The Ultimate Creamy Sweet Potato Pie: A Timeless Holiday Dessert Recipe
There’s something uniquely comforting and irresistibly delicious about a classic sweet potato pie. This recipe delivers a truly exceptional experience, boasting a velvety-smooth sweet potato filling infused with a harmonious blend of cozy fall spices. Baked to golden perfection within a flaky crust, each slice promises a taste of tradition, especially when crowned with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a cherished part of countless family gatherings, embodying the warmth and flavors of the autumn and winter holidays.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
Sweet potato pie holds a special place in the hearts of many, often serving as a beloved, long-standing tradition for families across generations, particularly during the festive holiday season. Its rich history and comforting flavors make it an indispensable part of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. While often compared to pumpkin pie due to its similar custard-like consistency, sweet potato pie offers a distinctly unique and delightfully creamy texture, coupled with a subtly sweeter, more earthy flavor profile that truly sets it apart.
This particular recipe excels because it masterfully balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a medley of aromatic spices, creating a filling that is both incredibly smooth and bursting with flavor. We focus on achieving that perfect creamy consistency, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. Furthermore, the instructions are designed to be straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels to create a show-stopping dessert that will earn rave reviews. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find success and joy in bringing this traditional dessert to your table.
RELATED: If you love sweet potatoes, you might also enjoy these comforting recipes: Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes or Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Pie
Crafting the perfect sweet potato pie begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture that makes this dessert so beloved. While we outline the key ingredients below, you can find the precise measurements and a comprehensive list in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. We recommend gathering all your ingredients before you begin cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitutions
Understanding the role of each ingredient can help you achieve the best results and even confidently make substitutions if needed. Here’s a closer look at what goes into our glorious sweet potato pie:
CRUST – For convenience and consistent results, our recipe utilizes store-bought pie crusts. These readily available options save time without compromising on quality, providing a sturdy and flaky base for your rich filling. However, if you’re inclined to bake from scratch, a homemade pie dough truly elevates the experience. You might consider trying the fantastic homemade pie crust recipe featured in our Classic Apple Pie, which offers a wonderfully buttery and tender texture. For store-bought crusts, ensure they are thawed according to package directions before use.
FILLING – The heart of this pie lies in its lusciously creamy filling, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! We use fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and diced, then boiled until fork-tender. This method ensures they become incredibly soft and easy to mash into a silky-smooth puree. While boiling is efficient, roasting or baking sweet potatoes can also yield excellent results, sometimes imparting a slightly deeper, caramelized flavor. If baking, simply pierce the potatoes, bake at 400°F (200°C) until very soft, then scoop out the flesh.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the filling ingredients together, eggs provide structure and contribute to the custard-like consistency of the pie. They prevent the filling from crumbling and give it that signature smooth texture.
- Sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes while enhancing the overall dessert experience. You can adjust the amount slightly to suit your preference, though the recommended quantity strikes a perfect balance.
- Spices: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Allspice: This trio creates the quintessential “fall spice” blend that makes sweet potato pie so aromatic and inviting. Nutmeg adds a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery note; cinnamon provides comforting warmth; and allspice rounds out the profile with hints of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste, or even add a pinch of ginger for an extra kick.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, ensuring the pie isn’t just sweet but has a well-rounded taste.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is a secret weapon in sweet potato pie! It brightens the flavors, prevents the pie from tasting overly heavy, and adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the pie its signature rich and ultra-creamy texture. Heavy cream contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel and helps the filling set perfectly. Full-fat milk or evaporated milk can be used as a substitute in a pinch, though the richness might be slightly less pronounced.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and cooled, unsalted butter adds unparalleled richness and a delicate buttery flavor to the filling, making it even more decadent.
Remember, using ingredients at room temperature, especially eggs and dairy, often helps them combine more smoothly and bake more evenly, leading to a superior final product.
Crafting Your Delicious Sweet Potato Pie: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of the recipe, making the baking process as smooth as possible. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking from the start, crucial for a perfectly set pie.
- Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a 4-quart pot on the stovetop, combine the peeled and 1-inch cubed sweet potatoes with 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the sweet potatoes simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are completely fork-tender. It’s important that they are very soft to achieve a smooth filling. Drain the water thoroughly from the cooked potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until they are completely smooth and fluffy, with no lumps remaining. This step is vital for the creamy texture of the pie.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Use your hand mixer to quickly and thoroughly combine these ingredients until they are well integrated and slightly frothy.
- Integrate Filling Components: Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture from the separate bowl into the large bowl containing the mashed sweet potatoes. While pouring, continue to use the hand mixer to gently combine the two mixtures. This ensures a uniform blend and prevents any lumps from forming.
- Add Butter: Finally, pour in the melted and cooled unsalted butter. Mix with the hand mixer just until the butter is fully incorporated into the sweet potato filling. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Fill Pie Crusts: Divide the luscious sweet potato filling evenly between your two pie crusts. Gently smooth the top of each pie with a spatula. Carefully place both filled pie crusts onto a sturdy baking sheet; this makes it easier to transfer them to and from the oven and catches any potential spills.
- Bake and Cool: Transfer the baking sheet with the pies to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The pies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is mostly firm with a slight jiggle. Once baked, carefully remove the pies from the oven and allow them to sit on a wire rack to cool slowly and completely at room temperature. This slow cooling is essential for the pie to set properly and prevent cracking. Once cooled, refrigerate the pies until you are ready to serve them, allowing the flavors to fully meld and the texture to firm up.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Before serving, generously top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Pie
Once your sweet potato pie has completely cooled to room temperature, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Cover the pie tightly with aluminum foil or transfer individual slices into an airtight container. Keep the pie refrigerated, where it will stay delicious for 3-4 days. Always ensure it’s fully cooled before covering to prevent condensation that can make the crust soggy.
Absolutely! Sweet potato pie freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead option for holidays or unexpected guests. To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled. Wrap it tightly a few times in plastic wrap, then follow with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double-layer protection prevents freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight. You can gently warm it in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) before serving, if desired.
For a rich, sweet, and vibrant orange pie, varieties like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet sweet potatoes are ideal. These have a moist, sweet flesh that mashes wonderfully into a creamy filling. Avoid dryer, paler varieties often labeled as “yams” in some grocery stores, as they won’t yield the same texture and sweetness.
Several factors can contribute to a soggy crust. Ensure your pie crust is well-chilled before adding the filling. For extra insurance, you can blind bake your crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, brushing the bottom of the crust with a thin layer of egg white before filling can create a barrier against moisture. Make sure your sweet potato filling isn’t too wet; thoroughly drain the boiled potatoes.
While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potato puree can be used in a pinch. If using canned, opt for unsweetened puree and drain any excess liquid very well. You may need to adjust the sugar content in the recipe slightly, as canned varieties can vary in sweetness.
Elevate Your Sweet Potato Pie Experience
One of the beauties of sweet potato pie is its versatility in serving temperature – it’s equally delightful whether enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator, gently warmed to enhance its aromatic spices, or simply served at room temperature. There truly is no wrong way to savor this classic dessert!
For the ultimate indulgence, we highly recommend serving each slice with a hefty scoop of freshly whipped cream. The light, airy cream provides a wonderful contrast to the dense, rich filling. But don’t stop there! Consider other delicious toppings such as candied pecans for a delightful crunch, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
This particular recipe conveniently yields two magnificent pies, making it absolutely perfect for entertaining a crowd during the holidays or for simply ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers. The extra pie is also an excellent candidate for freezing, either before or after baking, allowing you to enjoy a taste of fall goodness whenever the craving strikes.
Sweet potato pie pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea after a festive meal, or as a comforting treat on a chilly afternoon. Its vibrant color and inviting aroma make it a stunning addition to any dessert spread, perfectly complementing other holiday favorites.
Explore More Irresistible Pie Recipes
If your love for pie extends beyond sweet potato, we have a curated collection of other incredible pie recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From light and fruity to rich and decadent, there’s a pie for every occasion:
- Decadent Coconut Cream Pie
- Luxurious French Silk Pie
- Classic Banana Cream Pie
- Homestyle Southern Buttermilk Pie
- Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Simple & Sweet Chess Pie
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Sweet Potato Pie
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 9 inch pie crusts
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and diced to 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups water
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 Tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
Things You’ll Need
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9 inch pie pan
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Hand mixer
Before You Begin
- This recipe makes 2 sweet potato pies. Great for entertaining guests or sending leftovers home with friends and family, or for freezing and enjoying later.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 F.
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On the stovetop in a 4 quart pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and water. Bring sweet potatoes to a boil and cover for 10 minutes until fork tender. Drain the water and transfer cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
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In a separate bowl combine the eggs, sugar, spices, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Use the hand mixer to quickly combine.
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Pour this mixture into the bowl with the potatoes. While pouring, use the hand mixer to combine.
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Add the butter last, again mixing until combined.
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Pour pie filling into two pie crusts and place onto the sheet pan.
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Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and allow to sit, slowly cooling completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Top with fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on November 3, 2021.
We hope this comprehensive guide has inspired you to bake this classic sweet potato pie. Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting aroma make it a timeless addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!