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Sweet Potato Pie

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Introduction

Sweet Potato Pie is a traditional Southern dessert known for its smooth, custard-like filling and warm spice flavor. A staple during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday gatherings, this pie is often preferred over pumpkin pie for its deeper sweetness and creamier texture. If you’re looking for the best homemade sweet potato pie recipe, this version delivers classic flavor with foolproof results.

Origin

Sweet Potato Pie has deep roots in African American and Southern American cuisine. Enslaved Africans adapted traditional African yam-based desserts using sweet potatoes, which were more readily available in the American South. Over generations, the recipe became a beloved cultural staple passed down through family kitchens.

Cultural Significance

More than just dessert, Sweet Potato Pie represents heritage, celebration, and home cooking. It’s a must-have dish at holiday tables, church dinners, and family reunions, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and tradition. Today, it remains a powerful expression of Southern culinary identity.

Ingredients & Quantity

Pie Filling:

  • Cooked sweet potatoes, mashed – 2 cups
  • Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
  • Brown sugar – ¼ cup
  • Unsalted butter, melted – ½ cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Evaporated milk – ½ cup
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
  • Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon
  • Salt – ¼ teaspoon

Crust:

  • Unbaked 9-inch pie crust – 1

Optional Additions (Popular Variations)

  • Maple syrup (deepens sweetness)
  • Orange zest (bright citrus note)
  • Bourbon or rum (Southern flair)
  • Heavy cream (extra richness)
  • Marshmallow topping (holiday favorite)

Tips for Success

  • Bake sweet potatoes instead of boiling for richer flavor
  • Mash until completely smooth for a silky filling
  • Use room-temperature eggs for better blending
  • Shield crust edges with foil if browning too fast
  • Let pie cool fully before slicing for clean cuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugars, and melted butter
  3. Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, spices, and salt; mix until smooth
  4. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust
  5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until center is set
  6. Cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving

Description

This Sweet Potato Pie is rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, with a smooth filling that melts in your mouth. The natural sweetness of the potatoes shines through, balanced by cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in a flaky pie crust for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)

  • Calories: 320–350 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Protein: 4g

(Values vary by ingredients and portion size)

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Pie is a timeless dessert that brings people together year after year. With its rich flavor, smooth texture, and deep cultural roots, it remains one of the most cherished desserts in Southern cooking.

Recommendation

Serve with:

  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Candied pecans
  • Hot coffee or spiced tea

Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, Christmas dinners, Sunday suppers, and special celebrations.

Embracing a Beloved Tradition

Baking Sweet Potato Pie is more than following a recipe—it’s honoring tradition. Each slice tells a story of family, history, and love passed from one generation to the next. It’s comfort, culture, and celebration baked into one unforgettable dessert.

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