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, topped with fresh whipped cream for the ultimate holiday dessert. Perfect for gatherings, it’s a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and dark brown sugar creates a rich, comforting flavor.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert.
• Versatile Occasions: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, this pie will impress your guests.
• Classic Appeal: This old-fashioned sweet potato pie brings nostalgia to your holiday table with every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating different spices or toppings!

Tools and Preparation

To make your sweet potato pie successfully, having the right tools is essential. These items will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Whisk
• Potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good quality pie dish ensures even baking and helps achieve a crispy crust.
• Mixing bowls: Different sizes allow you to prepare ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps blend ingredients smoothly for a lump-free filling.

Ingredients

For the Pie 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

Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and mash them in a bowl until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Assemble the Filling

In another bowl:
– Mix together mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface:
– Roll out chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to your pie dish.

Step 6: Fill the Pie

Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top.

Step 8: Final Touches

Mix egg and milk together; brush over crust edges for shine. Cool before serving with whipped cream on top.

Enjoy making this delightful sweet potato pie! It’s sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a comforting treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your sweet potato pie experience.

Classic Slice

• Enjoy a warm slice of sweet potato pie straight from the oven. The creamy filling and flaky crust make for a classic dessert experience.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for added richness. A dollop of cream enhances the flavors and adds a light, airy texture.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm pie, creating a delightful combination.

Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. This adds a lovely flavor dimension that complements the spices in the pie.

Nutty Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft filling.

Fruit Garnish

• Add slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears alongside your pie. The freshness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the pie beautifully.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Creating the perfect sweet potato pie involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here’s how to ensure your pie turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use fresh sweet potatoes – Freshly cooked sweet potatoes yield a richer flavor than canned versions, enhancing the overall taste.
• Cool before serving – Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner cuts.
• Adjust spices – Feel free to tweak the spices according to your preference. More cinnamon or ginger can elevate the flavor profile.
• Pre-bake crust – Pre-baking your crust slightly before adding the filling can prevent it from getting soggy and ensures it stays flaky.
• Experiment with toppings – Try different toppings like pecans or marshmallows for unique twists on this classic dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing side dishes with sweet potato pie can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious dessert.

1. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts add savory depth to balance out the sweetness.
2. Green Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and acidity that contrasts nicely with the richness of the pie.
3. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful texture contrast and is perfect for soaking up any leftover flavors from your meal.
4. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting combination when served alongside sweet potato pie at holiday gatherings.
5. Stuffing – A flavorful stuffing made with herbs completes any Thanksgiving spread, providing savory notes against sweet flavors.
6. Cranberry Sauce – Tart cranberry sauce brings brightness and acidity, making it an ideal accompaniment to rich desserts like sweet potato pie.
7. Apple Crisp – Another comforting dessert option, apple crisp offers fruity freshness while maintaining comforting warmth similar to sweet potato pie.
8. Pumpkin Soup – Start your meal with creamy pumpkin soup; its warm spices harmonize well with those found in sweet potato pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your final dish.

• Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong type of sugar or flour can alter the taste and texture. Stick to dark brown sugar for sweetness and all-purpose flour for the crust.
• Bold Overbaking the Crust: If you bake the crust too long before adding the filling, it may become too hard. Bake until just golden to maintain a tender texture.
• Bold Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the pie while it’s still warm can affect its shape and texture. Allow it to cool completely for best results.
• Bold Ignoring Spice Measurements: Too much or too little spice can change the flavor profile drastically. Measure carefully, especially with strong spices like cinnamon and ginger.
• Bold Not Using Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Canned sweet potatoes might seem easier, but fresh ones offer better flavor and texture. Always opt for fresh when you can.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm slices on a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie.

What is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for pie?

The best method is to bake them until soft, then scoop out the flesh. This enhances their natural sweetness and flavor compared to boiling.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While sweet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like butternut squash for a different taste in your pie.

How do I know when my sweet potato pie is done?

It’s done when the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the edges.

What toppings pair well with sweet potato pie?

Whipped cream is classic, but you could also try marshmallow fluff, caramel sauce, or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This homemade sweet potato pie brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful centerpiece at dessert time. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings!