There’s something undeniably magical about sweet potato pie, but when you introduce brown butter into the mix? Game-changer! The nutty depth of brown butter elevates the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, making each bite irresistibly rich and cozy. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a Sunday dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious, this Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, nutty flavor – The brown butter adds an incredible richness.
- Silky smooth filling – No grainy textures here, just pure creaminess.
- Easy to make – No fancy equipment needed!
- Perfectly spiced – Just the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Crowd-pleaser – Whether served warm or chilled, this pie never disappoints.
What Does Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie Taste Like?
Imagine the comforting sweetness of classic sweet potato pie, but with an extra layer of caramelized, nutty goodness from the brown butter. The filling is velvety smooth, perfectly spiced, and balanced between sweet and rich. The buttery, flaky crust ties everything together for a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
Pie Crust:
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (9-inch)
Filling:
- 1 ½ cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, browned
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Toasted pecans
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Saucepan (for browning butter)
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
1. Preheat & Prep the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges, and set it aside.
2. Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir continuously as it foams and then turns a deep golden brown with a nutty aroma (this takes about 4–6 minutes). Remove from heat immediately and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Pour in the browned butter, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk by hand.
4. Assemble the Pie
Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing it out evenly.
5. Bake the Pie
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
💡 Pro Tip: If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the pie cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the texture to set.
Top with whipped cream, toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie
This pie is already a showstopper, but you can take it to the next level with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The warm pie and cold ice cream combo is divine!
- Drizzle of caramel sauce – For extra indulgence.
- Spiced chai or coffee – Complements the warm spices beautifully.
Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
- Use freshly baked sweet potatoes – They yield a smoother and naturally sweeter filling compared to canned.
- Don’t skip browning the butter – It makes a HUGE difference in flavor!
- Let the pie cool completely – This ensures a firm yet creamy texture.
- Store-bought crust is fine! – But if you want to go homemade, even better.
How to Store Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQ
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld together. Just bake, cool, and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
You can, but freshly baked sweet potatoes give a much better texture and flavor. If using canned, make sure to drain and mash them well.
3. What’s the best way to brown butter?
Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it turns golden brown and smells nutty, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter, and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try This Pie
This Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie is everything you love about classic sweet potato pie—only better. The brown butter takes the flavor to another level, making it nutty, rich, and unforgettable. Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a warm, cozy dessert.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest. Happy baking!
More Delicious Desserts to Try
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars – A Decadent Treat – Rich, fudgy brownies with the perfect peanut butter swirl.
- Sweet Potato Pie Bars – A Deliciously Easy Dessert – All the flavors of sweet potato pie in a portable bar form!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 26g