Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Craving a rich, spiced dessert with a homemade vibe? This sweet potato pie recipe is a must-try for holidays or any day you want to impress. It’s sweet, creamy, and deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Using real sweet potatoes, a buttery crust, and warm spices, this pie is pure comfort in every bite.

Why Sweet Potato Pie is a Must-Bake

• Southern Tradition, Homemade Flavor
  Sweet potato pie has long been a Southern staple, especially in African-American kitchens. Unlike pumpkin pie, it brings natural sweetness and texture without relying on heavy spices.
• More Than a Holiday Dessert
  While it shines at Thanksgiving or Christmas, this sweet potato pie recipe works year-round for potlucks, family dinners, or a sweet treat just because.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

• Sweet Potatoes: The Star of the Show
  For maximum flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes. Boil them whole until fork-tender, about 40 to 50 minutes. Freshly boiled sweet potatoes deliver a richer, more natural sweetness than canned versions. However, if you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes (well-drained) can work as a backup.
• Why Each Ingredient Matters
  Understanding each ingredient’s role will help you nail this sweet potato pie recipe every time. Ingredient Purpose in the sweet potato pie Butter Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture White Sugar Provides sweetness and helps the filling set Milk Combines all ingredients smoothly and adds moisture Eggs Binds the pie together, creating a custard-like texture Nutmeg & Cinnamon Adds warmth and a subtle spicy kick Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor with a cozy aroma Unbaked Pie Crust Holds everything together, creating a crisp base
• Pro Tips for the Pie Crust
  Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, your crust should be 9 inches and unbaked. For extra crispiness, chill the pie crust in the fridge for 15 minutes before pouring in the filling. A flaky crust makes all the difference, especially when paired with a creamy sweet potato center.

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie

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Description

A rich and creamy Southern-style sweet potato pie recipe made from scratch with simple ingredients and warm spices. Perfect for holidays or anytime comfort dessert.

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Ingredients

1 (1 pound) sweet potato, with skin

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

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Instructions

1. Place sweet potato in a pot, cover with water, and boil until tender (40–50 mins).

2. Remove skin under cold water and mash the flesh in a bowl.

3. Add butter and mix with electric mixer until smooth.

4. Add sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.

5. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust.

6. Bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

7. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

The pie may puff up during baking and settle as it cools.

Best served chilled or at room temperature.

Store in the fridge up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Pie Preparation

• Boiling and Prepping the Sweet Potatoes
  Start by placing the whole, unpeeled sweet potato in a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let it cook for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, run it under cold water and peel off the skin-it’ll slide right off. Break the flesh into pieces and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Tip: For the best texture, avoid overboiling. Sweet potatoes that are too soft can make the filling runny.
• Mixing the Filling to Creamy Perfection
  Add the softened butter to the sweet potatoes and mix using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Then add the sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. Step Action Notes 1 Boil sweet potatoes 40–50 minutes, fork-tender 2 Peel and mash with butter Use electric mixer for smoothness 3 Add sugar, milk, eggs, spices, and vanilla Beat until fully blended and silky
• Assembling and Baking Like a Pro
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the prepared filling into the 9-inch unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place it on the middle rack and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, the pie will puff up slightly due to the eggs-it’s normal. It settles as it cools, giving you that classic custard-like surface.

Texture and Flavor Secrets for the Perfect Pie

• Why Your Pie Puffs Up Then Settles
  Don’t panic when you see your sweet potato pie puffing up in the oven like a soufflé. That’s the eggs doing their job, adding lift and body to the custard filling. As the pie cools, the steam escapes and it settles into a smooth, creamy layer. This is totally normal and actually signals you’ve nailed the texture.
• Avoiding Overbaking or Undercooking
  Overbaking can lead to a dry pie with a cracked top, while underbaking leaves you with a mushy center. Stick to the 55–60 minute range at 350°F, and always test doneness with a clean knife inserted in the center. Problem Cause Fix Cracked surface Overbaked or oven too hot Check early, reduce temp if needed Runny middle Underbaked or under-whipped Bake longer, beat filling better Tough crust Overworked or overbaked crust Chill before baking, check early
• Balancing Spices and Sweetness
  The beauty of a great sweet potato pie recipe lies in subtle spice. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg is enough-too much can overpower the natural sweetness of the potato. You can experiment with a hint of ginger or even a drop of maple syrup for variation, but keep the balance delicate.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

• How to Store Sweet Potato Pie Properly
  Once your sweet potato pie has cooled to room temperature, you’ll want to preserve that perfect texture and flavor. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate. Properly stored, your sweet potato pie will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Storage Method Duration Notes Room Temperature Max 2 hours Ideal for cooling before refrigerating Refrigerator 3 to 4 days Wrap tightly to prevent drying out Freezer Up to 1 month Use a disposable aluminum pie tin if freezing
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment
  Planning ahead for the holidays? This sweet potato pie recipe freezes beautifully. For best results, bake the pie in a disposable aluminum pie plate. Let it cool completely, then wrap in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Label it with the date and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Bakers
  If you’re short on oven space or time, make this pie 1 to 2 days ahead of your event. Refrigerate it after it has cooled completely. Just before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Want it warm? A quick reheat at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes works like a charm.

Sweet Potato Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie

• Flavor and Spice Differences
  While sweet potato and pumpkin pies look similar, their flavor profiles set them worlds apart. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter and richer, so this pie needs fewer spices. A sweet potato pie recipe typically calls for just cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, allowing the root vegetable’s natural flavor to shine. Pumpkin pie, on the other hand, often leans heavily on spice blends like cloves, allspice, and ginger to create flavor. Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Pumpkin Pie Main Base Fresh or canned sweet potatoes Canned pumpkin puree Sweetness Level Naturally sweeter Less sweet, needs more sugar Spice Usage Light-cinnamon, nutmeg Heavy-ginger, cloves, allspice Texture Airier, custard-like Dense, firmer
• Texture and Presentation
  One bite tells the story-sweet potato pie tends to have a lighter, creamier mouthfeel, thanks to the whipped filling and egg content. Pumpkin pie is denser and often a bit heavier on the palate. If you like a dessert that melts in your mouth with smooth, fluffy consistency, sweet potato pie is your go-to. Visually, sweet potato pies also carry a richer, deeper orange color, especially when made from fresh potatoes. Pumpkin pies often look more uniform and muted.
• Which One Should You Bake?
  If you’re torn between the two, ask your guests what they prefer. For those who enjoy milder desserts, pumpkin pie might win. But if you’re looking for something soulful, flavorful, and uniquely Southern, sweet potato pie is always a showstopper.

Creative Variations of Sweet Potato Pie

• Crust Alternatives to Try
  While a classic 9-inch pie crust is traditional, switching up the crust can completely change the flavor and texture of your sweet potato pie. Here are some creative ideas:
  • Graham Cracker Crust: Adds a sweet, crunchy base that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.Pecan Crust: Offers a nutty richness and extra depth.Oat Crust: A wholesome, rustic option with added texture and fiber.Gluten-Free Crust: Ideal for those with dietary restrictions, available in most stores or easy to make at home with almond or rice flour.
• Add-Ins and Flavor Enhancements
  A traditional sweet potato pie recipe is fantastic on its own, but a few creative twists can make it unforgettable:
  • Chopped Pecans: Add to the filling for a bit of crunch or sprinkle on top for a toasted finish.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Top the pie in the final 5 minutes of baking for a sweet, gooey layer.
  • Brown Sugar Swirl: Mix a tablespoon of brown sugar with melted butter and cinnamon, then swirl into the filling before baking.
  • Coconut Milk Substitute: Use it instead of dairy for a tropical hint and creamier texture.
  • Maple Syrup Boost: Add 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mix for earthy sweetness.
• Mini Pie Variations
  Turn your sweet potato pie recipe into individual servings. Use muffin tins or mini pie pans and adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes. Perfect for parties or portion control. Variation Feature Baking Time Mini Pies Great for events or lunchboxes 25–30 mins Pecan Topping Crunchy texture and caramel flavor Full bake Marshmallow Top Classic twist, toasted sweetness Add last 5 mins

These twists give your sweet potato pie a signature touch while keeping the base flavor that makes it so comforting and classic.

Serving Suggestions and Final Touches

• Simple Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Pie
  Slice and serve your sweet potato pie chilled, at room temp, or slightly warmed. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra comfort. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a touch of caramel drizzle can elevate the look and taste.
• Perfect Pairings
  This pie goes great with:
  • Coffee or hot cider
  • Chai lattes or sweet dessert wines
  • Holiday classics like baked mac and cheese or green beans
• Holiday Presentation Tips
  Hosting? Serve the pie on a decorative plate or cake stand, and top with piped whipped cream or pie crust cutouts for a festive touch.

Conclusion

There’s a reason sweet potato pie has stood the test of time—it’s rich, flavorful, and comforting with every bite. Whether you stick to the traditional version or add your own creative spin, this sweet potato pie recipe delivers on taste, texture, and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone back to the table, fork in hand.

Make it ahead for holidays, freeze it for later, or bake it fresh for a weekend treat. However you enjoy it, one thing’s certain: sweet potato pie is more than a recipe, it’s a celebration of Southern warmth and homemade goodness.

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