Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie is a soul food classic that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. This delectable dessert features a velvety filling made from roasted sweet potatoes, rich spices, and a buttery crust, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether enjoyed on a holiday or as an everyday treat, this pie is sure to impress with its creamy texture and irresistible sweetness, making it a beloved recipe that has stood the test of time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Readers will adore Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie for its delightful flavor profile that balances sweetness with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. This pie is perfect for those following a traditional American diet, and it can easily be adapted for various dietary preferences. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and brings people together, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your sweet potato pie is a hit, consider these tips:
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. Roast them in the oven for a deeper sweetness and richer texture.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this helps the filling set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
- For an extra touch, add a tablespoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ginger to the filling for a unique twist.
- If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust works well, but homemade always adds that special touch.
Make Ahead Tips
This sweet potato pie is perfect for meal prep! You can roast and mash the sweet potatoes up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge. Prepare the pie up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, the pie can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- For a chocolate twist, fold in some cocoa powder into the filling before baking.
- Swap the traditional spices for a pumpkin spice blend for a seasonal kick.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free pie crust.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling.
How to Serve
Serve Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie at room temperature or slightly warm. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Presentation is key—slice the pie into neat wedges and serve on a decorative plate, possibly with a sprinkle of cinnamon for visual appeal.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this sweet potato pie with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato. For side dishes, consider serving it alongside a light salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the sweetness of the pie.
How to Store
To store leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for a quicker option.
Equipment Needed
You will need the following equipment:
- A 9-inch pie pan (glass or metal)
- Mixing bowls
- A hand mixer or food processor for blending the filling
- A vegetable peeler and a sharp knife for prepping sweet potatoes
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. For a dairy-free option, plant-based butter can replace regular butter. Ensure that any crust used is also dairy-free.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, enhance the pie with fresh spices like cardamom or clove for a seasonal twist. In the spring, consider incorporating zest from citrus fruits like lemon or orange for a bright flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use other types of potatoes? While sweet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with butternut squash for a similar sweetness.
- What if I’m out of evaporated milk? You can substitute with whole milk or a non-dairy milk for a lighter filling.
- How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle but is not liquid.
How To Make Patti LaBelles Sweet Potato Pie
Patti LaBelles Sweet Potato Pie
Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie is a soul food classic that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roast sweet potatoes until tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool, peel, and mash in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 430Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 92mgSodium 328mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 2gSugar 36gProtein 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
Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt recipe that embodies tradition and comfort. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s no wonder this pie has become a favorite in many households. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy every slice and the joy it brings to your table!
