This Sweet Potato Pie is like a warm hug on a plate! Smooth, creamy, and just sweet enough, it’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, spices, and a buttery crust that everyone loves.
Honestly, I could eat this pie for breakfast! It’s so easy to make and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Just slice and enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They’re the star of this pie! Opt for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can try canned sweet potato or pumpkin puree as a substitute.
Pie Crust: An unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade) keeps it quick and easy. If you’re gluten-free, there are great almond or gluten-free crusts available. You can even use a graham cracker crust for a twist!
Dairy: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. For richer flavor, evaporated milk works wonderfully too.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that warm, cozy taste. If you like a bit more warmth, try adding cloves. Pumpkin pie spice is also a great substitute if you have it on hand.
How Can I Get Perfectly Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Getting your sweet potatoes just right is crucial for this pie! First, boil or steam them until tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Here’s how to get a smooth mash:
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even chunks for faster cooking.
- Once tender, drain them and let them steam dry for a minute to remove excess moisture.
- Use a potato masher or even a fork to mash them until there are no lumps. For silkier texture, you can blend them briefly.
Take your time; perfectly mashed sweet potatoes make for the best pie filling!
Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Sweet Potato Pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then needs about 55-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 2 hours. So, plan for at least 3 hours from start to finish, but most of that is just waiting for it to bake and cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven will be hot and ready for the pie when you’re finished mixing the filling.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
If you haven’t already prepared the sweet potatoes, peel and chop them into chunks. Boil or steam them until they’re very tender—this should take about 20-25 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Let the mash cool a bit before moving on.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together well until it’s smooth and creamy. This is what will give your pie that delicious flavor!
4. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the sweet potato filling into your unbaked pie crust. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure even baking. Look at that lovely color! You’re doing great!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set (it should not jiggle) and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The pie crust will also turn a beautiful golden color.
6. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. This will take about 2 hours. It’s essential to let it cool to allow it to firm up nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to indulge, slice up the pie and top each piece with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Enjoy every creamy, spiced bite!
Now, dig into your lovely Sweet Potato Pie, and don’t forget to share a slice or two with family and friends!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience! One 15-ounce can should be enough for this recipe. Just drain and mash them well before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. Bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s covered well to keep it fresh. You can enjoy it cold or reheat individual slices in the microwave!
Can I Substitute the Milk with a Dairy-Free Alternative?
Yes! Feel free to use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as a great dairy-free option. Just make sure to choose a plain, unsweetened variety to keep the flavor balanced.
