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 a delightful blend of dark brown sugar and warm fall spices, making it the ultimate holiday dessert. Its creamy filling and flaky crust make it suitable for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy family dinners. The standout qualities of this recipe include its rich flavor, ease of preparation, and the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and brown sugar creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or any time you’re craving something sweet and spicy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This pie has broad appeal, ensuring everyone at your gathering will enjoy a slice (or two!).
• Customizable Toppings: Serve it plain or top with whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tools and Preparation

To create your sweet potato pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good quality pie dish ensures even baking and helps achieve a perfectly crisp crust.
• Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components without mixing flavors prematurely.
• Electric mixer or whisk: These tools help incorporate air into your filling, creating a light texture that’s essential for a great pie.

Ingredients

To make 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 sweet potato pie.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water and lemon juice until the dough comes together.
• Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Sweet Potatoes

Next, prepare your sweet potatoes.

• Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks.
• Boil in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
• Drain and mash until smooth. Let cool.

Step 3: Make Filling Mixture

Now it’s time to make your filling.

• In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and dark brown sugar until creamy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in mashed sweet potatoes along with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble Pie

With both crust and filling ready:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
• Transfer the dough to the dish; trim excess edges as needed.
• Pour the filling into the crust evenly.

Step 5: Bake Pie

Finally, bake your masterpiece!

• In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with milk for an egg wash.
• Brush this over the pie crust edges for a golden finish.
• Bake for about 90 minutes or until set. A knife inserted should come out clean.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Classic Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.

Spiced Nuts

• Sprinkle some toasted spiced nuts on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a warm and cold combination.

Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie for an indulgent touch that adds sweetness.

Fresh Berries

• Accompany the pie with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing balance.

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.

• Choose fresh sweet potatoes: Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for optimal flavor and texture in your filling.

• Measure accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely, especially the flour and sugar, to maintain the right consistency.

• Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking the pie crust helps prevent it from getting soggy once you add the filling.

• Soften butter properly: Ensure that your butter is softened at room temperature before mixing it into the filling for a smoother blend.

• Cool before serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this will help set the filling for cleaner slices.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing side dishes with your sweet potato pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Green Bean Casserole
   A classic side dish made with green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with crispy onions.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Seasoned Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy provide a savory element to balance the sweetness of the pie.

3. Cornbread
   Moist cornbread complements the flavors of sweet potato while adding a comforting texture.

4. Honey Glazed Carrots
   Sweet carrots glazed with honey offer a delightful contrast that harmonizes well with sweet potato pie.

5. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic or herbs make for a hearty accompaniment alongside dessert.

6. Stuffing
   Savory stuffing adds depth to your meal, bringing in herby flavors that pair nicely with sweet dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your sweet potato pie turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using uncooked sweet potatoes: Always cook the sweet potatoes until tender before mashing. This enhances the flavor and texture of your pie.
• Skipping the chilling time for crust: Allowing the pie crust to chill helps it maintain its shape while baking. Don’t skip this step for a flaky crust.
• Overmixing the filling: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense filling instead of a smooth, creamy texture.
• Not checking for doneness: Make sure to test your pie with a toothpick or knife. It should come out clean when the pie is fully baked.
• Neglecting spices: The right blend of spices is crucial. Don’t be afraid to adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to match your taste preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

How do I make Sweet Potato Pie from scratch?

Making sweet potato pie involves cooking sweet potatoes, mashing them, and mixing with sugars and spices before pouring into a prepared crust.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While sweet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

What is the best way to cool Sweet Potato Pie?

Let it cool at room temperature on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set properly.

How long does Sweet Potato Pie last?

When stored correctly, sweet potato pie lasts about three days in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie is not only delightful but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Impress your guests this holiday season with this classic dessert that brings warmth and joy!