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 gatherings, celebrations, or simply a cozy evening at home, this dessert is sure to impress everyone with its delightful flavors and comforting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: Dark brown sugar and warm spices create a deliciously rich taste that’s perfect for the season.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite.
• Crowd Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: This is essential for shaping your pie crust perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for a flaky crust.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending eggs and mixing ingredients smoothly.

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Ingredients

For the Pie 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: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie cooks evenly when it’s time to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in ice water and lemon juice until the dough comes together.
4. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender; about 20 minutes.
2. Drain and let cool slightly before peeling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
2. Add softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches wide.
2. Place in a pie dish; trim excess dough hanging over edges.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust. Spread evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until filling is set in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream on top for that special touch!

Enjoy making this delightful Sweet Potato Pie that’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your holiday gatherings!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will make your sweet potato pie even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light and creamy contrast to the rich pie.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of sweet potato pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a deliciously creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the spiced filling.

With Toasted Pecans

• Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. This adds an appealing texture and enhances the overall taste of the pie.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup over each slice brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, making every bite even more indulgent.

With Caramel Sauce

• For a decadent twist, serve your pie with caramel sauce drizzled over the top. This will add richness and a touch of sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your pie is a hit!

• Choose Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture in your pie filling.

• Pre-Bake Your Crust: Pre-baking your pie crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy after adding the filling. Just bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the sweet potato mixture.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother filling and better incorporation of flavors.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your filling light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture in your pie.

• Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your pie is ready! This ensures that your filling is set properly without being overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing side dishes with your sweet potato pie can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients, balancing out the sweetness of the pie.

2. Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish provides creamy textures and savory flavors that contrast nicely with sweet potato pie.

3. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce complements the sweetness of the pie, providing an excellent flavor balance on your plate.

4. Cornbread: A slice of cornbread brings warmth and heartiness, making it a comforting match alongside sweet potato pie.

5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer richness and are always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, complementing desserts like sweet potato pie.

6. Salad with Vinaigrette: A fresh salad dressed with vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal, cutting through the richness of both savory dishes and dessert alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Bold crust: Using too warm of butter or not chilling the dough can lead to a soggy crust. Always ensure your butter is cold and chill the dough before rolling it out.
• Bold sweet potatoes: Not using enough sweet potatoes or using undercooked ones can result in a bland filling. Make sure to roast or boil them until tender before mashing.
• Bold spices: Forgetting to measure your spices can throw off the flavor balance. Use measuring spoons for accuracy and adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Bold eggs: Over-beating the eggs can introduce too much air, causing the pie to crack during baking. Mix just until combined for a smooth filling.
• Bold cooling: Cutting into the pie while it’s still warm can affect its texture. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the pie for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

How do I make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch?

To make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch, start by preparing the crust and then cook and mash sweet potatoes. Mix with sugar, spices, eggs, and milk, pour into the crust, and bake until set.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for my Sweet Potato Pie?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes; just ensure they are well-drained before mashing. This will save time without compromising too much on flavor.

What is the best way to serve Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet Potato Pie is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for added richness.

Can I customize my Sweet Potato Pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different spices like cardamom or nutmeg or incorporate ingredients like coconut milk for a unique twist on traditional flavors.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or toppings to create a version that suits your taste!