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, topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations, it’s a delightful way to showcase the flavors of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and warm spices creates a rich and comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can follow along.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a casual get-together, this pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or chilled, with or without whipped cream—it’s delicious either way!
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dessert a slightly healthier choice.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your sweet potato pie, you will need some essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Whisk
• Potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A sturdy pie dish ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect crust texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix various components without any mess.
• Whisk: A good whisk is essential for blending ingredients smoothly, particularly when mixing eggs and sugars.

Ingredients

To create this delicious sweet potato pie, gather the following ingredients:

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 place them in a pot filled with boiling water. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water and lemon juice gradually until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures an even baking temperature for your pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Filling

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

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer it carefully into the dish.

Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the sweet potato filling into your prepared crust. Smooth it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set. The edges should be golden brown.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let your pie cool before slicing. Brush a mixture of beaten egg and milk on top before serving if desired. Top each slice with fresh whipped cream before enjoying!

This recipe for sweet potato pie is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Serving sweet potato pie is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. Here are some creative suggestions to make your dessert even more enjoyable.

Classic Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy complement to the rich pie.

Spiced Pecans

• Add a handful of spiced pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.

Ice Cream

• Serve warm pieces of sweet potato pie with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to create a comforting contrast in temperatures.

Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie before serving for an indulgent touch that enhances the sweetness.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish with fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and tanginess that balances the richness of the pie.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

To make sure your sweet potato pie turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh sweet potatoes – Fresh sweet potatoes yield better flavor compared to canned ones, ensuring your pie is as tasty as possible.
• Pre-bake the crust – Lightly bake the crust before filling it to prevent it from becoming soggy, resulting in a perfectly crisp base.
• Blend thoroughly – Ensure all filling ingredients are well-blended for a smooth texture, avoiding any lumps in your delicious pie.
• Check for doneness – Insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, your pie is ready. Don’t overbake, as this can lead to cracks.
• Cool completely – Allow your pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing; this helps set the filling for cleaner cuts.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

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

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These crispy veggies add a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the pie.
2. Green Bean Casserole – A creamy green bean casserole provides texture and richness, making it a classic holiday favorite.
3. Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet and slightly tangy, maple-glazed carrots echo the flavors of the sweet potato while adding vibrant color.
4. Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the pie, offering a delightful balance.
5. Stuffing – A savory herb stuffing can round out your meal with its hearty flavors and textures.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Soft cornbread muffins bring a comforting element that pairs wonderfully with holiday meals featuring sweet potato pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your sweet potato pie, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the perfect pie.

• Bold ingredient measurement: Not measuring your ingredients accurately can lead to a pie that’s too dense or too runny. Use a kitchen scale for precision and follow the recipe closely.

• Bold overcooking sweet potatoes: Overcooked sweet potatoes can make your filling watery. Steam or boil them until just tender; they should mash easily without excess moisture.

• Bold neglecting crust chilling: Skipping the chilling step for your pie crust can result in shrinkage during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• Bold rushing cooling time: Cutting into the pie while it’s still warm can lead to a messy slice. Allow it to cool completely before serving for a clean presentation.

• Bold ignoring spice balance: Too much or too little spice can throw off the flavor of your sweet potato pie. Taste your filling before baking and adjust as needed to achieve a balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Frozen sweet potato pie will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking often to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about sweet potato pie, here are some frequently asked questions that might help you out!

What is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices baked in a flaky crust. It’s a favorite during holidays like Thanksgiving.

How do you make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch?

To make sweet potato pie from scratch, you’ll need fresh sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, spices, and a homemade or store-bought crust. Mix all ingredients well and pour into the crust before baking until set.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Potato Pie?

Yes! You can adjust ingredients like using different types of milk or alternative sugars based on your dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

How long does Sweet Potato Pie last in the fridge?

Sweet potato pie typically lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding nuts or using different spices. This dessert is sure to impress at any gathering, so give this recipe a try and enjoy its warm flavors this holiday season!