The Ultimate Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Everyone Loves
Flaky, buttery crust meets a spice-infused custard for a dessert that evokes autumn.
The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Bake
Sweet potato pie stands as an iconic dessert, beloved across the southern United States and steadily gaining fans everywhere. Perhaps you’ve made pumpkin pie for years—now it’s time to try something new, luscious, and deeply comforting: sweet potato pie. This holiday-season classic features a creamy filling warmly spiced, nestled inside a flaky all-butter crust, and topped with decadent bourbon whipped cream. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to pie making, this guide will lead you step by step to the perfect slice.
Why Sweet Potato Pie Is a Must-Try Classic
While pumpkin usually claims the spotlight at Thanksgiving, sweet potato pie offers an unforgettable alternative. The natural sweetness and silkiness of sweet potatoes create a full-flavored, tender filling that some enthusiasts argue even surpasses pumpkin in taste and texture. Sweet potato pie is not only a Southern staple but a true celebration of autumn flavors and homemade tradition. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.
- Velvety texture – Pureed sweet potatoes ensure a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- Warm spices – With cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, every bite tastes like fall.
- Homemade pie crust – Flaky, buttery, and the perfect base for a rich filling.
- Bourbon twist – Optional, but a splash of bourbon deepens the flavor and adds adult sophistication.
- Bourbon whipped cream – Light, fluffy, and with just the right hint of sweetness to balance the pie.
Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie
To create this classic dessert, you’ll need a blend of staple baking ingredients and a few special touches. Here are the essentials, plus tips on choosing the best sweet potatoes and crust.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-Butter Pie Crust | 1 (for 9-inch pie) | Flaky, flavorful base |
| Sweet Potatoes | 1.5 lbs (about 3 medium) | Silky, naturally sweet filling |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tbsp | Adds creaminess |
| Evaporated Milk | 1 (5-oz) can | Rich, smooth texture |
| Large Eggs | 3 whole + 2 yolks | Binds ingredients; adds richness |
| Bourbon (optional) | 2 tbsp | Deepens flavor complexity |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp | Classic dessert aroma |
| Dark Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup | Moist sweetness, caramel notes |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup | Balanced sweetness |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Warmth and depth |
| Ground Ginger | 1/2 tsp | Subtle zing |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp | Classic pie spice |
| Ground Allspice | 1/4 tsp | Complex flavor |
| Kosher Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness |
Bourbon Whipped Cream
- Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup
- Bourbon: 1–2 tbsp (to taste)
- Vanilla: 1/2 tsp
Step-by-Step Directions For Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
To achieve a pie with a crisp base, silky filling, and irresistible finish, follow this detailed process.
- Prepare and Blind Bake the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Roll out a ball of pie dough to a 13-inch round and transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Chill the crust for 1 hour in the fridge (or 30 minutes in the freezer).
- Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until the edges are just turning golden, about 18–22 minutes.
- Remove weights and paper, then bake the crust 10–12 minutes more until fully golden. Let it cool completely. Lower oven temperature to 350˚F.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a paper towel–lined plate; microwave on high 5 minutes. Flip, and microwave another 5 minutes until fork-tender.
- Cool 10 minutes, then halve and scoop out the flesh into the bowl of a food processor.
If you want an extra-smooth pie, press the potatoes through a fine sieve before puréeing.
- Make the Filling:
- Add butter to hot potatoes. Pulse until completely smooth.
- Add evaporated milk, eggs, yolks, (bourbon, if using), and vanilla. Blend until combined.
- Add both sugars, the spices, and salt. Blend to a silky, uniform mixture.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour filling into the cooled, prebaked crust.
- Bake at 350˚F until edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly, 45–55 minutes.
- Cool the pie completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours) for ideal texture.
- Make Bourbon Whipped Cream:
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form, 2–4 minutes.
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- Serve:
- Slice the cooled pie and serve generous dollops of bourbon whipped cream on top.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator.
Top Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie Every Time
- Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. They provide both vibrant color and the ideal smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t skip prebaking the crust: This guarantees a flaky base that isn’t soggy after filling is added.
- Processing the filling thoroughly in a food processor ensures no lumps and a custardy finish. For the smoothest texture, push the cooked potatoes through a fine-mesh sieve before adding other ingredients.
- Bake until just set: The center should wobble a bit when you shake the pan but will finish setting as it cools.
- Cool completely: This not only makes slicing easier but helps the flavors meld and deepen.
- Bourbon is optional, but it lends a deeper, warmer flavor. You can also experiment with other spirits like dark rum.
- Whipped cream can be spiked with bourbon or left plain—adjust for guests and occasion.
Sweet Potato Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie: What’s The Difference?
Sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie are both beloved holiday desserts, but they have key differences in flavor, texture, and even tradition—especially in the American South.
| Feature | Sweet Potato Pie | Pumpkin Pie |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Cooked sweet potatoes | Puréed pumpkin |
| Texture | Silky, slightly denser, smoother | Custardy, lighter, more uniform |
| Flavor | Sweeter, deeper, with a hint of caramel | Milder, more earthy, sometimes more spiced |
| Sweetness | Higher natural sugar, needs less added sugar | Less naturally sweet, more sugar/spices added |
| Regional Popularity | Southeast U.S., soul food tradition | National, classic Thanksgiving staple |
Many argue that sweet potato pie has a richer, more satisfying depth of flavor, and the addition of bourbon only heightens this distinctiveness. Its appeal grows yearly as more discover this Southern classic.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Top with marshmallow meringue for a show-stopping finish, especially around Thanksgiving.
- Add orange zest to the filling for a fresh twist.
- Swap bourbon for dark rum in both pie and whipped cream for Caribbean flair.
- Serve with ice cream instead of whipped cream for extra decadence.
- Create mini pies with tart shells for individual servings at parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, but roasting or microwaving fresh sweet potatoes brings out much better flavor and creaminess.
What type of crust works best?
An all-butter homemade crust is ideal for flakiness and rich flavor, but a high-quality store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience.
How long will sweet potato pie keep?
Cooled, covered sweet potato pie will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor may even improve as it sits.
Can sweet potato pie be frozen?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; the texture remains smooth after defrosting.
Is bourbon required?
Bourbon is a delicious addition but not mandatory. You can omit it entirely, or try vanilla, rum, or even maple syrup for a nonalcoholic twist.
Pie Success Troubleshooting
- Crust shrunk in the oven? Be sure to chill it thoroughly before baking and do not skip the use of pie weights.
- Filling cracked? Overbaking can cause cracks. Pull the pie from the oven when the center still jiggles slightly.
- Watery texture? Be sure to thoroughly puree the sweet potatoes and don’t add too much milk.
- Pie tastes bland? Increase the spices or use fresh, high-quality cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for more flavor.
Additional Recommended Pie Recipes
- Pineapple Pie
- Classic Blackberry Pie
- Birthday Cake Pie
- Lemon Chess Pie
- No-Bake Mango Pie
- Strawberry Desserts
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Pie
- For extra-silky filling: Push cooked sweet potatoes through a fine mesh sieve before pureeing; this removes any fibers and makes an ultra-smooth texture.
- Prevent soggy bottoms: Always blind-bake your crust, especially for custard pies like this.
- Cool completely before serving: This helps the custard firm up and flavors develop fully.
- Make ahead: The pie can be made a day in advance and held in the refrigerator, making holiday prep even easier.
- Whipped cream upgrade: Experiment with a dash of cinnamon or orange zest in your whipped topping for extra flavor.
Get Baking: Sweet Potato Pie for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a cozy fall gathering, or just craving a slice of homemade goodness, this sweet potato pie recipe delivers. Its soul-warming filling, rich spices, and buttery homemade crust will become a treasured part of your baking repertoire. Add personal touches with mix-ins or toppings, and remember to serve with a generous cloud of bourbon whipped cream. Gather your ingredients, roll out your dough, and get ready for a pie that’s as unforgettable as the moments you share it.
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