Sweet Potato Pie

Imagine a silky, spiced sweet potato filling nestled in a flaky, golden crust — a dessert that feels like pure comfort with every bite.

With just a few simple ingredients and some cozy spices, you can create a pie that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering.

As the sweet aroma fills your kitchen and the filling sets to creamy perfection, you’ll see how timeless and special this classic really is.

Let’s get started on making this delicious Sweet Potato Pie.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Pie dish
• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 Medium saucepan
• 1 Potato masher or fork
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Rolling pin
• 1 Oven
• 1 Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked pie crust

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Sweet Potato Pie, here’s a suggested timeline based on the provided prep, cook, and resting times, along with additional time for reading the recipe:

1. Reading the Recipe:
   • Time Allocated: 5 minutes
   • Activity: Carefully read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Preparation:
   • Time Allocated: 30 minutes (including ingredient gathering and prep)
   • Activities:
   • Gather all ingredients and equipment required.
   • Peel and chop 2 pounds of sweet potatoes.
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Cooking Sweet Potatoes:
   • Time Allocated: 15 minutes
   • Activities:
   • Boil the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan until tender.
4. Mash and Mix Ingredients:
   • Time Allocated: 10 minutes
   • Activities:
   • Drain and mash sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
   • Add melted butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to mashed sweet potatoes and whisk until smooth.
5. Prepare Pie Crust and Assemble:
   • Time Allocated: 5 minutes
   • Activities:
   • Roll out the pie crust and place it in the pie dish.
   • Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust.
6. Bake the Pie:
   • Time Allocated: 1 hour
   • Activities:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the filling is set.
7. Cooling:
   • Time Allocated: 2 hours
   • Activities:
   • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack.

This timeline allows for efficient time management, ensuring each step is allocated appropriate time for completion, including necessary rest and cooling time for the pie.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Boil the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan until tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large mixing bowl.

Add melted butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes and whisk until smooth.

Roll out the pie crust and place it in the pie dish.

Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the filling is set.

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack for 2 hours.

Serving Tips

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich and hearty pie.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a cool and sweet complement to the warm pie.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the pie for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor enhancement.
• Fresh Berries: Balance the sweetness with a hint of tartness and add a splash of color.

Storage

Store sweet potato pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Freezing

To freeze sweet potato pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Store it in an airtight container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat sweet potato pie, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the warmth of spices.

It’s a classic American treat often enjoyed during the holiday season.

The key to a perfect sweet potato pie is in the balance of flavors and texture.

Make certain to mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly or blend them for a smoother consistency.

Adjust the spices to suit your taste preference, adding a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Allowing the pie to rest after baking is essential. This helps the flavors to meld and guarantees the filling sets properly.

Serve your sweet potato pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Enjoying this pie with family and friends is a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or any other occasion, sweet potato pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Origin of Sweet Potato Pie?

You want to know the origin of sweet potato pie. It traces back to African American culinary traditions. Enslaved Africans in the Southern United States adapted European pie-making techniques, substituting native sweet potatoes for pumpkins in dessert recipes.

Can Sweet Potato Pie Be Made Vegan?

You can make sweet potato pie vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, using non-dairy milk like almond or soy, and replacing eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Adjust spices to enhance flavor.

How Does Sweet Potato Pie Differ From Pumpkin Pie?

You’d notice sweet potato pie often uses sweet potatoes for a denser texture, while pumpkin pie utilizes pumpkin puree for a smoother consistency. Sweet potato pie tends to be sweeter, and both use similar spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Is Sweet Potato Pie Gluten-Free?

You can make sweet potato pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust. Confirm all ingredients, especially the pie crust, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. This maintains the pie’s flavor without compromising dietary needs.

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?

You can substitute canned sweet potatoes for fresh ones. Use 3 cups canned, drained sweet potatoes. Make certain they’re mashed smoothly. Reduce sugar slightly, as canned varieties are often sweetened. Adjust your baking time, as canned potatoes may cook faster.