This sweet potato pie is a comforting treat with a smooth filling made from creamy sweet potatoes and warm spices. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or just any day you crave something sweet!
Every bite feels like a cozy hug, especially with that flaky crust! I could eat this pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—who’s counting calories when it’s this yummy? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the pie! If you’re short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but I’ve found that freshly cooked ones make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Evaporated Milk: This gives the filling its creamy texture. If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can substitute with coconut milk or almond milk, though it might change the flavor slightly.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger really warms up the pie. Feel free to play around with the spices; adding a pinch of allspice can give a nice twist. If you don’t have fresh spices, pre-ground ones work well too!
Pie Crust: A homemade crust is great, but a store-bought one works just fine to save time. You can also use a gluten-free crust if you need to cater to dietary restrictions.
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potato Pie Filling is Smooth?
Getting a smooth filling is key for a delicious sweet potato pie! Here are some helpful steps:
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked and very soft before mashing. If they’re not soft enough, your filling will be lumpy.
- Use an electric mixer or food processor to blend the filling thoroughly. This helps break down any small lumps.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl often while mixing to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Taking these steps will help create that creamy texture everyone loves in sweet potato pie!
Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet potato pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-60 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Total, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours until it’s ready to serve, depending on your cooling time. So, get your apron on and let’s get baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for your pie when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook until they’re tender (about 15-20 minutes). Once they’re soft, drain and mash them until smooth, measuring out 2 cups for your pie filling.
3. Mix Together the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until it’s fluffy and light. This is where all the sweetness happens!
4. Add the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, add in your mashed sweet potatoes to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until everything is well combined. You want a nice uniform texture.
5. Incorporate the Eggs:
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps add richness to the filling.
6. Stir in the Creamy Goodness:
Next, add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth—no lumps allowed!
7. Pour Into the Crust:
Pour your delicious filling into the unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making it look as even as possible.
8. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Pie:
Remove your pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set nicely for slicing.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pie is cooled, slice it up and top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg if you’d like. Enjoy the cozy flavors of your sweet potato pie!
Happy baking! 🍰
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use canned sweet potatoes! Just make sure to drain them well and mash them thoroughly. You’ll need about 2 cups of canned sweet potatoes to replace the fresh ones.
How Do I Store Leftover Sweet Potato Pie?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold!
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pie either baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw in the refrigerator before baking or serving!
What Can I Use Instead of Evaporated Milk?
If you need a substitute for evaporated milk, you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free version or mix equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream as another alternative. Just be aware that these substitutes might slightly alter the flavor and texture of your pie.