Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Sweet potato pie is the crown jewel of Southern desserts, transforming humble ingredients into a silky, spiced masterpiece that has graced family tables for generations. This beloved Thanksgiving classic combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with aromatic spices, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

My grandmother used to say that a good sweet potato pie could bring people together like nothing else. She was right. Every November, neighbors would line up at her kitchen door, hoping to claim one of her famous pies before Thanksgiving dinner.

This homemade sweet potato pie recipe delivers that same magic. With its creamy custard-like filling and perfectly spiced flavor, it’s destined to become your family’s new tradition.

Ingredients for the Best Ever Sweet Potato Pie

Creating an outstanding sweet potato pie starts with quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes this dessert legendary.

For the Filling:

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Crust:

• 1 9-inch deep pie crust, partially blind-baked

The secret to this easy sweet potato pie recipe lies in using whole milk and heavy cream instead of traditional evaporated milk. This creates an incredibly rich and velvety texture that elevates the entire dessert.

Instructions for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Southern Style

Making homemade sweet potato pie requires patience, but the process is straightforward. Follow these steps for foolproof results every time.

Step 1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Choose plump, firm sweet potatoes without soft spots or blemishes.

Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce them all over with a fork to prevent bursting during baking. This step is crucial for even cooking.

Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Roasting rather than boiling concentrates the natural sugars and prevents excess moisture in your filling.

Once tender, remove from the oven and reduce temperature to 350°F for baking the pie later.

Step 2: Making the Filling

Allow the roasted sweet potatoes to cool completely before handling. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl.

Mash the sweet potato flesh with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. The flour acts as a stabilizer, ensuring your pie sets properly without becoming watery.

Add the dry ingredients to the sweet potatoes and mix until combined. Gradually stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

For the smoothest texture, transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender and pulse until completely smooth. This eliminates any stringy fibers and creates a restaurant-quality consistency.

Pour the mixture back into your bowl. Beat the eggs with a fork until frothy and pale yellow, then fold them into the filling until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

Pour the filling into your pre-baked pie crust. The partially baked crust prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy bottom.

Bake on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. Don’t overbake, as this can cause cracking.

Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before refrigerating.

Pro Tips and Variations for Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

Expert Techniques

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Beauregard and Jewel varieties work best for this sweet potato pie recipe easy preparation. They have the perfect orange color and creamy texture.

Roast, Don’t Boil: Roasting concentrates flavors and prevents excess moisture that can make your pie soggy.

Blend for Smoothness: Using a blender creates the silkiest possible texture, eliminating any fibrous strings.

Chill Before Serving: This old fashioned sweet potato pie tastes best after chilling overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the texture becomes perfectly firm.

Delicious Variations

Sweet Potato Pie With Heavy Cream Topping: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for an elegant finish.

Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist on this classic.

Brown Sugar Version: Replace half the granulated sugar with packed brown sugar for deeper molasses notes.

Spice Variations: Experiment with cardamom, ginger, or allspice to customize your flavor profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your filling seems runny, ensure you’ve roasted the sweet potatoes properly and allowed adequate chilling time. The flour helps set the filling, but patience is key.

For the smoothest results, strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the eggs if you don’t have a high-powered blender.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Desserts

This sweet potato pie southern style dessert shines on its own, but thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the experience.

Classic Pairings

Serve slices at room temperature or slightly chilled. A dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a beautiful contrast to the rich filling.

Vanilla ice cream offers a cool, creamy complement that balances the warm spices perfectly.

For special occasions, drizzle plates with caramel sauce or sprinkle with toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.

Thanksgiving Pie Recipes Presentation

Present your pie on a beautiful cake stand or vintage plate. Dust lightly with cinnamon or garnish with a few candied sweet potato chips for an impressive display.

Consider serving alongside other traditional desserts like pecan pie or apple crisp for a complete Southern dessert spread.

Coffee or spiced tea pairs wonderfully with the warming spices in this homemade sweet potato pie.

Conclusion

This sweet potato pie recipe represents the very best of Southern baking tradition. With its incredibly creamy texture, perfectly balanced spices, and foolproof technique, it’s destined to become your go-to recipe for holidays and special occasions.

The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, whole milk, and heavy cream creates a filling so smooth and flavorful that it rivals any bakery creation. The addition of flour ensures perfect slicing, while the generous spicing gives it that authentic Southern soul food character.

Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this easy sweet potato pie recipe delivers consistent, impressive results. The overnight chilling transforms good pie into extraordinary pie, so plan ahead for the best results.

FAQs

How long does sweet potato pie last? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time? Yes! This pie actually tastes better the next day. Make it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie? Sweet potato pie has a deeper, more complex flavor with earthier notes. The texture is typically silkier and less dense than pumpkin pie.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Fresh roasted sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain thoroughly and reduce the milk slightly to prevent a watery filling.

Why is my sweet potato pie cracked? Overbaking is the most common cause of cracking. Bake just until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Can I substitute evaporated milk? Yes, but whole milk and heavy cream create a richer, more luxurious texture that’s worth the extra effort.

What spices are essential for authentic sweet potato pie? Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are the holy trinity. This recipe’s generous use of cloves gives it that distinctive Southern flavor profile.

How do I know when my sweet potato pie is done? The edges should be completely set while the center maintains a slight jiggle. It will continue cooking from residual heat and firm up as it cools.