Southern Sweet Potato Pie

why make this recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. It has a smooth, sweet filling made from roasted sweet potatoes, which gives it a wonderful flavor. This pie is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a nutritious ingredient. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy dessert at home. Making this pie will fill your kitchen with sweet, comforting aromas that everyone will love.

how to make Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and roast for 45–60 minutes until soft. Once cooked, cool, peel, and mash until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract until fully blended.
4. Mix in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
5. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top and gently tap to release air bubbles.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50–60 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly when done.
7. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
8. Serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.

how to serve Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Serve the pie at room temperature or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat. For added sweetness and flair, top each slice with whipped cream. This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.

how to store Southern Sweet Potato Pie

To store the pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Southern Sweet Potato Pie

• Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
• Make sure to roast the sweet potatoes until they’re very soft for a smoother filling.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste; add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you love those flavors.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.

variation

You can add a touch of bourbon to the filling for a richer flavor. Alternatively, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache at the bottom of the pie crust before pouring in the sweet potato filling for a chocolatey twist.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain them well. They may not have the same depth of flavor as roasted sweet potatoes.

How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the center jiggles slightly but is not liquid. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

A classic dessert featuring a smooth, sweet filling made from roasted sweet potatoes, perfect for holidays and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Sweet

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes Use fresh sweet potatoes for best flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs Add eggs one at a time.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Feel free to adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Feel free to adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the crust

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

For serving

• Whipped cream (optional) For topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and roast for 45–60 minutes until soft.
3. Once cooked, cool, peel, and mash until smooth.

Mixing the filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract until fully blended.
4. Mix in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Baking

1. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top and gently tap to release air bubbles.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50–60 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly when done.
3. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Serving

1. Serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Let the pie cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces. You can add a touch of bourbon to the filling or consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache at the bottom of the pie crust for a chocolatey twist.