Sweet Potato Pie

Change things up this Thanksgiving and wow your family and friends with this homemade sweet potato pie! This old-fashioned sweet potato pie is made with dark brown sugar and warm fall spices, topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinners or cozy family gatherings, this pie is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavor and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and warm spices creates a mouthwatering filling that is rich and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this sweet potato pie without any hassle.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or just a cozy night at home, this pie fits perfectly into any occasion.
• Homemade Goodness: Using fresh ingredients ensures a wholesome taste that is much better than store-bought alternatives.
• Customizable Toppings: Whether you prefer it plain or topped with whipped cream, you can easily make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your sweet potato pie, having the right tools is essential. They help streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good-quality dish ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of the pie.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix ingredients efficiently without any mess.
• Electric mixer: While optional, it makes blending the filling easier and quicker, especially when incorporating butter and sugar.

Ingredients

For this delicious sweet potato pie, gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust

• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) table salt
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (cold 2 sticks)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) ice water (more as needed)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) lemon juice (cold)

For the Filling

• 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
• 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup (310 g) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) vanilla extract

For Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Whipped cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making the crust for your pie.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water and lemon juice until dough holds together.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

While the crust chills:
1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes.
2. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain and mash until smooth; let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl:
1. Combine mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter.
2. Add dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until fully combined; set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
2. Place dough into the dish; trim excess edges if necessary.
3. Pour sweet potato filling into crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until filling is set.
– Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let your sweet potato pie cool completely before serving.
– Brush with a mixture of beaten egg and milk for a golden crust finish before serving with whipped cream on top!

Enjoy this delightful dessert that will surely become a holiday favorite!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Serving sweet potato pie can elevate your dessert experience, making it a memorable treat for any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this classic dessert.

Classic Serving

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a traditional touch.

A La Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add creamy richness and contrast the pie’s flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices with seasonal fruit like berries or sliced pears for a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Drizzled with Caramel

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling caramel sauce over the pie before serving, adding a rich and buttery layer.

Nutty Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of each slice for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Coffee Companion

• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to complement the flavors of the pie perfectly.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Perfecting sweet potato pie is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose fresh sweet potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes, as they yield better flavor.

• Bake instead of boil: Baking sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and results in a creamier texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smooth filling.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks in your pie.

• Pre-bake the crust: Blind bake your crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Complementing sweet potato pie with side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some tasty options that pair well.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage infused with cinnamon and cloves, perfect for fall gatherings.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and slightly caramelized, they offer a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

3. Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and freshness.

4. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots roasted with maple syrup bring out natural sugars while balancing flavors.

5. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside the richness of sweet potato pie.

6. Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins complement the pie’s flavors while adding texture variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold ingredient selection: Using overly sweet sweet potatoes can result in an overly sugary pie. Opt for medium sweetness to balance flavors.
• Bold skipping the crust chill: Not chilling the pie crust before baking can lead to a soggy bottom. Always refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
• Bold undercooking the filling: Removing the pie too early may cause a runny filling. Make sure it’s set and firm before taking it out of the oven.
• Bold neglecting spices: Omitting spices can make your pie taste flat. Ensure you include cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for depth.
• Bold overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can incorporate excess air, leading to cracks in your pie. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds or until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sweet Potato Pie.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie is done?

The filling should be set and slightly puffed, with a knife inserted into the center coming out clean.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

What is the best way to serve Sweet Potato Pie?

Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for added indulgence.

Can I substitute other types of milk in this Sweet Potato Pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk as a substitute for evaporated milk.

Is Sweet Potato Pie vegan-friendly?

This recipe contains eggs and butter; however, you can easily adapt it by using flax eggs and plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato pie is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Give this recipe a try this Thanksgiving; your family will love it!