Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Pie: A Classic Southern Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup of butter, softened
  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.
  3. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes in a bowl.
  4. In a separate large bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, and then add eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  5. Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the mixture, combining until it becomes a smooth batter.
  6. Pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the pie comes out clean.
  8. Allow the pie to cool before serving. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together
  • Potato Masher - A tool to mash the cooked sweet potatoes
  • Whisk - Used to thoroughly mix the butter, sugar, eggs, and spices
  • Pie Dish - A 9-inch dish to hold the pie filling and crust
  • Oven - To bake the sweet potato pie
  • Knife - To remove the skin from the boiled sweet potatoes
  • Spatula - To help scrape the batter into the pie crust
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients

Recipe variations

  • Use a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust.
  • Replace the white sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
  • Include a pinch of ginger or allspice for a spicier flavor profile.
  • Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the regular milk to make it dairy-free.
  • Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust.
  • For a vegan option, replace the eggs with a vegan egg replacer or mashed banana.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when serving.
  • Sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for garnish.

Recipe overview

This sweet potato pie recipe is a Southern classic that is a must-try for anyone who enjoys comforting, homemade desserts. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a mix of fragrant spices, this pie strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, requiring basic baking ingredients and a little bit of your time. Once everything is mixed and baked, you'll be rewarded with a deliciously rich and creamy pie that's perfect for any occasion. The hardest part will be waiting for it to cool before digging in! This pie is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the process and the tasty result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a substitute for fresh ones. Just make sure to drain and mash them before adding to the recipe.
  2. Can I use a store-bought pie crust? Absolutely! If you prefer convenience, you can use a pre-made, store-bought pie crust for this recipe.
  3. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer or have on hand, such as whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
  4. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sweet potato pie ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 2-3 days before serving.
  5. Can I freeze the pie? Yes, you can freeze the sweet potato pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
  6. Can I add toppings to the pie? Absolutely! You can add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce as desired.
  7. Can I make mini sweet potato pies instead of one large pie? Yes, you can make mini sweet potato pies by using individual pie crusts or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Potato masher - A utensil used to mash the cooked sweet potatoes.
  • Pie dish - A dish used to hold the pie crust and the filling.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for peeling the sweet potatoes and testing the doneness of the pie.
  • Oven mitts - Protective gloves to handle hot dishes and pie crusts.
  • Pie server - A utensil with a triangular blade used to slice and serve the pie.
  • Cooling rack - A rack used to allow the pie to cool evenly after baking.

Origin stories

Sweet potato pie finds its culinary roots in the Southern United States, a region known for its rich tradition of comfort foods. Its history traces back to times of colonial America, when European settlers used sweet potatoes as a substitute ingredient for traditional desserts because they were easier to cultivate than regular potatoes. Moreover, sweet potato pie holds a special place in African-American culture. It gained prominence during the era of slavery, as sweet potatoes were a staple in the African-American diet. Today, sweet potato pie is a symbol of celebration and togetherness, often served during the holiday season, especially for Thanksgiving. The pie's sweet, earthy taste and smooth texture, combined with the warming hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, truly encapsulate the essence of Southern comfort food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.