Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert, celebrated for its smooth, creamy texture and a rich, spiced flavor that feels like a warm hug. Here, we’ll walk you through every detail of the recipe, from selecting the best sweet potatoes to creating a flaky crust, and even tips for storing any leftovers. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a pie that’s guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite.
Why Sweet Potato Pie?
Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a natural sweetness and a hint of caramelization that makes it irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make this pie taste homemade and heartfelt with just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, baked or boiled until soft (about 2 cups mashed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, pecan halves, a sprinkle of cinnamon