This sweet potato pie is like a warm hug for your taste buds! With its creamy filling and flaky crust, it’s a cozy dessert that brings everyone together.
Baking this pie always fills my kitchen with a lovely scent. Plus, it’s a perfect way to enjoy sweet potatoes in a delicious way—talk about a win-win! 🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you want to switch things up, you could use canned sweet potato puree—about 2 cups will do. Just avoid adding extra sugar since canned versions may be sweetened already.
Pie Crust: A homemade crust tastes great, but a store-bought one saves time! For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free pie crust or make one using almond flour.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for a more controlled flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.
Evaporated Milk: This adds creaminess, but for a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk. Just make sure they’re unsweetened!
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give the pie its warm flavor. If you’re out of one, you can increase the other slightly or use pumpkin pie spice for a blend of flavors.
How Do I Make Sure My Pie Filling Is Creamy and Smooth?
The key to a smooth filling is mixing well! After mashing the sweet potatoes, ensure they’re cooled before adding other ingredients. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use an electric mixer if you have one. It makes blending the butter, sugars, eggs, and spices much easier and creates a creamy texture.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother filling.
- Don’t skimp on the mixing! Blend until completely smooth to avoid any lumps in your pie.
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious sweet potato pie that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet potato pie will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 55 to 60 minutes to bake. After that, it’s best to let it cool for a bit to help set the filling. Total time, including cooling, is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash, peel, and either boil or bake the sweet potatoes until they are tender. If boiling, this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, mash them in a large bowl until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
4. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to press it firmly into the edges so it holds the filling well.
5. Pour in the Filling:
Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it even.
6. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Pie:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling time will help the filling set nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the pie and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. If you’d like, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch.
Enjoy your sweet, warmly spiced Sweet Potato Pie!
Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes often have a richer flavor than canned. Simply wash, peel, and boil or bake them until tender, then mash for your filling.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s great served chilled or warmed up in the microwave!
Can I Substitute the Evaporated Milk?
Sure! You can use any milk alternative, like almond milk or coconut milk, but be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balanced.