Sweet Potato Pie

There’s something so comforting about a slice of Sweet Potato Pie—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. The sweet, creamy filling with that perfect balance of spices, all nestled in a flaky pie crust, just screams fall and holiday gatherings. But honestly, you don’t need a special occasion to indulge in this slice of heaven. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving something sweet and comforting, this pie is always the answer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked, and you’ll never want to go back to pumpkin pie again!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Pie

Here’s why this sweet potato pie will quickly become your go-to dessert:

• Perfectly Sweet: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes blends perfectly with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, creating a flavor profile that’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
• Creamy and Smooth: The filling has a velvety texture that’s so rich and satisfying, it practically melts in your mouth.
• Classic Comfort: There’s something nostalgic about this pie. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and it brings everyone around the table together with its comforting flavors.
• Versatile: You can enjoy this pie year-round. While it’s often a holiday favorite, it’s also great for a family dinner or even just as a weekend treat when you’re craving something indulgent.
• Easy to Make: While it tastes like it came from a bakery, this pie is surprisingly simple to make at home. Just a few ingredients, and you’re on your way to dessert perfection!

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie

Here’s everything you need to create this sweet, creamy pie:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose medium to large sweet potatoes, which will give the pie that rich, smooth filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices and natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the pie a deep, caramel-like flavor that makes it extra decadent.
• Eggs: Help bind the filling and give it that perfect custard-like texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy consistency to the filling.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices are a must for creating the signature flavor of sweet potato pie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Pie Crust: You can either make your own flaky pie crust or use a store-bought version for convenience.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious Sweet Potato Pie:

Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by boiling or baking your sweet potatoes until they are soft and fully cooked. If you’re boiling, peel them first, cut them into chunks, and simmer them in water for about 15-20 minutes until tender. If you’re baking, pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them at 375°F for 45-60 minutes. Once they’re done, let them cool for a bit, then peel the skin off.

Make the Pie Filling

In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or even a food processor to get the filling super smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until fully combined.

Add the Eggs and Cream

Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the sweet potato mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, just place it in a 9-inch pie dish and press it into the bottom. If you’re making your own, roll it out and transfer it to your pie dish. You can crimp the edges for a nice decorative look.

Bake the Pie

Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The pie should be golden brown on the edges.

Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to fully set. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 (1 slice per serving)
• Calories per serving: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 41g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

While this pie is delicious on its own, here are a few ways to serve it up:

• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm pie for a cozy, indulgent treat.
• Candied Pecans: Sprinkle some candied pecans on top for an added crunch and a sweet, nutty contrast to the creamy filling.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a little warm caramel sauce over each slice for an extra indulgence that will take it to the next level.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This pie is great for making ahead! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Pie Crust Tip: If you prefer a crisper crust, you can blind-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent the crust from getting soggy.
• Spice Adjustments: If you love a bit more spice, you can add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the filling. Feel free to play around with the spices to suit your taste.
• Sweet Potato Variety: The type of sweet potato you use can affect the sweetness and texture of the pie. If you can, go for the darker-skinned, orange-fleshed variety for the best flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
A1: Yes! Canned sweet potatoes are a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain them well before using them in the pie. You’ll still get that delicious, creamy filling!

Q2: Can I make this pie dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and a dairy-free pie crust to make this pie completely dairy-free.

Q3: Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This pie can be made 1-2 days ahead. Just let it cool, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze Sweet Potato Pie?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q5: How do I know when the pie is done?
A5: The pie is done when the edges are golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The filling should also be set, not jiggly.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pie crust?
A6: Yes! If you’re not a fan of traditional pie crust, you can use a graham cracker crust or even a pre-made cookie crust for a fun twist.

Q7: Is there a way to make the filling even creamier?
A7: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit of cream cheese to the filling. Just soften it and blend it with the sweet potatoes before baking.

Q8: Can I make this pie with other root vegetables?
A8: Yes! You can substitute sweet potatoes with other root vegetables like butternut squash or even carrots. Just make sure the texture is smooth when pureed.

Q9: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A9: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the filling for added texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently before baking.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices individually for a quick treat later on!

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about Sweet Potato Pie—the creamy, spiced filling in a perfectly flaky crust is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a slice of something sweet, this pie will never disappoint. With a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create a dessert that’ll impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy a slice (or two), and bask in the deliciousness of this classic pie!

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