This Sweet Potato Pie is a warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for family gatherings. The creamy filling blends sweet potatoes with spices for a cozy flavor.
Honestly, I could eat this pie for breakfast—it’s that good! The smooth texture and spiced sweetness make it a delightful dessert everyone loves.
Making it is a breeze! I simply mash the sweet potatoes, mix in the ingredients, and bake. It fills the house with the most wonderful aroma!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the pie! You can also use canned sweet potato puree in a pinch. Just make sure it’s plain and without added sugars.
Sugars: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar gives a deeper flavor. You can swap the sugars with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps things balanced. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or vegan butter as substitutes. It will still taste great!
Evaporated Milk: This gives a rich texture. For a lactose-free version, use almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just choose one that suits your taste!
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for warmth. If you don’t have nutmeg, a bit more cinnamon works too. Ginger adds a nice kick, but it’s optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smooth Filling?
To achieve a creamy texture in your pie, the sweet potatoes must be perfectly mashed. Here’s how:
- After boiling, let the sweet potatoes cool a bit before mashing.
- Use a potato masher or blender for best results. A blender will make it really smooth!
- Mix the filling well, ensuring no lumps remain. This will make the pie extra silky once baked.
Finally, be patient while it’s baking! Letting the pie cool completely allows it to set perfectly, so resist the urge to cut into it right away. Enjoy the delicious results!
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires about 1 hour and 5 minutes to bake. Once it’s baked, you’ll want to let it cool completely before serving, which takes about an hour. So, in total, you’re looking at a little over 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is hands-off while the pie bakes and cools.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important to make sure your pie bakes evenly!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into chunks. Boil them in a pot of water until they’re tender (this usually takes about 20-25 minutes). Once they’re soft, drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth. Let them cool for just a bit.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, take your cooled mashed sweet potatoes and add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if you’re using it), and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Fill the Crust:
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make it nice and even.
5. Bake the Pie:
Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean or just has a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Cool Down:
After baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it sit on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial, as the filling will continue to set as it cools.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pie is cooled, slice it up and serve with whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream.
Enjoy every bite of your delicious, creamy Sweet Potato Pie with its beautifully spiced filling and flaky crust!
Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes are actually preferred for a homemade pie. Simply boil, mash, and use as directed in the recipe for that fresh and delicious flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven or microwave, ensuring they stay moist. Enjoy as a quick treat!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make Sweet Potato Pie a day in advance! Bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set even more!
What Can I Use Instead of Evaporated Milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute with an equal amount of regular milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk. Just remember that it may slightly change the texture.
