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 is made with dark brown sugar and warm fall spices, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a comforting dessert, this pie is sure to impress. Its creamy filling and flaky crust make it a standout dish that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and dark brown sugar creates a rich flavor profile that is truly irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie with ease, even if you’re new to baking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this sweet potato pie fits right in.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain or dress it up with whipped cream for an extra special touch.
• Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dessert not just tasty but also nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving that perfect sweet potato pie!

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistency in your pie’s flavor and texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps create a perfectly rolled-out crust for even baking.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing eggs and other ingredients thoroughly.

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Ingredients

To make your delicious Sweet Potato Pie, gather the following ingredients:

For the 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 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 Crust

Begin by making the pie crust:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in ice water and lemon juice until the dough comes together.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

While the crust chills:
1. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil them in water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
3. Drain well and mash until smooth.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another mixing bowl:
1. Combine mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter.
2. Add dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
2. Transfer the dough into the pie dish and trim excess edges.
3. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set.
Let cool before serving with whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness!

Enjoy your homemade Sweet Potato Pie!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light and creamy texture that perfectly complements the rich flavors of sweet potato pie.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast, providing a cold and creamy element that balances the warmth of the pie.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Adding caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and gives an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite irresistible.

Topped with Spiced Nuts

• Spiced nuts add a crunchy texture and a hint of spice, making for an exciting contrast to the smooth filling of the pie.

Served Warm with Cinnamon

• Warming up the pie and dusting it with cinnamon enhances its aromatic qualities, making it even more inviting.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie involves attention to detail and a few helpful techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dessert is truly exceptional.

• Choose Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, ripe sweet potatoes for the best flavor. Look for firm ones without any blemishes.
• Blind Bake the Crust: Prevent a soggy bottom by blind baking your crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Incorporate Spices Well: Mix your spices into the filling thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the pie.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie while baking; it should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set better and makes for cleaner slices.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing sweet potato pie with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options you can consider:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pie.
2. Maple Glazed Carrots: These carrots add a touch of sweetness and earthy flavor that pairs well with sweet potato.
3. Green Bean Almondine: The freshness of green beans and crunch from toasted almonds make this dish a vibrant side.
4. Cornbread: This Southern classic offers a nice balance between savory and sweet flavors.
5. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the pie.
6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: For those who love sweet potatoes, consider creamy mashed sweet potatoes as an enjoyable side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Overmixing the crust – When making the pie crust, avoid overmixing as it can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until combined for a flaky crust.
• Underestimating sweet potato cooking time – Always ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked before mashing. Undercooked potatoes will result in a lumpy filling and uneven texture.
• Skipping the spices – Don’t overlook the spices! They are essential for creating depth in flavor. Use freshly ground spices for the best taste.
• Not letting the pie cool – Allow your pie to cool completely before serving. Cutting into a warm pie may cause it to lose its shape and texture.
• Using too much sugar – Balance is key! While sweet potato naturally has sweetness, adding too much sugar can overpower the dish. Taste as you go!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

What is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and spices baked in a flaky crust. It is popular during holidays like Thanksgiving.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie is done?

The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it one day ahead and refrigerate it before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

What can I use instead of eggs in Sweet Potato Pie?

For an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or even swapping out spices based on your preference. It’s sure to impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving or any other occasion!