Name: Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large, baked or boiled); ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (120 ml) evaporated milk (or heavy cream); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground cloves; Pinch of salt; 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

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Few desserts capture the heart and soul of Southern baking quite like Sweet Potato Pie. With its silky, gently spiced filling nestled in a golden, flaky crust, this treat is as iconic as it is irresistible. Whether it steals the spotlight at your holiday table or just cozies up beside an afternoon coffee, Sweet Potato Pie is a celebration of down-home comfort that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this classic Sweet Potato Pie recipe are simple, familiar, and easy to find, yet each plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and that signature vibrant color. Every element, from buttery sweet potatoes to warm spices, helps build a pie that’s incredibly rich and soul-satisfying.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Provides the gorgeous orange color, sweetness, and creamy foundation for the filling.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luscious texture in every bite.
Granulated Sugar: Gives an essential sweetness that balances the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
Brown Sugar: Offers a deeper, caramel-like flavor, giving your pie a lovely complexity.
Large Eggs: They give structure and help set the filling while keeping it custardy and tender.
Evaporated Milk (or Heavy Cream): Makes the pie extra creamy and adds that classic Southern pie richness.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavors and brings a wonderful warm note to the pie.
Ground Cinnamon: The must-have spice, giving warmth and a gentle spice that’s pure comfort.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a little nutty, aromatic kick that makes the filling sing.
Ground Ginger: Brightens everything up with its signature zing.
Ground Cloves: Just a touch goes a long way, bringing depth and that old-fashioned pie flavor.
Pinch of Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances out the sweetness beautifully.
Unbaked 9-inch Pie Crust: The flaky stage for our luscious filling—homemade or store-bought both work deliciously here.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your favorite pie crust—homemade or from the shop—and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges or leaving them rustic. This is your canvas for all that creamy filling.

Step 2: Blend the Sweet Potatoes and Butter

In a big mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes (make sure they’re smooth and lump-free!) with the melted, still-warm butter. Stir until everything looks velvety and well combined—this step is the backbone of a creamy Sweet Potato Pie.

Step 3: Whisk in Sugars, Eggs, Dairy, and Spices

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk (or heavy cream), vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or blend until the mixture is creamy and all the spices are beautifully incorporated. It should smell like the start of the holidays!

Step 4: Pour and Smooth the Filling

Pour your silky filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed so that every slice bakes up perfectly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully slide your pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set (not jiggly) and a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean—a little moisture is okay for a tender pie.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your Sweet Potato Pie to cool completely on a rack before slicing. This step ensures the filling sets up and each wedge holds its shape. Top with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if the mood strikes!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Garnishes

A classic Sweet Potato Pie practically begs for a billowy dollop of fresh whipped cream. You can also dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra fragrance, or even drizzle a touch of maple syrup for added decadence. For a festive touch, try candied pecans or a scatter of toasted coconut flakes.

Side Dishes

This pie shines next to a steaming cup of coffee or a mug of spiced tea! At the holiday table, serve Sweet Potato Pie alongside roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and all your favorite fall veggies. Its creamy texture and rich flavor pair beautifully with tangy cranberry sauce or bright citrus salads, balancing every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For something unique, cut the pie into petite squares or mini wedges and serve on a dessert platter with swirls of caramel sauce. Layer wedges with whipped cream in individual jars for Sweet Potato Pie parfaits, or add a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate Southern treat. However you slice it, Sweet Potato Pie is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, cover any remaining Sweet Potato Pie with plastic wrap or foil and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it easy to sneak a sweet slice whenever you crave it.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy Sweet Potato Pie later, just wrap the cooled, fully baked pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for pie that tastes just as scrumptious as the day you made it!

Reheating

To serve warm, place leftover or thawed slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat, as you want the filling to stay creamy and the crust to remain crisp.

FAQs

How do I get perfectly smooth sweet potatoes for the filling?

Roast or boil your sweet potatoes until fully tender, then peel and mash while still warm. For ultra-smooth filling, use a potato ricer or process briefly in a food processor—just don’t over-blend, or the filling could turn gummy.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie dairy free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for melted coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use plant-based milk (like coconut or oat milk) in place of evaporated milk or cream. Your pie will still be creamy and full of flavor.

What’s the difference between Sweet Potato Pie and pumpkin pie?

While both pies feature warmly spiced, custardy fillings and a flaky crust, Sweet Potato Pie has a deeper sweetness, slightly earthy flavor, and creamier texture thanks to the sweet potatoes. It’s a taste of Southern comfort that stands out all on its own!

Can I bake Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Yes—this recipe is perfect for making ahead! Bake the pie a day or two in advance, allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. The flavors meld and actually improve with a bit of time, so your pie will be even more delicious on the big day.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy crust?

Be sure your crust is well-chilled before filling, and you can even sprinkle a light layer of ground nuts or a little flour in the bottom before pouring in the custard. Baking on the lower rack and letting the pie cool fully before slicing also help keep things crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Sweet Potato Pie that instantly brings comfort and celebration to any occasion. If you haven’t made it before, you’re in for an absolute treat—give this recipe a try, and share a slice (or two) with the ones you love!