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 gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar and warm spices creates a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for the season.
• Simple Preparation: This sweet potato pie is easy to make, even for beginners, making it an ideal choice for any cook.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this pie suits various occasions.
• Family Favorite: Its comforting taste makes it a dish that everyone will love and remember fondly.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of baking from scratch, bringing warmth and joy to your table.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your sweet potato pie successfully, having the right tools is essential. Below is a list of must-have kitchen equipment that will simplify your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients evenly. Using separate bowls helps prevent spills and ensures thorough mixing.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin is important for rolling out the pie crust to the desired thickness without tearing it.
• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish ensures even baking and enhances presentation when serving your delicious sweet potato pie.

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Ingredients

To create this scrumptious sweet potato pie, gather these 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 Sweet Potatoes

• Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain them once cooked.
• Let cool slightly, then peel and mash them until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add cold ice water and lemon juice until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In another bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter until creamy.
• Add dark brown sugar, eggs, spices, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
• Place the rolled dough into the pie dish. Trim excess edges as needed.
• Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust evenly.

Step 5: Bake

• In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and milk. Brush this mixture over the crust edge for a golden finish.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Allow cooling before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your delightful homemade sweet potato pie!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are many creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve with whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the pie’s sweet and spiced filling.

A La Mode

• Pair with vanilla ice cream: The richness of vanilla ice cream complements the flavors of the sweet potato pie beautifully.

Festive Touch

• Garnish with cinnamon sticks: Adding a cinnamon stick as a garnish can enhance the aroma and presentation of your pie.

Nutty Flavor

• Top with toasted pecans: Sprinkling toasted pecans on top provides a nice crunch and additional flavor.

Fruit Accompaniment

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears: Fresh fruit can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of the pie.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Freshly cooked sweet potatoes provide better flavor than canned versions.

• Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking your pie crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy once filled with the sweet potato mixture.

• Blend until smooth: Ensure that your filling is blended until completely smooth for a silky texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature for better mixing and consistency.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the pie is done baking.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Complementing your sweet potato pie with delicious side dishes can create an impressive meal. Here are some great options:

1. Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds a savory touch with its creamy sauce and crunchy topping.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Lightly seasoned Brussels sprouts provide a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness next to the pie.

3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting side that pairs well with any holiday meal.

4. Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins add texture and flavor, making them an excellent accompaniment to dessert.

5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with grains, nuts, and spices, acorn squash offers a hearty, seasonal option that aligns beautifully with fall flavors.

6. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp brings in another layer of sweetness while maintaining a cozy autumn vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your sweet potato pie turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Sweet Potato Cooking Step: Make sure to cook your sweet potatoes until they are tender. This enhances their flavor and ensures a smooth filling.
• Using Warm Butter for the Crust: Always use cold butter when making the crust. This helps create a flaky texture that is ideal for dessert pies.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you get the right amounts for each ingredient.
• Overmixing the Filling: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense filling, which is not desirable in a sweet potato pie.
• Forgetting to Pre-bake the Crust: A quick pre-bake of the crust helps prevent sogginess and ensures it stays crisp under the filling.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Sweet potato pie will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making sweet potato pie.

What is traditional Sweet Potato Pie made of?

Traditional sweet potato pie consists of cooked sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and milk or cream in a flaky crust.

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

Your sweet potato pie is done when the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie a day or two in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of eggs in my Sweet Potato Pie?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as egg substitutes for binding in your sweet potato pie recipe.

How do I customize my Sweet Potato Pie?

Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips, pecans, or variations of spices such as cardamom and allspice for unique flavors!

Final Thoughts

This sweet potato pie recipe brings together rich flavors and comforting spices, making it an excellent choice for any holiday gathering. Its versatile nature allows you to personalize it with various toppings or mix-ins. Give this delightful dessert a try; your family and friends will surely love it!