My Favorite Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

The Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Sweet potato pies have always sparked curiosity in my culinary adventures, especially when I discovered this incredible sweet potato pie that changed everything.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen wafted through my mind during my first attempt.

Creamy and rich, the dessert promised a delightful experience from the first glimpse.

I wondered how such simple ingredients could create such magic on a plate.

Whispers of cinnamon and nutmeg dance between layers of smooth, velvety filling.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.

One slice will transport you to a world of comfort and pure deliciousness.

Come explore this recipe that promises to become your new favorite autumn treat!

Store My Favorite Sweet Potato Pie

  • Store the sweet potato pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the pie is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Let refrigerated pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture. Garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Treats to Try with Sweet Potato Pie

Complementary Sips and Bites: Sweet Potato Pie Pairings

  • Creamy Counterpoint: Pair the sweet potato pie with a chilled glass of bourbon-based eggnog to enhance the warm spices and rich, velvety texture of the dessert.
  • Nutty Contrast: Serve alongside a scoop of pecan praline ice cream to add crunch and complement the pie's smooth filling, creating a delightful textural balance.
  • Aromatic Accompaniment: Brew a hot cup of chai tea with its complex spice profile of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to mirror and elevate the pie's warm, comforting flavors.
  • Whipped Indulgence: Top the pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream spiked with a hint of maple syrup to add a light, sweet finishing touch that cuts through the pie's richness.

Sweet Potato Pie Seasonal Versions

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the pie safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Sweet Potato Pie: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly or low-carb diets.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use oat milk or almond milk in place of whole milk, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to pierce the sweet potatoes before baking?

Piercing the sweet potatoes allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from potentially bursting and ensuring even cooking throughout.

  • Can I use a different type of milk in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% or low-fat milk, but whole milk provides a richer, creamier texture that enhances the pie’s flavor.

  • What's the purpose of blending the filling?

Blending helps create a smooth, uniform texture by breaking down any potato lumps and ensuring all ingredients are perfectly combined, resulting in a silky-smooth pie filling.

  • How do I know when the pie is properly baked?

The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. As it cools, the center will naturally firm up, creating the perfect sweet potato pie consistency.

Why My Favorite Sweet Potato Pie Will Win You Over

  • Quick Family Favorite: Prepare this delightful dessert in under two hours, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings and weekend treats.
  • Stress-Free Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure even novice bakers can create a professional-looking pie that impresses everyone at the table.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate overnight, allowing the pie to develop deeper flavors and providing stress-free dessert preparation for busy hosts.

My Favorite Sweet Potato Pie: Ingredient Collection

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: The star of the pie, providing a rich, creamy base with natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
  • Pie Crust: The foundation that holds the filling, offering a buttery and flaky texture. Use a pre-made or homemade crust for best results.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the filling. Full-fat versions provide the best flavor and texture.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding and creating a custard-like structure in the pie. Fresh, room-temperature eggs work best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract recommended over artificial.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Sugar, Flour: Help sweeten and thicken the filling for the perfect pie consistency. Granulated white sugar provides clean sweetness.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove: Classic warm spices that complement sweet potato's natural flavor. Use freshly ground spices for more intense aroma.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the pie. A small amount brings out the other flavors.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious filling. Unsalted butter allows better control of the pie's saltiness.

Sweet Potato Pie Instructions You’ll Love

Step 1: Roasting Sweet Potatoes

Crank up the oven to a toasty 425°F.

Thoroughly wash and pat dry the sweet potatoes.

Take a fork and puncture the potatoes all over.

Spread them out on a baking sheet and slide into the oven.

Roast for a full hour until they’re super tender when poked.

Pull them out and dial down the oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 2: Creating Silky Filling

Allow the roasted potatoes to cool down completely.

Slice them lengthwise and scoop out the soft interior into a large mixing bowl.

Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Drizzle in melted butter and mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Salt

Fold these spices into the mashed potatoes until fully incorporated.

Pour in:
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Blend the mixture briefly to ensure a uniform consistency.

Whip the eggs until they turn pale and frothy.

Gently fold the eggs into the filling.

Step 3: Baking the Pie

Pour the luscious sweet potato filling into a pre-baked pie crust.

Position the pie on the middle oven rack.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

The edges should look set while the center remains slightly jiggly.

Remove from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Chilling and Serving

Wrap the cooled pie with foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

This helps the filling set perfectly.

Before serving, gently dab away any surface moisture with a paper towel if needed.

Fail-Proof Tips for Sweet Potato Pie Perfection

  • Use a fork to create multiple small holes in sweet potatoes before baking, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing potential steam buildup.
  • Use a high-powered blender to achieve a uniform, silky-smooth filling texture that eliminates any lumps from mashed sweet potatoes.
  • Reduce oven temperature from 425°F to 350°F when transitioning from baking potatoes to baking the pie, preventing over-browning and ensuring perfect crust and filling consistency.
  • Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to help the filling set properly and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Beat eggs until pale yellow and frothy to incorporate air, creating a lighter, more delicate pie filling with a smooth, creamy texture.
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My Favorite Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

My Favorite Sweet Potato Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Grandma’s secret sweet potato pie recipe brings Southern comfort to your dessert table, blending creamy, spiced filling with a buttery, flaky crust. Warm holiday memories and rich flavors invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic Southern treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes (yields about 2 cups mashed)
  • 1 9-inch deep pie crust (partially blind-baked; see note below)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Fats and Liquids:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (preferably Mexican vanilla)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Ignite the oven to 425°F. Thoroughly cleanse sweet potatoes, puncturing multiple times with a fork. Position potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, transforming them in the heated chamber for approximately one hour until effortlessly pierceable. Extract potatoes and dial down oven temperature to 350°F.

  1. Craft the Silky Filling

Allow potatoes to cool momentarily, then bifurcate lengthwise. Excavate tender flesh into a capacious mixing vessel, pulverizing with a robust masher. Incorporate melted butter into mashed tubers. Whisk together dry ingredients – sugar, flour, aromatic spices, and seasoning – then fold into sweet potato mixture. Stream whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla essence, stirring until harmoniously blended. Transfer to a high-performance blender, pulsing briefly to achieve uniform consistency. Repatriate mixture to original bowl. Whip eggs until pale and frothy, gently integrating into filling.

  1. Compose and Bake the Pastry

Cascade sweet potato custard into pre-baked pie shell. Position on middle oven rack, roasting 45-50 minutes until periphery solidifies while center maintains delicate wobble. Transition pie to cooling platform, allowing thermal equilibrium for 1-2 hours.

  1. Finalize and Chill

Envelop cooled confection with aluminum shielding. Refrigerate minimum three hours, permitting filling to completely solidify. Before serving, delicately remove any surface moisture with absorbent cloth.

Notes

  • Pierce sweet potatoes thoroughly to ensure even baking and prevent potential steam buildup during roasting.
  • Blending the filling creates a smoother, more consistent texture that helps eliminate lumps in the pie.
  • Use room temperature eggs to prevent shocking the mixture and ensure even incorporation into the filling.
  • Consider chilling the pie crust before blind baking to prevent shrinkage and maintain a crisp, flaky texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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