Sweet Potato Pie: A Classic Dessert with a Nutritious Twist

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices and a flaky crust. This Southern favorite is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pies. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting dessert, this sweet potato pie recipe is sure to impress.

Why Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious base for this dessert. The creamy filling, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, pairs perfectly with a buttery crust, creating a dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Once cooled, peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for baking the pie.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim the edges, and crimp as desired. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined. Beat in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the filling is smooth and well-mixed.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Mashing Sweet Potatoes: Ensure the sweet potatoes are well-mashed to avoid lumps in your pie filling.
Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Some people enjoy adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Storage: Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie offers several health benefits, thanks to its main ingredient:

Rich in Vitamins: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
High in Fiber: The fiber content in sweet potatoes aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Antioxidant Properties: Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

More Sweet Potato Recipes to Try

If you love sweet potatoes as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes:

Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet: A hearty and savory dish that combines sweet potatoes with ground beef for a satisfying meal. Perfect for dinner or meal prep!
Sweet Potato Casserole: A classic holiday side dish that’s creamy, sweet, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, baked sweet potato fries that are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Great as a snack or side dish.

Conclusion

Sweet potato pie is a timeless dessert that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices and a flaky crust. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a special treat, this pie is sure to delight. Give this recipe a try and savor the delightful combination of flavors and nutrients that sweet potato pie has to offer.