If you adore classic Southern flavors, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe. It’s a cherished dessert that brings together the natural sweetness and creamy texture of mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all encased in a buttery flaky crust. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a comforting everyday treat, this pie truly captures the heart and soul of Southern American cooking in every bite. Get ready to fill your kitchen with that heavenly aroma and impress everyone around the table with this timeless delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role — from the velvety mashed sweet potatoes that give the pie its signature creaminess, to the perfect balance of spices that add warmth and depth, everything combines harmoniously to create a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade crust for a flaky base that holds all the filling beautifully.
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes: About two medium sweet potatoes, mashed smoothly to create that luscious texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve that silky filling consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie just enough without overpowering the natural sweet potato flavor.
- ½ cup evaporated milk: Provides a creamy, concentrated milk flavor and smoothness.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binder, giving the filling structure and a custard-like quality.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the depth of flavors with its sweet aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers that comforting, warm spice essential to Southern desserts.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a slightly nutty, sweet spice note that rounds out the filling.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, make sure your sweet potatoes are cooked until tender — whether roasted or boiled — and mashed smoothly without lumps. This step ensures a creamy and luscious filling texture, which is the soul of this pie.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potatoes and softened butter until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This combination gives your filling a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Then, add the sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the filling is silky and well combined — look for that soft, even consistency that promises each slice will be just right.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour your luscious filling into the unbaked pie crust. Take a spatula and gently smooth the top so the filling is evenly distributed. This will help the pie set beautifully during baking and give a polished look to the final presentation.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set — a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean without any wet filling sticking to it. Resist the temptation to cut into it straight away; let it cool at room temperature for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up properly.
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream is the classic accompaniment to this pie — it adds that light, creamy contrast to the smooth, spiced filling. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped pecans on top. Some folks also enjoy a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence.
Side Dishes
Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe shines as a dessert, but it pairs beautifully with light sides for those looking to serve it beyond a single sweet treat. Consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious cold pairing or a simple cup of strong black coffee or spiced chai tea to complement its sweetness and spice notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive or want to elevate your presentation, try serving individual mini pies or tartlets made with the same filling and crust. Another fun idea is to top the pie with a lattice crust for a rustic look or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is just as wonderful the next day! Store any uneaten pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying multiple servings without losing any of that delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pie on your own schedule, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices of the pie gently in a microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to bring back its warmth and softness. Alternatively, you can warm the entire pie in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, just until heated through — avoid overheating to prevent drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this pie?
While fresh sweet potatoes are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and mash them well to achieve a smooth filling.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular pie crust with a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores or make your own using almond flour or gluten-free flour blends for a safe, delicious alternative.
Can I add other spices to customize the flavor?
Yes! Many people like to add a pinch of ground ginger or even a splash of bourbon to the filling for an extra kick of warmth and complexity. Just add sparingly to keep the balance of flavors.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The pie is done when the center is set and a knife or toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean without any wet filling. The top should be lightly golden but still soft to the touch.
Can I prepare the pie in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the pie up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before serving for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
Making this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is like taking a warm, flavorful journey straight to the heart of Southern comfort food. It’s simple yet spectacular, filled with nostalgic spices and a texture that feels like home in every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather these humble ingredients, and bake a pie that’s bound to become your new favorite dessert tradition.
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Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern American dessert featuring a smooth, spiced sweet potato filling baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for holidays and soul food gatherings, this pie combines creamy sweet potatoes with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a comforting and flavorful treat that’s wonderfully moist and rich with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the pie. This ensures even cooking once the pie goes in.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potatoes and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the base of your filling.
- Mix remaining ingredients: Add sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt into the sweet potato mixture. Stir until well combined and the filling is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Fill the pie crust: Pour the sweet potato filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a flat surface.
- Bake the pie: Place the filled pie in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is fully set. To test, insert a knife in the middle; it should come out clean.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours to let it set completely before slicing and serving.
- Serve: Enjoy your sweet potato pie as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of bourbon to the filling mixture.
- The pie can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and ease serving.
