There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of a Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie. With its velvety smooth texture, rich sweetness, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, this pie is the ultimate soul food dessert. Whether it’s for the holidays, Sunday dinner, or just because, this sweet potato pie will have everyone coming back for seconds!
In this recipe, we’ll walk through the best way to prepare sweet potatoes, how to create the perfect pie filling, and the secret to a flaky, buttery crust. Get ready to bake a pie that will make your kitchen smell like pure Southern bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pie
✅ Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor – A smooth, spiced filling that melts in your mouth.
✅ Easy to make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no fancy equipment needed.
✅ A holiday staple – A must-have at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings.
✅ Better than pumpkin pie – Naturally sweet with a deeper, more comforting taste.
What Does Sweet Potato Pie Taste Like?
Sweet potato pie has a silky texture, similar to pumpkin pie, but with a richer, naturally sweeter flavor. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the pie’s depth, while evaporated milk adds creaminess. Every bite is smooth, lightly spiced, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.
Ingredients for Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
For the Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup evaporated milk (for a creamy texture)
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs (binds the filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds warmth and depth)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (classic Southern spice)
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (adds warmth)
- ¼ tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Classic Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook & Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a pot of water or steam them for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until completely smooth. Let them cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until smooth.
For an extra silky texture, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender. This removes any fibrous bits and creates a luscious filling.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The edges should be firm, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
The pie will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour before slicing. For best results, refrigerate it for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for the ultimate Southern dessert experience.
How to Make the Best Homemade Pie Crust
If you want to make your own pie crust from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling out.
This homemade crust will give your pie a buttery, flaky texture that elevates the flavor.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie
✔️ Use fresh sweet potatoes – They provide the best flavor compared to canned sweet potatoes.
✔️ Blend for smoothness – If you want the silkiest filling, use a food processor or blender.
✔️ Don’t overbake – The center should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
✔️ Let it cool completely – This helps the pie firm up and enhances the flavor.
✔️ For extra richness, add butter – Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the filling for a deeper flavor.
How to Store & Reheat Sweet Potato Pie
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Drain them well and mash before using. Fresh sweet potatoes offer better texture and flavor, but canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Sweet potato pie tastes even better the next day. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
For a crispier crust, blind-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes at 375°F before adding the filling.
5. What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?
Sweet potato pie is smoother, naturally sweeter, and has a richer flavor than pumpkin pie, which tends to be more spiced and custard-like.
Final Thoughts – A Southern Classic You’ll Love!
There’s a reason Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie has been a beloved dessert for generations. It’s warm, spiced, and full of comforting flavors that make every bite a delight. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a special occasion, or just because, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! If you love sweet potato dishes, don’t forget to check out this seafood-inspired delight:
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Enjoy your sweet potato pie, and happy baking!