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 and topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy weekend treat, this pie will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of sweet potatoes and rich spices creates a warm and comforting flavor that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful pie without hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it warm or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream; it’s delicious any way you serve it!
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner party, this sweet potato pie shines on every table.
• A Family Tradition – This recipe brings back memories of old-fashioned cooking, making it a great way to create new traditions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your sweet potato pie, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Potato peeler
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish – A sturdy pie dish molds your crust perfectly and helps achieve an even bake.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for mixing ingredients seamlessly without mess.
• Whisk – Great for combining eggs and sugar thoroughly to get that perfect silky filling.

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Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create your delicious sweet potato pie:

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 Topping:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes. Cut them into chunks and boil in salted water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly before mashing 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. Stir in ice water and lemon juice until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to your pie dish, trimming excess dough from edges.

Step 5: Mix the Filling

In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into the prepared crust. In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with milk; brush over crust edges for shine. Bake for about 90 minutes or until set in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool at room temperature before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired! Enjoy your homemade sweet potato pie!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any holiday table. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious pie!

Classic Serving Suggestions

• Whipped cream: Top each slice with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream for a rich and creamy texture.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: Dust the top with ground cinnamon for a fragrant finish that enhances the pie’s warm spices.

Pairing Suggestions

• Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a cool contrast to the warm pie.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that complements the smooth filling.
• Fruit compote: A side of apple or cranberry compote adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the pie.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Perfecting your sweet potato pie can elevate it to new heights. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect slice every time.

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Choosing fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes enhances the flavor and texture of the filling.
• Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking helps avoid a soggy bottom crust, ensuring your pie has a nice, flaky texture.
• Don’t overmix the filling: Mixing too much can lead to a tough filling. Stir just until combined for a smooth consistency.
• Check doneness carefully: The pie should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when done. It will firm up as it cools.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Serving side dishes alongside your sweet potato pie can create a more balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Green bean casserole: This classic dish pairs well with sweet potato pie, offering savory flavors to balance the sweetness.
2. Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the pie beautifully, providing a great contrast in taste.
3. Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with herbs adds depth and richness alongside the sweet flavors of your dessert.
4. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work well as they provide comfort without competing with the flavors of sweet potato pie.
5. Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread is a great accompaniment that echoes southern traditions and enhances your meal’s theme.
6. Glazed carrots: Sweet glazed carrots add color and brightness to your table while maintaining harmony with your dessert choice.
7. Spinach salad: A fresh spinach salad topped with nuts and dried fruits offers a light contrast to heavier dishes, rounding out your meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Bold ingredient measurement: Using incorrect ingredient measurements can ruin your pie’s texture and flavor. Always measure your ingredients accurately using proper tools.
• Bold undercooking the sweet potatoes: Undercooked sweet potatoes can lead to a grainy filling. Ensure they are tender before mashing for a smooth consistency.
• Bold overmixing the filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in cracks. Mix just until combined for a perfect filling.
• Bold skipping the chilling time: Not chilling the pie crust may cause it to shrink during baking. Allow your crust to chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Bold ignoring the spices: Skipping or skimping on spices can make your pie bland. Use fresh spices and adjust them to taste for a more flavorful pie.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the pie with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie that may help you as you prepare this delicious dessert.

How do I know when my sweet potatoes are cooked?

Cooked sweet potatoes should be tender enough that a fork easily pierces them. This ensures they mash smoothly for your pie filling.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes! Just drain them well and mash them before mixing with other ingredients.

What is the best way to store leftover Sweet Potato Pie?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

How can I customize my Sweet Potato Pie?

Feel free to add ingredients like pecans, chocolate chips, or even swap some spices based on your preferences!

Why does my Sweet Potato Pie crack?

Cracking often occurs due to overmixing or baking at too high a temperature. Keep mixing gentle and bake at moderate temperatures for best results.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Sweet Potato Pie is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy during gatherings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible dessert option. Feel free to customize it with different spices or toppings like nuts or chocolate chips. Try this recipe this Thanksgiving and impress your family and friends!