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, making it a delightful centerpiece for any holiday table. Its creamy filling and buttery crust are sure to impress, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself. Plus, the combination of flavors creates a comforting dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and sweet potatoes creates a rich, warm taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, this sweet potato pie shines at every event.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm or chilled, with whipped cream or ice cream—it’s delightful either way!
• Homemade Goodness: Nothing compares to the satisfaction of creating a classic dessert from scratch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your sweet potato pie effortlessly, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These tools will help streamline your baking process and enhance your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for a perfect crust.
• Pie dish: Ensures even cooking throughout the pie while providing an elegant presentation.
• Hand mixer or whisk: Aids in achieving a smooth filling by thoroughly blending the ingredients.

Ingredients

To create this delightful 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 Topping:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
– Cut them into chunks and boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
– Drain and mash them until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water and lemon juice; mix until dough forms.
• Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In another mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in mashed sweet potatoes until well combined.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

• Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
• Place rolled dough into the pie dish; trim excess edges as needed.
• Pour sweet potato filling into prepared crust.

Step 5: Bake Your Pie

• In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Brush over pie crust edges for golden color.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until center is set.
• Allow cooling before serving with whipped cream. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your sweet potato pie experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the rich filling.

A la Mode

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm pie, creating a deliciously creamy mixture.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the pie with sliced apples or pears. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing crunch that complements the smooth sweetness of the pie.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the flavors by drizzling caramel sauce over each slice. The sweetness of the caramel pairs beautifully with the spices in the pie.

Spiced Nuts on Top

• Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor. The nuts add a crunchy element that contrasts with the creamy filling.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve a velvety and flavorful dessert.

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes yield a better flavor than canned alternatives. Bake or steam them until soft before mashing.

• Pre-bake your crust: Pre-bake your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.

• Mix ingredients thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even texture and consistent flavor throughout the pie.

• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the spice amounts based on your preference. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.

• Cool completely before serving: Allow your pie to cool at room temperature for at least two hours before slicing. This helps it set properly.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is versatile and pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these delicious options:

1. Green Bean Casserole: A creamy and savory dish made with fresh green beans, mushrooms, and crispy onions, perfect for balancing sweetness.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These slightly bitter sprouts are roasted until crispy, providing a lovely contrast to sweet potato pie.

3. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds acidity that cuts through the richness of sweet potato pie, enhancing every bite.

4. Cornbread Muffins: Serve warm cornbread muffins as a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with pies’ sweetness while maintaining Southern charm.

5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort in every bite and balance nicely against dessert flavors.

6. Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots can provide an additional layer of sweetness that complements rather than overpowers your meal’s main dessert attraction.

7. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad topped with nuts and a vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites of rich dessert.

8. Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with a warm pumpkin soup; its spices will set up an excellent transition into the sweet potato pie finale!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold crust preparation: Skipping proper chilling of the dough can lead to a tough crust. Always chill your pie crust before rolling it out.
• Bold sweet potato selection: Using canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones may affect texture and flavor. Opt for fresh sweet potatoes for the best results.
• Bold measurement errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your pie. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Bold overmixing filling: Overmixing can create an undesirable texture in your filling. Mix just until combined for a smooth consistency.
• Bold neglecting spices: Forgetting key spices can result in a bland flavor. Don’t skip cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—they’re essential for that warm taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

What is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a dessert made from sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices baked in a pastry crust. It’s creamy and flavorful, perfect for holidays.

How do I make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch?

To make sweet potato pie from scratch, prepare your pie crust, cook and mash fresh sweet potatoes, then combine them with sugar and spices before baking.

Can I use other types of potatoes in my Sweet Potato Pie?

While traditional recipes call for sweet potatoes, you can experiment with other varieties like yams or even pumpkin puree for unique flavors.

What spices are best for Sweet Potato Pie?

The best spices include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These create that classic warm flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Can I substitute ingredients in my Sweet Potato Pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or use plant-based milk instead of evaporated milk if desired.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or toppings. Try it this season and impress your loved ones with its rich flavors!