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, topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for gatherings, this delightful treat will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and warm spices creates an irresistible taste that captures the flavors of fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a stunning pie.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, this sweet potato pie fits perfectly into any occasion.
• Homemade Goodness: Making this pie from scratch ensures fresh ingredients and a personal touch that store-bought pies can’t match.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Delight your guests with a classic dessert that appeals to both young and old alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your sweet potato pie, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps you achieve the perfect crust thickness for your pie.
• Pie dish: A good quality pie dish provides even baking and enhances presentation.
• Whisk: A whisk is ideal for incorporating air into your filling, giving it a light texture.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious sweet potato pie, you will need the following 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 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 peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes.
• Boil them in water until tender; this usually takes about 20 minutes.
• Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a bowl until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
• 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: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

• In a large bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

• On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated dough to fit your pie dish. Transfer the rolled dough into the dish.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

• Allow cooling before slicing. Brush with egg wash made from one egg mixed with milk before serving. Top each slice with whipped cream for an extra touch!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are numerous serving suggestions to elevate your sweet potato pie experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a comforting treat.

A La Mode

• Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures.

Nutty Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream for added crunch and flavor.

Spiced Whipped Cream

• Mix cinnamon or nutmeg into your whipped cream before topping the pie for an extra layer of warmth.

Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, alongside the pie for a refreshing burst of flavor.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve that classic flavor and texture.

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes provide a richer flavor compared to canned versions.

• Ensure proper mixing: Blend the ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth filling without lumps.

• Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy from the filling.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the pie is set; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

• Cool completely: Allow the pie to cool before serving so that it can set properly and enhance its flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

While sweet potato pie is a star on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider:

1. Green Bean Casserole: A creamy dish topped with crispy onions that offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts add a nutty flavor that balances well with sweet potato pie.

3. Cornbread: A slightly sweet and crumbly addition that pairs beautifully with rich desserts like sweet potato pie.

4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comforting flavors and textures that complement holiday meals.

5. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of sweet potato pie.

6. Stuffing: A hearty stuffing filled with herbs and spices adds depth to any Thanksgiving table alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Incorrectly measuring ingredients can lead to inconsistencies. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Bold undercooking sweet potatoes: Undercooked sweet potatoes affect the texture and flavor. Ensure they are fully cooked before mashing for a smoother filling.
• Bold neglecting spice balance: Too much or too little spice can overpower the pie. Taste your mixture before pouring it into the crust and adjust as necessary.
• Bold using warm filling: Pouring warm filling into a cold crust can cause it to become soggy. Allow your filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust.
• Bold skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the crust can result in shrinkage during baking. Always let your dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Sweet potato pie lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert made from mashed sweet potatoes combined with spices, sugar, and often eggs, baked in a flaky pie crust.

How do I make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch?

To make sweet potato pie from scratch, you’ll need fresh sweet potatoes, spices, sugar, eggs, and a prepared pie crust. Follow the recipe closely for best results.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just ensure they are well-drained and mashed before mixing with other ingredients.

What are some variations of Sweet Potato Pie?

You can customize your sweet potato pie by adding different spices like nutmeg or experimenting with flavored extracts such as almond or maple.

How should I serve Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is often served chilled or at room temperature and pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato pie is not just a holiday favorite; it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and impress your family and friends!