Sweet Potato Pie
A classic Southern dessert featuring a silky, spiced sweet potato filling in a flaky, buttery crust. It's the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, delivering warmth and comfort in every slice.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pie Crust
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together 1.25 cups all-purpose flour and 0.25 tsp salt.
- c.Cut in 0.5 cup of cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- d.Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Gently mix with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Add up to 1 more tablespoon of water if it's too dry.
- e.Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blind Bake the Crust
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- d.Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang, then fold it under and crimp the edges decoratively.
- e.Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- f.Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until the bottom is pale golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- b.While the crust bakes, peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Place them in a medium pot and cover with cold water.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate any excess moisture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the Filling
- b.Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- c.In a large bowl, mash the hot sweet potatoes until completely smooth. For an extra-silky texture, press the mashed potatoes through a ricer or a fine-mesh sieve.
- d.Stir in the 0.25 cup of melted butter until fully incorporated.
- e.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, 0.5 tsp salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- f.Add the sugar-spice mixture to the sweet potatoes and mix well.
- g.Whisk in the evaporated milk, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Pie
- b.Pour the sweet potato filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- c.Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly like gelatin when gently shaken.
- d.If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cool and Serve
- b.Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely, for at least 2-3 hours. The filling will continue to set as it cools.
- c.Serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper, more caramelized flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Pierce them with a fork, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- 2Ensure all filling ingredients, especially the eggs and evaporated milk, are at room temperature for a smoother, more uniform custard.
- 3Do not overmix the filling after adding the eggs. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the pie to puff up and then crack as it cools.
- 4The pie is perfectly done when the center has a slight jiggle. Overbaking will lead to a cracked and dry filling.
- 5Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This is crucial for the custard to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Topping
Add a pecan praline topping. Before the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter over the pie.
Spice BlendSpice Blend
Incorporate other warm spices like a pinch of allspice or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.
Flavor InfusionFlavor Infusion
Add a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum to the filling for a rich, boozy note that complements the sweet potato.
CrustCrust
Use a gingersnap or graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor base.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Good Source of Fiber
The sweet potato base provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Contains Antioxidants
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the sweet potatoes themselves, are packed with antioxidants that help protect your body from free radical damage.
Frequently asked questions
A typical slice of homemade sweet potato pie contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the crust recipe and the amount of sugar and butter used.