Nothing says Southern comfort like a slice of Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie! This rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced pie is a staple at family gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and holiday celebrations. Made with real sweet potatoes, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery pie crust, this pie is smooth, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
If you’re looking for a soul-warming dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this homemade sweet potato pie is exactly what you need. Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
- Rich & Creamy Texture – The perfect balance of smooth, silky filling and a flaky crust.
- Warm & Spiced – Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for cozy flavors.
- Simple & Easy – Made with basic pantry ingredients and ready in just over an hour.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
What Does Southern Sweet Potato Pie Taste Like?
This pie is sweet, creamy, and packed with deep, comforting flavors. Unlike pumpkin pie, which can be denser, sweet potato pie is lighter, silkier, and naturally sweeter. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla adds a rich warmth that pairs beautifully with the buttery, flaky crust.
Ingredients for Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
For the Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- A drizzle of caramel
- Toasted pecans
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Pot for boiling sweet potatoes
- Spatula
- 9-inch pie pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No Evaporated Milk? – Use half-and-half, whole milk, or heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor? – Add ½ teaspoon of allspice or ginger for even more warmth.
- Sweeter Pie? – Swap some white sugar for ¼ cup brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Want a Crunchy Twist? – Add a pecan streusel topping for texture!
How to Make Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook & Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks.
- Boil or steam them for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash until smooth. Let them cool slightly before mixing.
💡 Pro Tip: Roasting the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔ Mashed sweet potatoes
✔ Sugar, eggs, and evaporated milk
✔ Vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Mix until smooth. If you prefer an extra silky texture, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender.
4. Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
5. Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes until the filling is set.
- A toothpick inserted should come out clean, and the edges should be firm.
💡 Pro Tip: If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
6. Cool Completely
Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. For the best flavor and texture, chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Indulgent: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
- Crunchy Twist: Garnish with toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers.
- Southern Style: Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream!
Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes – Canned sweet potatoes work, but freshly mashed gives the best flavor and texture.
- Blend for a Super Smooth Filling – If you love ultra-creamy pie, blend the filling before baking.
- Don’t Overbake – The pie should slightly jiggle in the center when removed from the oven—it will firm up as it cools.
- Chill Before Serving – Letting the pie set in the fridge enhances the flavors.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie
- Hot Coffee or Spiced Chai – A warm, comforting drink pairs perfectly.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream – Adds a creamy touch.
- Pecan Praline Sauce – A Southern classic topping!
How to Store & Reheat Sweet Potato Pie
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheat: Serve cold or warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Sweet potato pie tastes even better the next day. Make it 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes give a better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain and mash them well.
3. Why is my sweet potato pie runny?
If it’s runny, it may need more baking time. Also, ensure your sweet potatoes aren’t too watery after boiling.
4. How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?
Blind bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling, or brush the crust with egg wash to seal it.
5. What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?
Sweet potato pie is naturally sweeter and silkier, while pumpkin pie has a denser, earthier flavor with more spices.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie is creamy, spiced, and absolutely delicious—the perfect comfort dessert for any occasion! Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Share your baking creations on Pinterest and leave a review below—I’d love to hear from you!
More Delicious Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake – A Moist & Flavorful Delight
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake – A rich, fruit-filled Southern favorite.
- Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie – A nutty, caramelized twist on the classic!
Happy baking! 🥧🔥✨