Classic Homemade Sweet Potato Pie: The Ultimate Guide to Your Coziest Holiday Dessert
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and rich flavor of a homemade sweet potato pie. This beloved dessert, filled with cozy fall spices blended into a luxuriously creamy sweet potato base, is baked to perfection and traditionally served with a generous scoop of fresh whipped cream. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace, a staple that signifies gathering, tradition, and the joyous spirit of the holidays.
Why This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Will Become Your Favorite
A perfectly spiced sweet potato pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cherished, long-standing tradition for countless families, especially during the autumn and winter holidays. This recipe stands out because it delivers an unbelievably smooth, rich, and balanced flavor profile that captures the essence of comfort food. It shares a similar delightful consistency with pumpkin pie, offering a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, but with the distinct, naturally sweet, and earthy notes of creamy sweet potatoes. You’ll find it gracing holiday tables, particularly alongside other festive dishes like candied yams and roasted turkey, making it an indispensable part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Its unique blend of spices creates a warming sensation, reminiscent of crisp fall days and cozy evenings, making every bite a celebration.
RELATED: If you adore the flavor of sweet potatoes, you might also like these versatile recipes – Mashed Sweet Potatoes for a savory side dish, or crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips for a healthier snack.
Gather Your Ingredients for a Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
Crafting this delightful sweet potato pie requires a careful selection of both pantry staples and fresh produce. The key to its creamy texture and unforgettable flavor lies in the quality of your sweet potatoes and the aromatic blend of spices. While a full, detailed list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece.
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
CRUST – For convenience and to save time, this recipe utilizes store-bought pie crusts, which yield fantastic results. However, if you prefer a truly homemade touch, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie dough. Our apple pie recipe includes a delightful homemade pie crust recipe that would work beautifully here. When using store-bought crusts, ensure they are thawed according to package directions before filling. For a flakier crust, you can blind bake them partially before adding the filling, though it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe’s success.
FILLING – The heart of this pie lies in its rich and creamy filling, a harmonious blend of several key ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: We recommend using orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet for their vibrant color and inherent sweetness. You’ll need about 3 lbs, peeled and diced. We’re using the boiled sweet potato method for this pie, which makes them incredibly tender and easy to mash. Alternatively, baking the sweet potatoes (prick them, bake at 400°F until soft, then scoop out the flesh) will also yield excellent results and can sometimes intensify their natural sweetness. Just be sure to cool them slightly before mashing.
- Eggs: Three lightly beaten eggs act as a crucial binding agent, giving the pie its characteristic smooth, custardy texture and helping it set perfectly.
- Sugar: A modest ⅓ cup of granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes without making the pie overly sugary, allowing the spices to shine.
- Spices: This is where the cozy fall flavor truly comes alive!
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds a warm, slightly nutty, and sweet undertone.
- Cinnamon (¾ tsp): The quintessential fall spice, providing warmth and a classic aromatic sweetness.
- Allspice (½ tsp): A complex spice that tastes like a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, offering depth to the flavor profile.
- Substitution/Addition Tip: For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or a tiny dash of ground cloves.
- Salt (¼ tsp): A touch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the pie.
- Lemon Juice (1 tsp): A small amount of lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, cutting through the richness and preventing the pie from tasting too heavy. Don’t skip this!
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): This is the secret to the pie’s luxurious, silky-smooth texture. It adds richness and creaminess that can’t be replicated with milk.
- Unsalted Butter (4 Tablespoons): Melted and cooled, the butter contributes to the pie’s decadent mouthfeel and adds a subtle richness that complements the sweet potatoes.
Crafting Your Homemade Sweet Potato Pie: Step-by-Step Instructions
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delightful recipe with ease. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). This initial high temperature helps to set the crust and begin the baking process efficiently before the temperature is typically lowered for the custardy filling.
- Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a 4-quart pot on the stovetop, combine the peeled and diced sweet potatoes with 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are incredibly fork-tender. This ensures they will mash smoothly. Drain all the water thoroughly and transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer (or a potato masher for a slightly chunkier texture), mash the potatoes until they are completely smooth and fluffy, with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial for a creamy pie filling.
- Combine Wet and Spice Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, the fragrant blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice, salt, fresh lemon juice, and heavy cream. Use your hand mixer to quickly combine these ingredients until they are well incorporated and smooth. This pre-mixing ensures all flavors are evenly distributed.
- Blend Filling Components: Carefully pour the egg and spice mixture from the separate bowl into the large mixing bowl containing the mashed sweet potatoes. As you pour, continue to use the hand mixer to gently combine the two mixtures. This gradual addition and continuous mixing will create a homogenous, smooth pie filling.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the melted and cooled unsalted butter to the sweet potato mixture last. Mix once more with the hand mixer until the butter is fully incorporated and the filling is uniform and shiny. Adding it last helps ensure it’s evenly distributed without interfering with the initial mixing of other ingredients.
- Fill Pie Crusts: Divide the luscious sweet potato pie filling evenly between your two prepared 9-inch pie crusts. Gently spoon the filling into the crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place both filled pie crusts onto a sturdy baking sheet; this makes it easier to transfer them to and from the oven and catches any potential spills.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the pies in your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 45 minutes. The pies are done when the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken (similar to a cheesecake or pumpkin pie). An inserted knife near the center should come out clean. Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and place them on a wire rack to sit and slowly cool completely to room temperature. This slow cooling prevents cracking. Afterward, refrigerate the pies for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are thoroughly chilled and firm enough to slice beautifully.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Before serving, generously top each slice with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream. This simple addition complements the pie’s richness and spice perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
Once your sweet potato pie has cooled completely to room temperature, it must be refrigerated. Store your pie covered tightly with aluminum foil or in an air-tight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Always refrigerate promptly after serving to maintain freshness and safety.
Absolutely! Sweet potato pie freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled. Wrap it tightly a few times in plastic wrap, then follow with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve it chilled or gently warm it in a low oven for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
For the classic sweet potato pie experience, choose orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties like Jewel, Garnet, or Beauregard. These varieties are naturally sweet, moist, and mash up into a smooth, vibrant filling that is perfect for pie. Avoid white or purple sweet potatoes, as their flavor and texture might not be ideal for this recipe.
The pie is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, but the very center still has a slight wobble or jiggle when you gently shake the pie. If you insert a thin knife or a wooden skewer about an inch from the edge, it should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry, cracked filling. The cooling process will firm up the center.
Cracking usually occurs from overbaking or rapid cooling. To prevent cracks:
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the pie from the oven when it still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool Slowly: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Avoid placing it directly into the refrigerator or an area with a drastic temperature change right after baking.
- Keep it Moist: Ensure your filling has enough liquid (heavy cream, butter) to maintain moisture.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Sweet Potato Pie
One of the beauties of sweet potato pie is its versatility when it comes to serving temperature. It’s equally delightful whether eaten chilled directly from the refrigerator, gently warmed for a cozy feel, or at room temperature. There’s truly no wrong way to enjoy it! For the ultimate experience, serve each slice with a generous, cloud-like scoop of fresh whipped cream. You can elevate this further by dusting with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or drizzling with a touch of caramel sauce. This recipe conveniently yields two pies, which is fantastic if you’re hosting a large gathering, planning to share with friends and family, or simply want to send delicious leftovers home with your guests. Alternatively, you can freeze the extra pie (either baked or unbaked) to enjoy at a later date, ensuring you always have a taste of comfort on hand.
Explore More Irresistible Pie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the art of pie-making, or simply enjoy a delicious slice of dessert, we have plenty more recipes to satisfy your cravings. From light and airy creams to rich and decadent classics, here are a few more pie recipes you simply must try:
- Coconut Cream Pie: A tropical delight with a silky, rich coconut custard.
- French Silk Pie: Indulge in a smooth, chocolatey, and incredibly decadent classic.
- Banana Cream Pie: Layers of fresh bananas and creamy pudding in a crisp crust.
- Southern Buttermilk Pie: A simple yet sophisticated pie with a tangy, custard-like filling.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie: Quick, easy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor.
- Chess Pie: A sweet and rich Southern staple, perfect for any occasion.
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Sweet Potato Pie
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 9 inch pie crusts
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and diced to 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups water
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 Tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
Things You’ll Need
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9 inch pie pan
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Hand mixer
Before You Begin
- This recipe makes 2 sweet potato pies. Great for entertaining guests or sending leftovers home with friends and family, or for freezing and enjoying later.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 F.
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On the stovetop in a 4 quart pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and water. Bring sweet potatoes to a boil and cover for 10 minutes until fork tender. Drain the water and transfer cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
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In a separate bowl combine the eggs, sugar, spices, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Use the hand mixer to quickly combine.
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Pour this mixture into the bowl with the potatoes. While pouring, use the hand mixer to combine.
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Add the butter last, again mixing until combined.
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Pour pie filling into two pie crusts and place onto the sheet pan.
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Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and allow to sit, slowly cooling completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Top with fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on November 3, 2021, and has been updated to provide even more helpful tips and detailed instructions.