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, creating a delightful dessert that will impress everyone. Whether you serve it at holiday gatherings or enjoy it as a comforting treat, this pie stands out with its rich flavor and creamy texture topped with fresh whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and warm spices creates a rich and comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this pie without any fuss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Thanksgiving to family gatherings, this sweet potato pie is versatile enough to fit any celebration.
• Homemade Goodness: This recipe allows you to create a classic dessert from scratch, bringing nostalgic flavors to your table.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique taste makes it a favorite among both kids and adults, ensuring it will disappear quickly!

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect sweet potato pie, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rolling pin
• Potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows for easy mixing of ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: These tools help achieve a creamy filling by effectively blending the ingredients together.

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Ingredients

To make this delightful sweet potato pie, you will need 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 Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
3. Poke holes in them with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water and lemon juice until dough forms.
4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Once sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash them in a bowl.
2. Mix in softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into your desired shape.
2. Place the crust into your pie dish and trim excess dough.
3. Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Beat one egg with milk; brush over the crust edges for shine.
2. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–50 minutes or until filling is set.
3. Let cool before serving with whipped cream on top.

Enjoy this delicious homemade sweet potato pie at your next gathering!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, serving this pie can be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Classic with Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with fresh whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture and add a light sweetness.

A la Mode

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Nutty Topping

• Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top of the whipped cream for added crunch and nuttiness.

Spiced Pear Compote

• Pair your sweet potato pie with a side of spiced pear compote for a fruity twist that complements the spices in the pie.

Drizzle of Caramel

• Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness that will impress your guests.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve slices alongside a cup of rich coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall experience.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Perfecting your sweet potato pie takes some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sweet potatoes yield better flavor than canned options. Roast them for enhanced sweetness.

• Blind Bake the Crust: Pre-bake your pie crust slightly before adding the filling. This prevents sogginess and keeps it crisp.

• Check Consistency: Ensure your filling is smooth and well-mixed. A blender can help achieve that creamy texture.

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to cracks in the filling. It should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

• Cool Properly: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set properly and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie pairs beautifully with many side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized sprouts provide a savory contrast to the sweet pie.
2. Green Bean Casserole: The creamy texture and savory flavors make this dish an excellent companion.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness from honey enhances both dishes, creating a harmonious blend.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Their crumbly texture adds rustic charm and works well with sweeter desserts.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce balances out the rich flavor of sweet potato pie perfectly.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort without overpowering the dessert’s sweetness.
7. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with grains and nuts, this dish echoes the autumnal flavors while providing substance.
8. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad brings crunch and acidity, helping cleanse the palate between bites of pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect sweet potato pie can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using undercooked sweet potatoes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked and soft before mashing. This will result in a smoother filling.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour, sugar, and liquids. Too much or too little can alter the texture of your pie.
• Skipping the cooling time: Let your pie cool completely before serving. This helps the filling set properly, making it easier to slice.
• Overmixing the filling: Mix just until combined to prevent a tough texture. Overmixing can lead to air bubbles that affect the final product.
• Neglecting flavor balance: Taste your filling before baking. Adjust sweetness or spice levels as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making sweet potato pie:

What makes a great Sweet Potato Pie?

A great sweet potato pie has a creamy filling with a balanced sweetness and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Using fresh ingredients and allowing it to cool properly enhances its flavor and texture.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for my Sweet Potato Pie?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used as a convenient alternative. Just ensure they are drained well and mashed smoothly before adding them to your mixture.

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

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

Can I customize my Sweet Potato Pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different spices like allspice or cardamom, or even mix in other ingredients like chocolate or pecans for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie is sure to impress at any gathering with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences, whether you prefer more spice or sweetness. Give this recipe a try this holiday season!