Sweet Potato Pie

Change things up this Thanksgiving and wow your family and friends with this homemade sweet potato pie! This old-fashioned sweet potato pie combines rich flavors like dark brown sugar and warm fall spices, making it the perfect holiday dessert. The creamy filling and flaky crust create a delightful experience that will impress everyone at your gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and sweet potatoes creates a comforting taste that defines the season.
• Homemade Goodness: Making your own pie from scratch adds a personal touch to your holiday spread.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this pie caters to all festivities.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This sweet potato pie is loved by many, ensuring happy faces around the table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your sweet potato pie, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and enhance your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps you achieve a perfectly flattened crust for your pie.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that eggs and other liquids are well blended for a smooth filling.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) table salt
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (cold 2 sticks)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) ice water (more as needed)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) lemon juice (cold)

For the Sweet Potato Filling

• 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
• 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup (310 g) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) vanilla extract

For Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until tender. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
• Cut in cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water and lemon juice until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

• In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
• Add softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
• Place the rolled dough into the pie dish and trim any excess hanging over the edges.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

• Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust evenly.

Step 6: Bake

• In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and milk. Brush over the edges of the crust for a golden finish.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set. Cool before serving with whipped cream.

Enjoy your delightful slice of homemade sweet potato pie!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that deserves to be showcased at any gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will impress your guests.

Classic Presentation

• Serve slices of sweet potato pie on individual dessert plates, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a traditional touch.

With Fresh Fruits

• Pair the pie with fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples to add a refreshing contrast and enhance the flavor profile.

A La Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream for a rich and creamy experience that complements the warm spices in the pie.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange slices on a large platter alongside other desserts, such as cookies or cakes, for an inviting dessert table that offers variety.

With Spiced Nuts

• Serve sweet potato pie with a side of spiced nuts for added crunch and flavor. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pie.

Garnished with Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving for an indulgent treat that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Making sweet potato pie can be easy, but there are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose ripe sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes. They should feel heavy for their size and have no soft spots.

• Use cold ingredients: For the crust, make sure your butter is cold. This helps achieve a flaky texture that’s ideal for pies.

• Mix thoroughly but gently: When combining your filling ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the mixture, which can lead to a dense texture.

• Pre-bake the crust: Consider pre-baking your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps it crisp.

• Watch cooking time carefully: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for doneness around 75 minutes, using a knife inserted in the center; it should come out clean.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the pie.

2. Green Salad: A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette adds brightness and freshness, making it a refreshing counterpart to rich desserts.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slightly bitter taste of roasted Brussels sprouts contrasts nicely with sweet potato pie’s sweetness while adding depth to the meal.

4. Cranberry Sauce: Tangy cranberry sauce brings acidity and tartness that cuts through the richness of sweet potato pie beautifully.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: A hearty stuffed acorn squash dish adds substance and earthiness that complements holiday flavors well.

6. Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins pair perfectly with sweet potato pie, enhancing its Southern roots while offering textural contrast.

7. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort food vibes that balance the lightness of dessert while keeping guests satisfied throughout the meal.

8. Savory Herb Bread: Serve slices of warm herb bread to soak up any leftover filling from dinner while preparing taste buds for dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can spoil your dessert.

• Bold ingredient measurement: Not measuring your ingredients accurately can lead to an imbalance in flavors and texture. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.

• Bold overcooking the sweet potatoes: Cooking sweet potatoes too long can make them watery and affect the pie’s consistency. Steam or boil them until just tender for the best results.

• Bold skipping the crust chill: Rushing your pie crust without chilling it can result in a tough texture. Allow your crust to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• Bold neglecting spices: Forgetting or underestimating the spices can make your sweet potato pie bland. Use fresh spices and adjust according to your taste for a more flavorful pie.

• Bold not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or expired ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, can ruin the flavor and texture of your pie. Always opt for fresh ingredients for the best outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15–20 minutes.

• Bold Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate. Heat individual slices on high for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.

• Bold Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed, about 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

What makes this Sweet Potato Pie special?

This sweet potato pie is special due to its rich flavor from dark brown sugar and warm spices, creating a comforting dessert perfect for any gathering.

Can I use other types of sweeteners in my Sweet Potato Pie?

Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. Just adjust quantities accordingly as they may vary in sweetness.

How do I prevent my Sweet Potato Pie from cracking?

To prevent cracking, ensure you do not overmix the filling and bake it at a lower temperature. Also, letting it cool gradually helps maintain its structure.

Can I customize my Sweet Potato Pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add variations like chocolate chips, nuts, or even different spices like cardamom for unique flavors that suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors and share it with family and friends!