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, this delightful treat will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a warm, comforting vibe to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious pie.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and spices creates a rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a special treat.
• Fresh Toppings: Top it off with whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Classic Appeal: This old-fashioned recipe brings nostalgia while being loved by all generations.

Tools and Preparation

To make this sweet potato pie efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Gather your baking equipment before you start to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Rolling pin: This tool helps to roll out the pie crust evenly for a perfect base.
• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish ensures even cooking and provides an attractive presentation.

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 the Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• whipped cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks.
3. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Drain and mash until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in ice water and lemon juice until dough forms.
4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter until well combined.
2. Add dark brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
2. Transfer the crust to the dish and fill it with the sweet potato mixture.
3. In a small bowl, beat an egg with milk; brush over the crust edges.
4. Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until set.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooled slightly, slice your sweet potato pie and serve with whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence! Enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Serving sweet potato pie is a delightful experience that can enhance any gathering. This creamy dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for different occasions.

Classic Serving

• Warm with Whipped Cream: Serve slices warm and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a comforting treat.

A La Mode

• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side for a creamy contrast to the spiced filling.

Festive Garnish

• Sprinkled Cinnamon: Dust the top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a decorative touch that enhances flavor.

Nutty Crunch

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Fruit Compote

• Berry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade berry compote over the pie to add tartness and color to your presentation.

Coffee Pairing

• With Coffee: Enjoy your slice alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai for a perfect afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

Perfecting sweet potato pie is all about technique and ingredient quality. Follow these tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly cooked sweet potatoes yield better flavor and texture than canned ones.

• Pre-Bake Your Crust: Pre-baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy, ensuring a crispy base.

• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even texture; lumps can affect both taste and presentation.

• Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your pie is done baking, ensuring the filling has set perfectly.

• Cool Completely Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its shape and enhances flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie

Pairing side dishes with sweet potato pie can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Green Bean Casserole: A creamy, savory dish that balances the sweetness of the pie while adding crunch from fried onions.

2. Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins complement the flavors of sweet potato pie beautifully and offer textural contrast.

3. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the pie, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nuttiness and slight bitterness make roasted Brussels sprouts an excellent counterpoint to sweet flavors.

5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and richness, creating a satisfying balance with dessert.

6. Stuffed Acorn Squash: A savory stuffed squash adds seasonal flair and pairs well with the spices in sweet potato pie.

7. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad brings in crunch and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the dessert effectively.

8. Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with pumpkin soup to continue the fall theme while offering warmth before dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet potato pie can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin your dessert. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Using uncooked sweet potatoes: Always cook your sweet potatoes before mashing them. This helps achieve a smooth texture and enhances the flavor of your pie.
• Ignoring the crust: A soggy or burnt crust can spoil your pie. Ensure you pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling for a perfectly baked base.
• Overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can incorporate air into your filling, leading to cracks during baking. Mix just until combined for a smooth and even filling.
• Skipping the spices: Spices are essential in sweet potato pie. Don’t skip ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg; they add warmth and depth of flavor.
• Not tasting as you go: Always taste your filling before baking. Adjust sweetness or spices according to your preference for a personalized touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Sweet potato pie lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sweet potato pie that might help you out!

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

The best way is to bake or steam them until tender, then mash them smoothly. This enhances their natural sweetness.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, but be sure to drain them well and adjust sugar levels since they may already be sweetened.

How do I make my sweet potato pie filling smoother?

Blend the filling ingredients thoroughly using a blender or food processor after mashing the sweet potatoes.

What can I substitute for evaporated milk in sweet potato pie?

You can use coconut milk or almond milk as good alternatives if you want a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato pie is not just a holiday treat; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with different spices or toppings like nuts or caramel sauce. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!