This Sweet Potato Pie is a warm, comforting dessert that combines sweet potatoes with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The crust is buttery and flaky, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Honestly, it smells so good while baking, you might find yourself sneaking spoonfuls of the filling! Don’t worry, I won’t tell. 😄 Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra joy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use canned sweet potato puree. Just make sure it’s not sweetened!
Pie Crust: A store-bought crust saves time, but making your own with flour, butter, and a bit of ice water gives a fresh taste. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free pie crusts.
Evaporated Milk: If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use half-and-half or make your own by simmering milk until it’s reduced by half. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk would work nicely.
How to Get the Filling Smooth and Creamy?
A creamy filling is key to a great sweet potato pie. First, ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked until tender—this makes them easier to mash. After mashing, beat the filling mixture well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Use an electric mixer or a whisk for a fluffy texture.
- Add ingredients one at a time to ensure everything blends well.
- Be careful not to overmix once you add the eggs to keep the texture light.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet potato pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-60 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. So, overall, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes (not including cooling) to create this delightful pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie will cook evenly once you pop it in.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil or steam the chunks until they are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and mash the sweet potatoes until they are nice and smooth. Let them cool slightly while you gather your other ingredients.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend everything together until you have a smooth and creamy filling.
4. Pour into Crust:
Carefully pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked pie crust. Spread it evenly to ensure that it bakes beautifully.
5. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Pie:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is important as it helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
7. Serve with Toppings:
When you’re ready to serve, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon if you like. This adds a lovely finishing touch!
8. Enjoy!
Slice up your delicious homemade sweet potato pie and enjoy it with family and friends. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use canned sweet potatoes or sweet potato puree. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid and adjust the sugar if the canned version is already sweetened.
How Do I Know When the Pie is Done Baking?
The pie is done when the edges are set, and the center slightly jiggles but isn’t watery. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. If it’s still liquidy, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance! Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate after it cools. When you’re ready to serve, simply top with whipped cream and enjoy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
