with crispy fried onions on top, balancing out the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavors and crispy edges add depth to your meal while providing a nice contrast to the dessert.
• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread pairs wonderfully with sweet potato pie, offering a savory note that rounds out your Thanksgiving spread.
• Apple Crisp: For those who want an additional dessert option, apple crisp provides a fruity tartness that complements the richness of sweet potato pie perfectly.

Now you’re all set to impress everyone at your gathering with this deliciously homemade sweet potato pie! Enjoy every slice and happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert without the last-minute rush. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it properly, and savor its delicious flavors even days after baking.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in the refrigerator.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste.

Freezing

• Allow the pie to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy reference.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sweet potato pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about making this sweet potato pie? Here are some common inquiries!

How do I make a sweet potato pie from scratch?

Making a sweet potato pie from scratch involves preparing your own crust and filling. Start by roasting or boiling sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them and mix with other ingredients like brown sugar, spices, and evaporated milk before pouring into the prepared crust.

What makes this sweet potato pie recipe special?

This sweet potato pie recipe stands out due to its use of dark brown sugar and warm spices that evoke the cozy flavors of fall. Topped with fresh whipped cream, it’s sure to impress at any gathering!

Can I use other types of sweeteners in this sweet potato pie?

Yes! If you prefer alternatives, you can substitute dark brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your pie.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this delicious sweet potato pie! It’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and comfort to your holiday table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it as a treat just for yourself, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!