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, warm fall spices, and topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, this pie brings warmth and joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and spices creates a rich and comforting taste that’s sure to please everyone.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare this pie without any hassle.
• Versatile Delight: This sweet potato pie is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any festive gathering throughout the year.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its nostalgic flavor appeals to both young and old, making it a hit at family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your twist by incorporating nuts or different spices according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of sweet potato pie, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Oven
• Pie dish
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients and mixing wet components smoothly.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the crust evenly for that perfect flaky texture.
• Oven: Ensures even cooking for a perfectly baked pie every time.
• Pie dish: A good quality dish holds the pie securely while allowing it to bake beautifully.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Sweet Potato Pie, you’ll need:

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

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
3. Pierce each potato with a fork several times.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until soft.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water and lemon juice until dough forms.
4. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Once sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
3. Add softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, spices, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract; mix well until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
2. Place rolled dough into the dish; trim excess edges if necessary.
3. Pour filling into prepared crust.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk; brush over crust edges.
3. Bake for 40–50 minutes or until filling is set.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the pie to cool before serving with whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness!

Enjoy this scrumptious Sweet Potato Pie that brings back fond memories while delighting your taste buds!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, there are numerous options that can enhance its flavor and presentation.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for a light and fluffy contrast to the rich filling.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream adds a creamy texture and complements the warm spices in the pie.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie before serving for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.

Garnished with Nuts

• Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the softness of the pie.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices alongside fresh fruit like pears or apples, which provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie takes some attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly cooked sweet potatoes yield a more vibrant flavor than canned varieties.
• Pre-bake Your Crust: Pre-baking the crust helps achieve a flakier texture and prevents sogginess from the filling.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature for better incorporation into the filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of light and airy.
• Taste Before Baking: Always taste your filling before pouring it into the crust; adjust spices or sugar as needed for personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing sweet potato pie with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce balances out the sweetness of the pie, adding brightness to your plate.
2. Green Bean Casserole: The creamy, savory flavors of green bean casserole provide a nice contrast to sweet potato pie.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch that pairs well with dessert flavors.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can create a comforting meal alongside sweet potato pie, enhancing its warmth.
5. Stuffing: Savory stuffing complements the spices in sweet potato pie while adding hearty texture.
6. Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread makes it an ideal companion, harmonizing beautifully with sweet potato flavors.
7. Collard Greens: The earthy flavors of collard greens balance out the richness of both the pie and other dishes on your table.
8. Apple Salad: A crisp apple salad with nuts provides freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of sweet potato pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results with your sweet potato pie, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Sweet Potato Preparation: Always cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender before mashing. This ensures a smooth filling and better flavor.
• Overmixing the Filling: Mix only until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Aim for a creamy yet light consistency.
• Not Chilling the Pie Crust: A chilled crust helps maintain its shape during baking. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Ignoring Spice Measurements: Measuring spices accurately is crucial for a balanced flavor. Use measuring spoons for precision and adjust to taste as needed.
• Forgetting to Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 4 days.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pie to prevent drying.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices individually on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

What is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert made with sweet potatoes, sugar, spices, and eggs, baked in a flaky crust. It’s popular especially during holidays.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie is done?

The pie is done when the filling is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare sweet potato pie a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of eggs in Sweet Potato Pie?

For an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. Generally, 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with water works well per egg.

Final Thoughts

This sweet potato pie recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts and brings warmth to any gathering. Customize it by adding nuts or different spices based on your preferences. Enjoy making this delicious treat!