Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved Southern classic, bringing together a silky-smooth filling of sweet potatoes kissed with warming spices, nestled in a flaky crust. Whether you’re gathering with family for the holidays or just craving a special treat, this dessert promises pure comfort and nostalgia in every slice. The combination of sweet, earthy potatoes and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg makes it perfect for chilly evenings, fall feasts, and those moments when only the very best homemade pie will do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sweet Potato Pie lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy base of roasted sweet potatoes to the touch of spice that brings the pie to life. Together, these pantry staples create a dessert that’s both familiar and extraordinary.

9-inch unbaked pie crust: Homemade or store-bought, this is your pie’s foundation, creating a flaky buttery vessel for the luscious filling.
Mashed sweet potatoes (2 cups): The star of the show! Roasting your sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and depth.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that irresistibly creamy texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and structure, balancing the naturally earthy flavor of the potatoes.
Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Introduces a subtle molasses note, adding even more warmth to the filling.
Evaporated milk (½ cup) or half-and-half: Lends a velvety consistency and helps bind the filling together.
Large eggs (2): These give your filling structure and a custard-like smoothness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Just a splash brings out all the flavors and adds that classic bakery aroma.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Essential for that warm, spicy embrace in every bite.
Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): A little goes a long way, giving the pie its signature cozy finish.
Ground ginger (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle zing that complements the other spices beautifully.
Salt (¼ tsp): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and nestling your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out and carefully arrange it, crimping the edges for a classic look. This step sets the stage for your Sweet Potato Pie to shine.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

In a large bowl, add your cooked sweet potatoes—roasted for deeper flavor or boiled for speed. Mash them until silky smooth, getting rid of any lumps for a luxuriously creamy texture in your finished pie.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Spices

Beat the softened butter directly into your sweet potatoes until fully incorporated. Then add granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to ensure the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Take a moment to inhale the heavenly aroma—it’s already smelling like Thanksgiving!

Step 4: Fill and Smooth the Pie

Pour that luscious filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. It should look rich and inviting, practically begging to be baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should be set but still have a slight wobble, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the edges with foil for the last part of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Sweet Potato Pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least two hours. This helps the filling set so every slice holds beautifully when cut. Now it’s ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Garnishes

A cloud of freshly whipped cream atop each slice is classic, but don’t stop there! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, a caramel drizzle, or even a forkful of candied pecans will take your Sweet Potato Pie to the next level. These finishing touches make every serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Serve your Sweet Potato Pie alongside slightly tart fruits, such as sliced apples, or a spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce for a festive nod. For a holiday dessert table, pair it with tangy lemon bars or traditional pecan pie to offer a deliciously sweet variety.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go beyond the classic wedge, try baking your filling in mini tart shells for adorable individual pies. For a whimsical touch, use cookie cutters to make leaf-shaped pie crust toppers to place on each slice. Or layer small cubes of pie in parfait glasses with whipped cream for a surprising “pie-in-a-jar” presentation that’s perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover your cooled Sweet Potato Pie with plastic wrap or foil and tuck it into the refrigerator where it will keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after a night in the fridge, making leftovers an extra treat!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Sweet Potato Pie for later enjoyment. Wrap the completely cooled pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and a final layer of foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll taste just as dreamy for up to two months—perfect for prepping ahead for the holidays or unexpected cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, let frozen pie thaw overnight in the fridge. For a just-baked taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or the whole pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Top with fresh whipped cream before serving, and no one will guess it wasn’t just baked!

FAQs

Is it better to roast or boil sweet potatoes for Sweet Potato Pie?

Roasting sweet potatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and caramelizes their flavor, giving you a richer tasting pie. However, boiling is quicker and works perfectly well if you’re in a hurry. Either way, make sure your potatoes are cooked until completely tender for the smoothest filling.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

You can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch—just drain them well and mash until smooth. However, for the most vibrant flavor and the best texture, fresh roasted or boiled sweet potatoes are highly recommended.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie is done?

Your pie is ready when the center looks set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean, with just a slight wobble remaining. Overbaking can make the filling dry, so begin checking around the 50-minute mark.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sweet Potato Pie can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Is Sweet Potato Pie served warm or cold?

This pie is delicious both ways! Some people love it chilled straight from the fridge, while others prefer it just barely warm with a dollop of whipped cream. Try both and see which you love best.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the welcoming aroma and heartwarming flavor of homemade Sweet Potato Pie. Whether you’re baking it for a gathering or just to treat yourself, I hope you give this classic recipe a try and make delicious new memories with every bite.