Sweet Potato Pie

Change things up this Thanksgiving and wow your family and friends with this homemade sweet potato pie! This old-fashioned sweet potato pie is made with dark brown sugar and warm fall spices, topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, it’s a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor: This sweet potato pie combines rich flavors from dark brown sugar and warm spices, creating a nostalgic taste perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, making this pie is straightforward, even for beginners.
• Versatile Dessert: It’s an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Serve it warm or chilled!
• Beautiful Presentation: The golden-brown crust and creamy filling make this pie a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Adding freshly whipped cream elevates the pie’s flavor, making every slice even more indulgent.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your sweet potato pie efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Potato masher
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good pie dish ensures even baking and helps create a beautiful crust.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl gives you enough space to combine ingredients without spills.
• Potato masher: This tool helps you achieve smooth sweet potatoes for a creamy filling.

Ingredients

For this delicious sweet potato pie, gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust

• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) table salt
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (cold 2 sticks)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) ice water (more as needed)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) lemon juice (cold)

For the Filling

• 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
• 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup (310 g) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

To Serve

• whipped cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix in ice water and lemon juice gradually until dough forms.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain and mash until smooth; set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix softened butter with dark brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
3. Place the rolled dough into the dish; trim excess edges if necessary.
4. Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust evenly.

Step 5: Bake

1. Beat together egg and milk; brush over crust edges for shine.
2. Bake for about 90 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
3. Allow cooling before serving with whipped cream on top.

Enjoy your homemade sweet potato pie this holiday season!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to make your sweet potato pie experience even more enjoyable.

Classic Serving

• Serve the pie warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for a comforting and classic dessert.

A La Mode

• Pair a slice of sweet potato pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between the warm pie and cold ice cream.

With Spiced Nuts

• Sprinkle spiced pecans or walnuts over the whipped cream for added crunch and flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top to introduce a rich sweetness that complements the pie’s flavors.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Top each slice with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or pomegranate seeds, for a burst of freshness.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of brewed coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness of the pie, making it a perfect end to any meal.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie takes care and attention. Follow these tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time.

• Choose ripe sweet potatoes: Select sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes for optimal flavor.

• Avoid overmixing: Mix your filling just until combined to keep the texture smooth and creamy without being tough.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and water for the crust are cold; this helps create a flaky texture.

• Blind bake the crust: Pre-bake your crust for about 10 minutes before adding filling; this prevents a soggy bottom.

• Check doneness carefully: Insert a knife into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, your pie is ready to be taken out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Serving side dishes alongside sweet potato pie can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts bring out earthy flavors that perfectly balance the sweetness of the pie.

2. Green Bean Casserole: A creamy casserole topped with crispy onions adds both texture and richness.

3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide an excellent contrast and pair beautifully with sweet potato flavors.

4. Maple-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of glazed carrots enhances the overall taste experience.

5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and heartiness, balancing out dessert nicely.

6. Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, nuts, and cranberries provides a light crunch against rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sweet potato pie, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dessert game. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not Cooking Sweet Potatoes Properly: Ensure that the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly. Undercooked potatoes can lead to a grainy texture in your pie.
• Ignoring the Pie Crust: A soggy crust can ruin the overall experience. Blind bake your crust before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
• Overmixing the Filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your pie. Mix just until combined for a smooth consistency.
• Skipping the Spices: The right spices enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip cinnamon or nutmeg; they are essential for traditional sweet potato pie taste.
• Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the mixing process and final texture. Always let dairy products come to room temperature before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just be sure to label it with the date.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture. Heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding sweet potato pie that you might find helpful.

How do I make sweet potato pie from scratch?

To make sweet potato pie from scratch, start by cooking and mashing fresh sweet potatoes. Combine them with sugar, spices, eggs, and evaporated milk, then pour into a prepped crust and bake.

What is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes?

Boiling or roasting are both excellent ways to prepare sweet potatoes for this recipe. Ensure they are tender before mashing.

Can I substitute other ingredients in my sweet potato pie?

Yes! You can try using different types of sugar or non-dairy milk alternatives if desired. Customize according to your taste preferences.

How long does sweet potato pie last once baked?

Baked sweet potato pie lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months when properly frozen.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato pie is not only a delightful dessert but also versatile enough for various occasions beyond Thanksgiving. You can customize it with different spices or toppings like nuts or caramel sauce. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends!