Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of comfort food in every bite. This velvety pie features a creamy filling made from perfectly baked sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Its rich, sweet flavor and smooth texture make it an irresistible treat that evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. With its vibrant orange hue and inviting aroma, this pie is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this southern sweet potato pie recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re looking for a delightful dessert for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this pie fits seamlessly into any lifestyle, especially for those who appreciate homemade goodness.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor and texture, opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes.
- Bake, Don’t Boil: Baking the sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming watery, which can affect the pie’s consistency.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges and a firm filling.
- Add a Touch of Spice: Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for an extra depth of flavor in the filling.
- Use a Pre-made Pie Crust: If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can save you some effort without sacrificing taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the Pie: Keep an eye on the pie towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling.
- Incorrect Sweet Potato Measurement: Use the correct amount of cooked sweet potato. Too much can lead to a filling that doesn’t set properly.
- Ignoring the Cooling Time: Slicing the pie too soon can result in a filling that is too soft. Patience is key!
- Not Pre-baking the Crust (if required): If using a homemade crust, ensure you pre-bake it to prevent a soggy bottom.
Make Ahead Tips
This southern sweet potato pie can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules or holiday preparations. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The pie crust can also be made in advance and frozen for up to three months. Once baked, the pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Crust: Swap out traditional crust for a pecan or almond crust for a nutty twist.
- Marshmallow Topping: For a fun variation, top the pie with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking and broil until golden.
- Coconut Cream: Incorporate coconut milk into the filling for a tropical flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving for an indulgent treat.
How to Serve
Serve the southern sweet potato pie warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea to enhance the southern experience.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider serving a rich coffee, a spiced chai tea, or a sweet dessert wine like muscat. Complementary side dishes include a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the pie.
How to Store
Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Oven
Dietary Adaptations
To make this pie vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a dairy-free pie crust. For a gluten-free version, swap the regular pie crust for a gluten-free option made from almond flour or a pre-made gluten-free crust.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, use fresh sweet potatoes and add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. During the spring, consider adding citrus zest to the filling for a refreshing flavor.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for making a whole southern sweet potato pie is approximately $10-$15, depending on ingredient quality. Each slice costs about $1-$2. Budget-friendly swaps include using canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Sweet Potatoes: To make peeling easier, microwave the sweet potatoes for 5 minutes before peeling. The skins will slip off effortlessly!
- Measuring Sticky Ingredients: Coat measuring cups with a bit of oil before measuring sticky ingredients like syrup or honey for easy release.
- Whipping Cream: For a quick whipped cream, use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl, whisking in a circular motion for fluffy results.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- How long does it take to bake? Bake the pie for about 55-60 minutes at 350°F.
- Can I freeze the pie? Yes, it freezes well; just ensure it’s fully cooled before wrapping it tightly for storage.
How To Make southern sweet potato pie recipe
Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of comfort food in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the sweet potatoes until tender, about 45 minutes, then let them cool.
- Once cooled, peel the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. Measure out 2 cups.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until the filling is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 411Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 85mgSodium 276mgCarbohydrates 67gFiber 2gSugar 46gProtein 5g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making a southern sweet potato pie is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories and sharing a piece of southern tradition with loved ones. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dessert, this pie is sure to please. Embrace the process, enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen, and savor every bite of this deliciously comforting dessert. Happy baking!
