Grandma’s Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of home-cooked love. This recipe combines velvety sweet potatoes with warm spices, all enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The pie’s rich flavor and comforting texture make it a beloved classic that you’ll want to share with family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will transport you right to your grandmother’s kitchen. The creamy filling, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, is perfectly balanced by the crisp, buttery crust. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients, making this pie a slightly healthier indulgence for those who want to enjoy a treat without the guilt.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best flavor. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots.
- Boiling vs. Baking: Baking sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness more than boiling. If you have the time, roast them in the oven!
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A touch of ginger or clove can elevate the flavor profile.
- Blind Baking: If you want a crispy crust, consider blind baking it for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
Make Ahead Tips
Prep your sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. Cook and mash them, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the crust ahead of time; just roll it out, fit it into your pie dish, cover it, and refrigerate. The pie itself can be baked a day before serving and stored in the fridge; it stays fresh for several days.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Crust: Swap out regular flour for almond or pecan flour to give your crust a nutty flavor.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or honey in place of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the milk and butter with coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Mini Pies: Make small individual pies using a muffin tin for a fun presentation.
How to Serve
Once your pie is out of the oven and cooled, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elegant touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to complement the flavors beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions
This sweet potato pie pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling or a spiced chai latte. For side dishes, consider serving it with a fresh fruit salad or even a savory dish like roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the sweetness.
How to Store
Leftover sweet potato pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices of the pie for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or food processor
- Rolling pin
- Pie dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking sheet (for blind baking)
Dietary Adaptations
To make this pie vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture or unsweetened applesauce. Use coconut or almond milk instead of dairy milk, and replace butter with vegan alternatives. For nut-free options, ensure that your crust ingredients and any toppings are free from nuts.
Seasonal Adaptations
During the fall, incorporate fresh spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and consider adding a splash of apple cider to the filling for a seasonal twist. In spring, you might lighten the pie with fresh citrus zest for a refreshing flavor.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Sweet Potatoes: Microwave whole sweet potatoes for about 5 minutes to soften the skin, making them easier to peel.
- Easily Mash Potatoes: If you roast sweet potatoes, they will be soft enough to mash with a fork or even a hand mixer, saving you time and effort.
- Clean Crust Edges: To avoid burning the edges of your crust, cover them with foil during baking.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes?: Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes yield better flavor and texture. If using canned, be sure to drain and dry them thoroughly.
- How can I tell when the pie is done?: The filling should be set and not jiggle when you gently shake the pie dish.
- Can I make this pie gluten-free?: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour for the crust.
How To Make grandma old fashioned sweet potato pie recipe
Grandma's Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of home-cooked love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare sweet potatoes by peeling and boiling until tender; drain and mash or bake until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 315Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 59mgSodium 227mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 2gSugar 35gProtein 4g
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 Grandma’s Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about embracing tradition and sharing love with those around you. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner, this pie is sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table. So gather your loved ones, bake this delightful treat, and enjoy every bite together!
