Traditional Sweet Potato Pie – A Timeless Southern Delight

Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, creamy, and packed with warm spices. With its buttery crust and smooth, sweet filling, this pie is a comforting treat perfect for the holidays or any cozy gathering. Made with fresh sweet potatoes and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, it has a beautiful balance of flavors that brings warmth to every bite. Here’s how to make this delicious pie from scratch!

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces (about 1 ¾ pounds or 800g)
  • 1 all-butter pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
    • Cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
    • Drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly.
    • Then, mash them thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
    • Roll out your all-butter pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
    • Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
    • Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
  3. Make the Sweet Potato Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until well combined.
    • Add the mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and milk.
    • Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Pie:
    • Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
    • A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
    • Let the pie cool to room temperature before serving.
  6. Serve:
    • Slice and serve the pie as is, or top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.

Conclusion:

This Sweet Potato Pie is a beautiful, classic dessert that brings a comforting warmth to the table. With its smooth texture, subtle spices, and rich, buttery crust, each bite is a taste of Southern tradition. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply as a treat, this pie is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious slice of homemade sweetness!