Welcome to a truly special dessert that captures the heart of Southern comfort: a homemade Southern sweet potato pie. This iconic dish transcends a simple sweet treat; it’s a warm hug in a slice, rich in history and flavor. According to culinary historians, this dessert has deep roots in the American South, evolving from creamy vegetable pies in Medieval Europe. Perfect for holidays or any family gathering, this recipe brings that classic taste right to your kitchen. Get ready to bake a dessert that delights everyone with its creamy texture and fragrant spices.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this southern sweet potato pie for so many wonderful reasons. It’s truly a labor of love that pays off in deliciousness:
- Creamy Perfection: The filling is incredibly smooth and velvety, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- Warm Spice Blend: A harmonious mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a comforting aroma and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Effortlessly Impressive: Despite its elegant appearance, this pie is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for any skill level.
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Everyone loves a good sweet potato pie, making it the ideal dessert for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.
- A Taste of Tradition: This recipe offers an authentic Southern experience, bringing a cherished culinary heritage to your table.
Ingredients
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to a truly unforgettable southern sweet potato pie. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature taste and texture.
- 1 lb sweet potatoes
- ½ c evaporated milk
- ½ c unsalted butter, softened
- ½ c white sugar
- ½ c brown sugar, light or dark
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch salt
- 1 Frozen deep dish pie crust, 9 inch deep
Notes on Ingredients: Fresh, ripe sweet potatoes are key to the best flavor and creamy consistency. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes. Using good quality spices makes a noticeable difference, so check their freshness. Ensure your butter is properly softened for easy blending.
Substitutions: For a dairy-free option, use full-fat canned coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative in place of evaporated milk, and a dairy-free butter substitute. To make this classic sweet potato dessert fully vegan, swap eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes). You can use a gluten-free pie crust if desired.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking this delicious southern sweet potato pie a breeze. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- 9-inch deep dish pie plate
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- Foil
- Cooling rack
- Potato peeler
A potato ricer can also be incredibly helpful for achieving the smoothest sweet potato mash, but a mixer works perfectly well too.
How To Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Creating your homemade southern sweet potato pie is a joyful experience. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful dessert.
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and bake them for about one hour, or until they are completely soft when pierced with a fork. Baking them whole and wrapped helps them steam and become incredibly tender, which is crucial for a smooth filling. Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and set them aside. Immediately lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the potatoes cool slightly, prepare your pie crust. Blind bake the frozen deep dish pie crust according to the package instructions. This step is important for preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring your crust is perfectly flaky. Follow the timing and temperature recommended by the crust manufacturer, which often involves baking for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully peel off their skins. They should slip off easily. Place the peeled sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, mash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any stringy bits and achieve a smooth base. Add the softened butter to the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until it’s fully blended and the mixture is creamy.
- Next, add both the white sugar and brown sugar to the sweet potato mixture, along with the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all the dry ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed throughout the sweet potato base. Now, pour in the vanilla extract, evaporated milk, and crack in the two large eggs. Continue mixing with your electric mixer until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the filling is wonderfully smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no dry spots remain.
- Carefully pour the creamy southern sweet potato pie filling into your blind-baked pie crust. Gently spread it evenly with a spatula if needed. Place the pie into the preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for one hour. The pie is ready when the edges are set, but the very center still has a slight jiggle. This indicates a perfectly cooked, moist filling.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. This is a critical step for the filling to fully set and firm up, ensuring clean slices. Patience truly pays off here. After cooling, slice, serve, and enjoy your amazing homemade pie! A little dollop of whipped cream is always a fantastic addition.
Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Achieving a flawless southern sweet potato pie is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you bake like a pro every time.
- Avoid overbaking: The center of the pie should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the filling blend smoothly and prevents curdling.
- Strain for extra smoothness: For an ultra-silky texture, press the mashed sweet potatoes through a fine-mesh sieve or a potato ricer.
- Keep the oven door closed: Avoid opening the oven too often while baking. Sudden temperature drops can cause the filling to crack.
- Cool completely before slicing: Let the pie cool slowly and fully at room temperature before refrigerating or cutting. This helps the filling set properly and prevents surface cracks.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
This classic southern sweet potato pie is delicious on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special:
- Fresh whipped cream for light, airy sweetness
- Toasted pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor
- A sprinkle of cinnamon for warm spice
- Vanilla bean ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days.
Freezer Storage
- You can freeze the entire pie or individual slices for up to 2–3 months.
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil for best protection.
Thawing:
- Transfer frozen pie or slices to the refrigerator and thaw overnight before serving.
Sweet Potato Pie Variations
Personalize your pie with these easy and delicious twists:
Citrus Zest Boost
- Add 1 teaspoon of fresh orange or lemon zest to the filling for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Maple Flavor Twist
- Stir in a touch of maple extract for a warm, caramel-like depth.
- Crust Options
- Use a homemade flaky pastry crust for a classic bakery-style finish.
- Try a graham cracker crust for a sweeter, crunchier texture.
Nutritional Information
Enjoying a slice of this delicious southern sweet potato pie offers a satisfying treat. Sweet potatoes themselves contribute beneficial vitamins and fiber. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension confirms that sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C and other important minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 293 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 82 mg |
| Sodium | 71 mg |
| Potassium | 281 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Vitamin A | 8504 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 82 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about making the perfect southern sweet potato pie? Here are some common queries to help you out.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
How long will it keep?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, your pie will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days. Always keep it covered.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even full-fat canned coconut milk for a similar rich consistency. Adjust sweetness slightly if using unsweetened alternatives.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite crust. A homemade butter pastry crust or a crunchy graham cracker crust would both be delicious options for this recipe.
Conclusion
Baking this southern sweet potato pie is more than just making a dessert; it’s creating a cherished memory. This recipe brings the authentic, comforting flavors of the South right into your home, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Its creamy texture and warm spices make it an undeniable crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from holiday feasts to simple weeknight treats. So go ahead, embrace the joy of baking, and share a slice of this timeless classic. You’ll be delighted by every single bite
The Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Foil
- Mixer
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Pie
- 1 lb sweet potatoes
- ½ c evaporated milk
- ½ c unsalted butter softened
- ½ c white sugar
- ½ c brown sugar light or dark
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch salt
- 1 frozen deep dish pie crust 9 inch deep
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap sweet potatoes in foil and bake for one hour until they are soft.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Blind bake the frozen pie crust according to the package directions.
- Peel the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them thoroughly with a mixer to remove any strings. Add the softened butter and mix until fully blended.
- Add both white and brown sugars along with the spices to the mashed potatoes and mix until combined. Next, incorporate the vanilla extract, evaporated milk, and eggs, mixing until the entire filling is smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the blind-baked pie crust and bake for one hour.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a cooling rack before serving. Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream.