When it comes to Southern comfort food, few desserts are as iconic as Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie. With its creamy, spiced filling and flaky, buttery crust, this pie is a staple at holiday gatherings, family dinners, and Sunday suppers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating a pie that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Comforting: The smooth, spiced filling is pure comfort food.
- Perfectly Spiced: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Flaky Crust: A buttery, homemade crust takes this pie to the next level.
- Holiday Favorite: A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Pecans, chopped
- Cinnamon, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add 1/2 cup cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 3-4 tablespoons ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks.
- Boil the sweet potato chunks in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Measure out 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Roll Out the Crust
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim and crimp the edges.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly mashed sweet potatoes have the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the filling can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the pie.
- Blind Bake the Crust (Optional): For an extra flaky crust, blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Let It Cool: Sweet potato pie needs time to set, so let it cool completely before slicing.
- Customize the Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.
- With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- As a Dessert Buffet Star: Pair with other holiday favorites like pumpkin pie or pecan pie.
Why This Recipe Works
This sweet potato pie recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy filling and flaky crust. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by warm spices, while the buttery crust provides a delicious contrast. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, making it a must-have for any occasion.
More Relevant Recipes to Try
If you loved this Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie, here are some other delicious recipes you might enjoy:
- Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake: A decadent and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Sweet Potato Pie Bars: A portable twist on the classic pie.
- Cookies and Cream Dump Cake: An easy, no-fuss dessert that’s rich and decadent.
- Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn.
Conclusion
This Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of Southern tradition!