Sweet Potato Pie
This Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, creamy, and packed with warm, comforting spices. It has a silky smooth filling made with mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust. Perfect for the fall and winter seasons, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, sweet potato pie is a beloved treat that’s just as delicious as pumpkin pie but with its own unique flavor.
Ingredients:
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For the Pie Filling:
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2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream for a richer filling)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)
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1/4 tsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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For the Pie Crust:
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1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade pie crust)
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Alternatively, use a graham cracker crust for a different twist
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For the Topping (Optional):
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Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
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A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for garnish
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Instructions:
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Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
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Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
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Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them well with a potato masher or use a food processor for an ultra-smooth texture. You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.
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Make the Pie Filling:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. Mix everything together until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the butter until it’s melted and incorporated into the filling.
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Assemble the Pie:
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If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges as desired. If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into the pie dish, again crimping the edges.
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Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
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Bake the Pie:
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Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. You might see the pie puff up slightly during baking, but it will settle down as it cools.
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If the crust is getting too brown before the filling is fully set, cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
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Cool and Serve:
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Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 2 hours at room temperature. This allows the filling to set completely and makes it easier to slice.
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Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
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Tips & Variations:
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For a Richer Pie: You can replace the evaporated milk with heavy cream for a more decadent filling. You can also add a little more butter to the filling for extra richness.
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Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Some people like a pinch of cloves or allspice in their sweet potato pie for added warmth.
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Using a Graham Cracker Crust: If you want a different twist, try using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust. It adds a little sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with the filling.
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Add Some Crunch: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on the pie about 10 minutes before it finishes baking.
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Canned Sweet Potatoes: If you’re short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes (not syruped ones). Drain and mash them before using them in the pie.
Serving Suggestions:
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Thanksgiving and Christmas: Sweet potato pie is a favorite dessert for holiday meals. Serve it alongside other classics like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie for a full dessert spread.
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Brunch: Serve slices of this pie at a holiday brunch with hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
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Ice Cream Pairing: Sweet potato pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Enjoy your Sweet Potato Pie! With its rich, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust, this dessert is sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a touch of nostalgia and warmth that makes it perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Let me know how it turns out, or if you’d like to tweak any ingredients!
