Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps up your Thanksgiving feast with love and warmth, you’ve come to the right place! This Sweet Potato Pie has been a family favorite for years. The creamy filling, infused with rich spices and sweetened just right, will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s not just a pie; it’s a delicious tradition that brings smiles to faces and joy to hearts.

Whether it’s for a bustling family gathering or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this old-fashioned sweet potato pie is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow steps and comforting flavors, it’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and warm spices creates a flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find making this pie is a breeze—even if you’re new to baking!
• Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe serves eight people, making it ideal for sharing at holiday dinners or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet treat—it’s a dessert that bridges generations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to whip up magic in your kitchen with these wholesome ingredients! Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect Sweet Potato Pie that everyone will adore.

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 the Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

Variations

This Sweet Potato Pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add some zest: Incorporate grated orange or lemon zest into the filling for a refreshing twist.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cardamom or allspice in place of traditional spices for unique flavor notes.
• Make it chocolatey: Fold in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for an indulgent twist on this classic pie.
• Nutty crunch: Top your pie with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for added texture.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your crust. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and white grape juice until the dough holds together. Chilling it before rolling helps create a flaky texture!

Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

While your crust chills, bake the sweet potatoes. Pierce them with a fork and roast them at 400°F until tender—about 45 minutes. This step enhances their natural sweetness and makes them easier to mash.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Once cooled, scoop out the flesh of the sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, spices, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth; this creamy filling is what makes your Sweet Potato Pie so delightful!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the sweet potato filling into your prepared crust. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg with milk; brush this mixture over the crust edges for that golden finish. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until set—it’s important to let it cool before slicing so those flavors can settle in nicely.

Step 5: Serve with Whipped Cream

Finally, serve your beautiful Sweet Potato Pie topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite surrounded by loved ones—this dessert is sure to be the highlight of your meal!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie

Making sweet potato pie is easier than you might think, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll create a pie that dazzles your taste buds!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without blemishes. Using the freshest ingredients ensures a richer flavor and creamier texture in your pie.
• Cook the sweet potatoes thoroughly: Bake or steam the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and easy to mash. This step is crucial for achieving that silky smooth filling that everyone loves.
• Chill your pie crust: After making your crust, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and results in a flaky texture.
• Don’t overmix the filling: Mix just until combined when adding the eggs, as overmixing can incorporate too much air, which may lead to cracks in your pie while baking.
• Bake until set but jiggly: The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting it beautifully can elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich sweetness of the pie.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: Dusting a little ground cinnamon on top provides an aromatic finish and enhances the warm spices in the pie.
• Toasted pecans: Chopped toasted pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Green bean casserole: This classic side dish brings a creamy texture with crispy onions on top, providing a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and seasoning, these savory roasted veggies are a perfect balance to round out your Thanksgiving meal.
• Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread complements the flavors of sweet potato pie while adding heartiness to your feast.
• Cranberry sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce gives a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of both the pie and other dishes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to make this Thanksgiving memorable with your homemade sweet potato pie! Enjoy every bite with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness even days after you’ve baked it. Here are some handy tips for storing, freezing, and reheating your pie.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pie in the refrigerator.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Allow the pie to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie and place it in an oven-safe dish.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making sweet potato pie.

How do I make a sweet potato pie from scratch?

Making a sweet potato pie from scratch involves preparing the crust and filling using simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices. Follow the recipe above for detailed steps!

What is the best way to store sweet potato pie?

The best way to store sweet potato pie is by refrigerating it tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Can I freeze my sweet potato pie?

Yes! You can freeze your sweet potato pie. Just make sure it’s wrapped properly to avoid freezer burn, and it will be good for up to 2 months.

What makes this sweet potato pie recipe special?

This recipe features dark brown sugar and warm spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making it rich and flavorful—perfect for any holiday gathering!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful sweet potato pie! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a tradition filled with warmth and love that brings family together during special times. Enjoy every slice and feel free to share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!