I’m excited to share our family’s sweet potato pie recipe with you. This dessert is a Southern favorite, loved for generations. It’s known for its creamy filling and flaky crust.
The recipe is simple, needing just a few ingredients. These ingredients come together to make a delicious pie. It’s perfect for the holidays.
Key Takeaways
- A beloved Southern dessert with a long family tradition
- Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients
- Unique flavor profile compared to other sweet pies
- Yields approximately 8 servings with minimal prep time
- Can be made ahead and frozen for later enjoyment
Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a favorite in the South, loved for generations. It’s a simple yet delicious holiday tradition. The pie’s creamy texture comes from sweet potatoes, needing just a few ingredients to make it perfect.
A Family Favorite for Generations
In the American South, sweet potato pie is a key part of holidays and special days. Passed down through families, the recipe has evolved but stays true to its essence. It’s a dessert that brings families together, creating cherished memories.
Simple Ingredients, Creamy Texture
This pie’s beauty is in its simplicity. It needs just a few ingredients: sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla. The natural sweetness of the potatoes makes the pie creamy and decadent, delighting everyone.
“Sweet potato pie is a timeless Southern tradition that brings families together, one delicious slice at a time.”
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 1.5 lbs |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Light Brown Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Evaporated Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger) | To Taste |
| Salt | Pinch |
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
To make a delicious sweet potato pie, start with the right sweet potatoes. Baking them is better than boiling. It brings out a richer flavor and creamier texture.
Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with a bright orange color. Stay away from any with blemishes or soft spots. Sweet potatoes labeled as “yams” are also good, as they have the orange flesh needed for this pie.
Baking vs. Boiling Sweet Potatoes
Baking is the best method for this recipe. It makes the sweet potatoes’ natural sugars caramelize, giving a deeper flavor. The dry heat also makes the filling creamier and smoother.
Selecting the Perfect Sweet Potatoes
- Look for medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with a vibrant orange color.
- Avoid any sweet potatoes with blemishes, soft spots, or signs of damage.
- Sweet potatoes labeled as “yams” can also be used, as they have the same characteristic orange flesh.
By carefully choosing and preparing the sweet potatoes, you’ll make a pie that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for Homemade Sweet Potato Pie
A delicious homemade sweet potato pie starts with a few key ingredients. The main ingredient is the sweet potatoes. Choose varieties like Red Garnet or Jewel for their sweetness and moisture.
Sweet Potatoes, Butter, and Sugar
Besides sweet potatoes, butter and sugar add richness and sweetness. The recipe uses white and light brown sugar for a balanced flavor. You can try light brown sugar alone for a richer taste.
Milk, Eggs, and Vanilla Extract
Milk, eggs, and vanilla extract make the filling creamy. Use evaporated or whole milk for a richer texture. Real vanilla extract gives the best flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 2 cups, peeled and mashed |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| White Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Evaporated Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
These classic ingredients make a delicious, authentic Southern-style sweet potato pie. It’s sure to please your taste buds.
sweet potato pie recipe
Indulge in the classic flavors of the American South with this homemade sweet potato pie recipe. This creamy and delectable pie is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet potatoes. It’s a staple in many households.
The sweet potatoes are baked until tender and then mashed. This creates a smooth and velvety filling. The filling also includes butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a pie that’s bursting with sweetness and depth of flavor.
To ensure the perfect texture, the sweet potato mixture is poured into an unbaked pie crust. It’s then baked until set. The pie can be served warm or chilled. It’s often topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Whether you’re baking for your family or impressing guests with a classic Southern pie, this recipe is sure to delight. It’s easy to follow and uses simple yet flavorful ingredients. You can create a slice of Southern hospitality right in your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a delicious sweet potato pie at home is easy. Let’s go through the steps to make this Southern favorite.
Mixing the Sweet Potato Filling
Start by mashing the roasted sweet potatoes until they’re smooth. In a big bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
Baking the Sweet Potato Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the sweet potato filling into an unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the pie for 55-60 minutes, or until it’s set and the top is lightly browned.
- Let the pie cool completely, for at least 1 hour, before serving.
After the pie cools, it’s time to enjoy it! The creamy filling and flaky crust make for a rich dessert. Serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato pie is a real showstopper for your dessert table. It’s amazing on its own, especially when served at room temperature or a bit warm. But, adding some special toppings can make it even better. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For an extra special treat, top each slice with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cream’s smooth texture and sweetness go perfectly with the pie’s rich filling. Or, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Whether you serve the sweet potato pie chilled or at room temperature, these toppings will make it unforgettable. Your guests will love the fluffy crust and the creamy toppings together.
| Topping | Flavor Profile | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Whipped Cream | Creamy, lightly sweetened | Dollop on top of each slice |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Cool, rich, and velvety | Scoop onto individual slices |
However you choose to serve this sweet potato pie, it’s bound to be a hit. The warm filling and cool toppings make for a dessert that’s hard to resist.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Making sweet potato pie ahead of time is a lifesaver, especially during the holidays. This dessert can be made days or weeks before, giving you more time to focus on other things. It’s perfect for when you’re hosting or entertaining.
After baking and cooling, the pie can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you slice and serve it.
Freezing the sweet potatoes before baking can make the pie even better. It concentrates the natural sugars, making the filling fluffier and sweeter.
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer (Baked Pie) | 1 month |
| Freezer (Unbaked Filling) | 3-4 months |
With these tips, you can enjoy homemade sweet potato pie whenever you want, without the stress. You can freeze the whole pie or just the filling. This recipe is sure to become a favorite holiday tradition.
Variations: Brown Sugar and Spiced
The classic sweet potato pie recipe uses granulated sugar. But, you can add a twist by using brown sugar instead. Replacing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar (light or dark) gives a caramel-like flavor. This flavor complements the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness.
Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie Twist
To make a brown sugar sweet potato pie, just swap the 1 cup of granulated sugar for 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar. This change makes the classic recipe even better. It adds a rich, molasses-tinged sweetness that goes well with the sweet potato custard’s smooth texture.
For a spiced version, add warm fall spices to the filling. Use 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. These spices give the pie an aromatic, subtly spiced flavor that matches the sweet potato base.
Whether you choose the brown sugar twist or the spiced version, these changes make the classic sweet potato pie recipe even better. They offer a delightful spin on this beloved Southern dessert. You can pick this variation for the holiday season or whenever you want a comforting, homemade slice of sweet potato goodness.
Comparing to Other Classic Pies
Sweet potato pie is a special treat from the South. It’s different from other American pies. It’s sweeter and has a more complex taste than pumpkin pie.
The earthy taste of sweet potatoes makes it stand out. This taste contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
It’s not like apple or pecan pies. Sweet potato pie doesn’t have their tart or nutty flavors. Instead, it offers a comforting sweetness. This makes it perfect for holidays and any time of the year.
Despite being different, sweet potato pie is loved just like other classic pies. Each pie has its own fans and special place in American desserts. Whether you love apple or pecan pie, sweet potato pie is worth trying.
“Sweet potato pie is a true Southern classic, with a flavor that’s both familiar and unique. It’s a dessert that brings people together and sparks fond memories of loved ones and cherished traditions.”
So, if you’re looking for a new pie to try, sweet potato pie might be it. It could become your new favorite classic American dessert.
Sweet Potato Pie Nutrition Facts
Sweet potato pie is a rich treat, but it also has some health benefits. It’s made with sweet potatoes, which are full of nutrients. Each slice has 282 calories, 38 grams of carbs, and 13 grams of fat. It also has a lot of vitamin A, with 8,491 IU per slice.
The pie has a lot of sugar, but the sweet potatoes are good for you. They are full of fiber, potassium, and vitamins. One slice of this Southern dessert has:
- 330 calories
- 36 grams of carbohydrates, accounting for 12% of the total nutrition
- 7 grams of protein, representing 14% of the total nutrition
- 18 grams of fat, making up 28% of the total nutrition
- 10 grams of saturated fat, comprising 63% of the total fat content
- 133 milligrams of cholesterol, representing 44% of the recommended daily intake
- 396 milligrams of sodium, contributing to 17% of the total nutrition
- 362 milligrams of potassium, accounting for 10% of the total nutrition
- 4 grams of fiber, representing 17% of the total nutrition
- 26 grams of sugar, contributing to 29% of the total nutrition
- 12,660 IU of vitamin A, making up 253% of the recommended daily intake
- 3 milligrams of vitamin C, representing 4% of the recommended daily intake
- 63 milligrams of calcium, accounting for 6% of the recommended daily intake
- 2 milligrams of iron, contributing to 11% of the recommended daily intake
This sweet potato pie is a special treat, but it can be part of a healthy diet. The sweet potatoes add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are good for your health.
Conclusion
This homemade sweet potato pie recipe is a true delight. It captures the essence of classic Southern desserts. Its rich, creamy filling and simple yet flavorful ingredients make it a timeless favorite.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a taste of the South, this pie is a must-try. The secret to its success is in the details. From perfectly cooked sweet potatoes to a flaky crust, it’s all about the quality.
The filling’s low moisture content gives it a silky texture. The brown sugar whipped cream topping adds a delightful sweetness. Plus, you can make the pie crust from scratch or use a store-bought shell, making it both versatile and accessible.
If you love homemade sweet potato pie or want to try a classic Southern dessert, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to delight your taste buds and take you to the heart of the South. Here, flavors of family, tradition, and comfort come together in every bite.
FAQ
What makes this sweet potato pie recipe a classic Southern favorite?
This sweet potato pie recipe has been loved in the South for many years. It’s a family tradition. The simple ingredients make a rich, creamy pie with a great texture and sweet potato taste.
How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with a bright orange color. Stay away from any with blemishes or soft spots. Even if they’re labeled as “yams,” they’re okay as long as they’re orange inside.
What are the key ingredients in this homemade sweet potato pie?
The main ingredients are sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Sweet potatoes make the pie creamy. Butter, sugar, milk, and eggs help mix everything together and add flavor.
How do I make the sweet potato pie filling?
First, bake the sweet potatoes until they’re soft. Then, mash them and mix with butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour this mix into an unbaked pie crust and bake until it’s set.
Can I make this sweet potato pie in advance?
Yes, you can make this pie ahead of time. After baking and cooling, it can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Are there any variations on this classic sweet potato pie recipe?
Yes, you can try a brown sugar version. Use 3/4 cup of brown sugar instead of 1 cup of white sugar. This gives a caramel-like taste. You can also add cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
How does sweet potato pie compare to other classic American pies?
Sweet potato pie is similar to pumpkin pie in some ways. But it tastes sweeter. It’s different from apple, pecan, and other pies, but it’s great for holidays and any time of the year.