Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Published: July 9, 2025

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Few desserts capture the heart and soul of Southern baking quite like a rich, velvety sweet potato pie. But when you add the tangy depth of buttermilk to the mix, it becomes an irresistible masterpiece. This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe isn’t just another holiday dessert — it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings and year-round indulgence.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to create the perfect buttermilk sweet potato pie from scratch. From preparing a flaky all-butter pie crust to achieving the ideal custard texture with simple pantry ingredients, this guide walks you through every step with precision and ease. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find tips, techniques, and variations to make this pie your own.

Contents

1 Preparing the Perfect All-Butter Pie Crust
2 Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
3 Creating the Buttermilk Sweet Potato Filling
4 Baking the Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie to Perfection
5 Serving and Storing Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie
6 Flavor Variations and Spice Customizations
7 Perfect Occasions to Serve Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie
8 Conclusion: Bring Comfort and Flavor Home with Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

Preparing the Perfect All-Butter Pie Crust

Why All-Butter Crust Matters

When it comes to pies, the crust is just as important as the filling. Using an all-butter crust adds richness, flakiness, and that unmistakable homemade texture. Butter also provides better flavor compared to shortening or oil-based alternatives, enhancing the overall experience of each bite.

For this Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, the crust must hold a creamy custard filling while offering a crisp bite. That’s why rolling and chilling the dough correctly is crucial.

Rolling and Fitting the Dough into the Pie Plate

Start with a lightly floured surface and roll the dough to a quarter-inch thickness. Carefully lift the dough using your rolling pin and drape it over a standard 9-inch pie plate. This technique ensures a smooth, even placement without tearing the crust.

Trim any excess dough to leave about a half-inch overhang around the edges. Tuck this under to reinforce the border, then crimp it however you prefer — with your fingers or a fork. Crimping helps seal the dough and also creates an elegant presentation.

Chilling, Blind Baking, and Egg Wash

Once the dough is in place, chilling it for 15 to 30 minutes helps prevent shrinkage during baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F while the dough chills. Then, pierce the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Line the crust with parchment paper and add pie weights, which allow for even baking.

Bake until it’s just starting to turn golden — about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then brush the base with whisked egg white. Bake for another 3 to 5 minutes. This creates a seal that protects the crust from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Allow the crust to cool completely before pouring in your sweet potato custard. Proper crust preparation ensures a crisp, golden base that perfectly complements the creamy filling to come.

Creating the Buttermilk Sweet Potato Filling

Choosing and Mashing the Sweet Potatoes

The soul of any sweet potato pie is, of course, the sweet potatoes themselves. For the richest flavor and smoothest texture, use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Garnet. Bake or boil them until they’re soft, then mash thoroughly. You’ll need 2½ cups of mashed sweet potatoes for this recipe.

To avoid stringy or lumpy custard, make sure the potatoes are completely mashed with no visible chunks. A potato ricer or fine mesh strainer can help achieve a velvety consistency.

Balancing Creaminess with Buttermilk

What sets this Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe apart is the addition of buttermilk. With its subtle tang and creamy texture, buttermilk lightens the dense sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds a balanced depth of flavor.

Use full-fat buttermilk for best results — it blends better with the melted butter and eggs to create a custard that’s luscious but not overly rich.

Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of buttermilk. Whisk until smooth and fully integrated before adding the remaining wet ingredients.

Building the Custard Base

Now it’s time to enrich the mixture with eggs. Crack in 2 large eggs and an additional yolk. The extra yolk gives the filling a luxurious texture and deeper color. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to bring warmth and aromatic depth.

Once the wet ingredients are fully combined, stir in the sugars and spices. Use ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of dark brown sugar. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also delivers a touch of molasses richness that deepens the flavor.

Now, blend in the warm spices:

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

This blend captures that classic fall pie aroma but works beautifully all year round.

Mixing and Pouring the Filling

Once all the ingredients are combined, you’ll have a smooth, fragrant custard. Pour the mixture into your cooled pre-baked crust.

Use a spatula to even out the top. The filling should come nearly to the edge of the crust but not overflow. A gentle tap of the pie dish on the counter helps release any trapped air bubbles.

This mixture is now ready for baking, which we’ll cover in the next part. Baking it right is key to getting the signature silky texture with just the right amount of jiggle.

Baking the Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie to Perfection

Getting the Temperature Just Right

To bake this Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe flawlessly, oven temperature control is crucial. Start by reducing the oven from the initial 425°F used for the crust to 375°F. This lower temperature ensures the custard cooks slowly and evenly without curdling or cracking.

Set the pie on the middle rack. This positioning promotes even heat distribution across the entire pie, preventing the edges from overcooking while the center is still soft.

Timing and Signs of Doneness

Bake the filled pie for 35 to 40 minutes. By that point, the edges of the custard should be set, and the center should retain a slight jiggle — similar to a soft cheesecake.

Don’t worry if the center seems undercooked. It will continue to set as it cools, giving you that creamy, smooth finish with no graininess or dryness. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture and cracked surface.

If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the crust toward the center. If it comes out clean or with moist crumbs, it’s done.

Cooling for Texture and Flavor

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Cooling takes about 2 to 3 hours and is essential. This allows the custard to set fully and develop its final flavor profile.

Resist the urge to slice too soon — cutting while warm will cause the filling to collapse or run. For clean, picture-perfect slices, let it reach room temperature before refrigerating it for at least an hour.

Serving and Storing Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

Best Way to Slice and Serve

After the pie has cooled completely and had time to chill, it’s ready to serve. Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to cut clean slices. For the neatest presentation, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.

This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but if you want to elevate it slightly, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the spiced sweet potato custard.

The texture should be smooth, firm, and custardy. You’ll notice a rich golden hue and hints of spice in every bite, balanced by that light tang from the buttermilk.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pie is an ideal make-ahead dessert. In fact, it often tastes better the next day after the flavors have fully melded. You can bake it up to two days in advance, then store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Let the pie sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This slight warm-up enhances the flavor and makes slicing easier.

Proper Storage for Freshness

If you have leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Avoid microwaving the pie, as this may compromise the custard texture. Instead, gently reheat slices in a low oven if you prefer them warm.

Flavor Variations and Spice Customizations

Adjusting the Spice Profile

The beauty of this Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe lies in its warm, aromatic spice blend. But you’re not limited to the standard mix. Adjusting the spices allows you to make the pie truly your own.

If you enjoy bolder flavors, consider increasing the ground cinnamon to 1 tablespoon. For a more mellow pie, reduce the ginger slightly or skip the allspice. Want something a little unique? Add a pinch of cardamom for a subtle citrusy note or a touch of cloves for depth.

Another great tweak is swapping nutmeg for freshly grated nutmeg. Freshly grated nutmeg has a stronger fragrance and adds an old-fashioned charm that ground nutmeg can’t quite match.

Enhancing Sweetness Naturally

This recipe already uses a mix of granulated sugar and dark brown sugar to give depth, but there’s room for creativity. For example, you can substitute part of the brown sugar with maple syrup or molasses for a smokier undertone.

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the granulated sugar by two tablespoons. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes will still shine through.

Infusing Additional Flavors

Vanilla extract gives this pie a familiar warmth, but you could experiment by adding a few drops of almond extract for a nutty aroma or a touch of orange zest to brighten the flavor.

Try infusing the buttermilk with a split vanilla bean before mixing it in, especially if you want deeper flavor without adding more spices.

Crust Variations

While the all-butter crust is classic, those looking for something different can try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the dough for added flavor.

Gluten-free versions can be made with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might be a little more delicate.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

A Holiday Favorite

There’s no denying it — this Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe shines during the holiday season. Its warm spices and silky texture make it a standout on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. It’s a nostalgic dessert that fits right beside roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie brings a slightly heartier texture and a richer, naturally sweet flavor. It’s often passed down through generations in Southern homes, making it a heritage dish full of sentiment and tradition.

Make it the day before your big gathering and you’ll save oven space and time on the holiday itself. Serve with whipped cream or toasted pecans for a festive touch.

Weeknight and Weekend Treat

Don’t save it just for special occasions. This pie works just as well as a cozy dessert after a Sunday dinner. It uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry, and the steps are simple enough to follow without fuss.

You can prepare it in the morning, let it cool and set, and enjoy a slice by evening. It’s a great way to make weeknights feel a little more special.

Perfect for Potlucks and Picnics

Thanks to its sturdy crust and set filling, sweet potato pie travels well. Cut it into slices, place them in cupcake liners or parchment squares, and pack them into a container for easy serving at picnics or potlucks.

People love a dessert that feels homemade — and this pie delivers that homemade charm in every bite. Its spiced aroma alone is enough to make it the talk of the dessert table.

Year-Round Comfort

While often tied to colder months, the flavors of this pie are comforting year-round. Sweet potatoes are available any time, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples. Whether it’s a rainy day or you just want a taste of something homey, this pie never feels out of place.

Conclusion: Bring Comfort and Flavor Home with Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

There’s something timeless and comforting about a well-made pie. This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe delivers that classic Southern warmth with a creamy twist, combining earthy sweet potatoes, rich spices, and tangy buttermilk into one irresistible dessert.

We started by creating a flaky, buttery crust — the perfect foundation for any custard pie. Then, we crafted a rich filling using mashed sweet potatoes, buttermilk, eggs, and a blend of warm spices. We walked through the proper baking technique to ensure a set, smooth custard, and shared how to slice and serve the pie beautifully.

We also explored customizations and creative twists to make the recipe your own, from adjusting the spices to infusing new flavors. Finally, we looked at when and where this pie fits best — and the answer is: just about anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday, planning a weekend dinner, or simply craving a slice of something cozy, this pie is a foolproof favorite that brings homemade goodness to your table.

Now that you’ve got the process down, it’s time to gather your ingredients, roll out that dough, and let your kitchen fill with the warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked sweet potatoes. One bite, and you’ll see why this recipe is a keeper.

Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Preparing the Perfect All-Butter Pie Crust

Why All-Butter Crust Matters

Rolling and Fitting the Dough into the Pie Plate

Chilling, Blind Baking, and Egg Wash