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 pie brings a delightful balance of flavors and is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar and warm spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this sweet potato pie without any hassle, making it perfect for beginners.
• Versatile Dish: This pie is not only great for Thanksgiving but also ideal for any festive occasion or family gathering throughout the year.
• Comforting Dessert: The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a comforting dessert that warms the heart.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with whipped cream, this pie looks as good as it tastes, making it an impressive addition to your dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help streamline your cooking experience. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare your sweet potato pie.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Potato masher or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients efficiently while keeping everything organized.
• Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out the pie crust evenly, ensuring a perfect base for your delicious filling.
• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish helps in even baking, ensuring your crust turns golden brown.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful sweet potato pie:

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

Begin by boiling or baking the sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooked, let them cool before peeling.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water and lemon juice until dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mash the peeled sweet potatoes until smooth. Add softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Place it into your prepared pie dish. Pour in the sweet potato filling evenly.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving. Brush top with egg wash mixed with milk before final baking if desired for extra shine. Serve with whipped cream on top!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Serving sweet potato pie can elevate your dining experience, especially during holidays or special occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance the flavors and presentation of this classic dessert.

A La Mode

• Serve a slice of sweet potato pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy ice cream complements the rich pie filling beautifully.

With Whipped Cream

• Top your slice with freshly whipped cream for added sweetness and lightness. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Garnished with Nuts

• Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth filling.

Pair with Coffee

• Serve sweet potato pie alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the pie perfectly.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include sweet potato pie on a dessert platter with various other treats, such as pumpkin pie and chocolate cake, to please all taste preferences.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Perfecting sweet potato pie requires attention to detail and some tried-and-true techniques. Here are essential tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time.

• Choose fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of your pie significantly.

• Avoid overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent a tough filling.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation into the filling.

• Blind bake the crust: Pre-baking your pie crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy, resulting in a crispy base.

• Check for doneness: Use a knife inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the pie is fully baked.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing side dishes with sweet potato pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors wonderfully.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

2. Green Bean Casserole: This creamy dish adds richness to your table and pairs well with holiday flavors.

3. Cornbread: A warm piece of cornbread enhances Southern-style meals and can balance out sweet desserts.

4. Honey Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness echoes that of sweet potatoes but offers a different texture.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: This dish brings autumnal flavors that harmonize beautifully with sweet potato pie.

6. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the richness of the pie, providing a refreshing contrast.

7. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and comforting, this classic dish pairs excellently for those who enjoy savory sides with their desserts.

8. Spinach Salad: A light salad topped with nuts and vinaigrette can balance out the heavy portions enjoyed during Thanksgiving feasts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes that can affect your pie’s outcome and how to avoid them.

• Using uncooked sweet potatoes: Make sure to cook your sweet potatoes until they are soft before mashing. This ensures a smooth filling and enhances the flavor.
• Neglecting the crust: A soggy crust can ruin your pie. Blind-bake your pie crust for a few minutes before adding the filling to prevent this issue.
• Overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can incorporate air into the filling, leading to cracks in the pie. Mix just until combined for a perfect texture.
• Skipping spices: Sweet potato pie relies on warm spices for flavor. Don’t skip the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; these add depth and warmth.
• Not letting it cool: Allow your sweet potato pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap your sweet potato pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat individual slices for about 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. This method keeps the crust crispy while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert made from mashed sweet potatoes mixed with sugar, eggs, butter, and spices baked in a pastry crust. It is especially popular during holidays.

How do I make my Sweet Potato Pie taste better?

To enhance the flavor of your sweet potato pie, consider adding more spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract. Using high-quality brown sugar also deepens its sweetness.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Just be sure to drain them well before mashing to avoid excess moisture in your filling.

What’s the difference between Sweet Potato Pie and Pumpkin Pie?

While both pies share similar spices, sweet potato pie has a creamier texture and often uses brown sugar for sweetness, giving it a richer flavor compared to pumpkin pie.

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

The pie is done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Sweet Potato Pie is not just a delicious dessert; it brings comfort and joy to any gathering. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different spices or toppings like pecans or marshmallows!