This Sweet Potato Pie is creamy, sweet, and packed with flavor. Made with tender sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a flaky crust, it’s the perfect dessert for any gathering!
Honestly, every slice feels like a cozy hug! I love serving it with a little whipped cream on top—it just makes it even better. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the pie! Look for firm and smooth ones. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned sweet potato puree, but be sure to choose plain, with no added sugar or spices.
Pie Crust: The recipe calls for an unbaked pie crust, but you can use store-bought or homemade. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free crust or even a nut crust made from crushed almonds or pecans!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness, but if you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine can be a good substitute.
Milk: You can use regular milk, but for dairy-free diets, almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk works great here.
Spices: While cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are traditional, feel free to play around! Cardamom or allspice can add warm flavors too. Just use what you like!
How Do You Get the Filling Smooth and Creamy?
A smooth filling is essential for a great pie. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Make sure your cooked sweet potatoes are completely cool before mashing.
- Use a potato masher or a food processor to get them really smooth.
- When mixing the filling ingredients, mix until fully combined and there are no lumps.
- Adding the eggs one at a time ensures they blend well into the mixture.
- Finally, using a whisk can help incorporate the ingredients thoroughly, leading to a creamy texture!
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Sweet Potato Pie takes approximately 20 minutes of preparation time. You’ll need about 55-65 minutes of baking time, followed by cooling time of at least 1 hour for the pie to set properly. So, in total, plan for around 2 hours before you slice it to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your pie once it’s assembled.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by washing, peeling, and chopping the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a pot of water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain them and mash until smooth. Let them cool slightly before using.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and milk. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
4. Add the Eggs:
Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This will help incorporate air, making the filling fluffy.
5. Spice It Up:
Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined and the filling is smooth.
6. Fill the Pie Crust:
Carefully pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The pie is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, but it should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. This allows it to set properly before slicing.
9. Enjoy!
Serve slices of your delicious Sweet Potato Pie topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired. Enjoy this warm and comforting dessert with family and friends!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes can be a time-saver. Just make sure to drain them well before mashing to avoid excess moisture, and aim for around 2 cups of mashed potatoes.
Can I Make the Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to a day in advance! Once baked, let it cool completely, then cover it and refrigerate. Just add whipped cream right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or enjoy it cold!
Can I Use a Different Pie Crust?
Definitely! While a traditional pie crust works great, you can use a graham cracker crust or a gluten-free crust if needed. Just ensure the crust is unbaked if the recipe calls for it!
