Sweet potato pie is a beloved dessert that has deep roots in Southern cuisine. This rich and creamy pie is perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual family dinners. The blend of sweet potatoes, spices, and a touch of honey creates a comforting and flavorful treat that everyone will love. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the detailed recipe for making sweet potato pies, including cooking notes, variations, and a keto/low-carb version. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions to help ensure your pies turn out perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Pie Filling
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 stick real butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon good vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pie Crust
- 2 9-inch pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Boil or Bake Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 40-50 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 60 minutes, or until tender.
- Peel and Mash: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and cooled, peel off the skins and mash the flesh until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mix Sweet Potatoes and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, white sugar, and honey. Mix until well combined.
- Add Butter and Eggs: Melt the butter and add it to the sweet potato mixture. Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture as well. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Add Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crusts in two 9-inch pie pans, pressing them gently to fit the pans. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
- Fill the Pies: Pour the sweet potato filling evenly into the prepared pie crusts.
Step 4: Bake the Pies
- Bake: Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the pies to cool completely before serving. This will help the filling set properly.
Cooking Notes
- Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes. Canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, but the flavor and texture might differ.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar and honey to taste. If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of white sugar.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. More cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the pie’s flavor.
Variations
1. Pecan Topped Sweet Potato Pie
- Ingredients: 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Instructions: Mix the pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pies before baking for a crunchy, sweet topping.
2. Marshmallow Topped Sweet Potato Pie
- Ingredients: 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Instructions: Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top of the pies during the last 10 minutes of baking. Allow them to melt and brown slightly.
3. Coconut Sweet Potato Pie
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- Instructions: Mix shredded coconut into the sweet potato filling for a tropical twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
Keto Sweet Potato Pie
- Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (or use 2 cups of pureed pumpkin for lower carbs)
- 1 can unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup erythritol (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1/4 cup sugar-free honey substitute
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon good vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Keto Pie Crust
- Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: Follow the same steps as the original recipe, using the keto ingredients. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to drain and mash them well before using.
2. How should I store sweet potato pie?
Store sweet potato pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, sweet potato pie can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
4. What type of crust is best for sweet potato pie?
A traditional pie crust works well, but you can also use a graham cracker crust or a nut-based crust for added flavor and texture.
5. How can I make a dairy-free sweet potato pie?
Use dairy-free butter or margarine and substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
6. Can I use different spices in the pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice are traditional, but you can also add ginger, cardamom, or cloves.
7. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can use evaporated milk and add extra sugar to taste, or try a homemade sweetened condensed milk substitute.
8. How can I make the pie filling smoother?
For an ultra-smooth filling, puree the sweet potatoes in a food processor or blender before mixing with the other ingredients.
Sweet potato pie is a delicious and comforting dessert that embodies the flavors of the fall season. With its rich filling and perfect blend of spices, this pie is sure to become a favorite at your holiday table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, you can’t go wrong with this Southern classic. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this delightful dessert with your loved ones, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and crusts to make it your own!