Traditional Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: Easy Homemade Dessert

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about the aroma of a homemade sweet potato pie baking in the oven. For generations, sweet potato pie has been a staple in many Southern households, gracing dinner tables during holidays and family gatherings. This classic dessert, with its creamy, spiced filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, evokes warmth, family tradition, and the cozy essence of home cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at making pies for the first time, sweet potato pie is a dessert worth mastering.

In this article, we’ll dive into the simple yet delicious world of traditional sweet potato pie, starting with a step-by-step recipe that’s easy for anyone to follow. Along the way, we’ll explore the key ingredients that make this dessert so special, and I’ll share some tips to ensure your pie turns out perfect every time.

Why Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet potatoes have long been a cornerstone in Southern cuisine. Rich in nutrients and naturally sweet, they lend themselves beautifully to both savory and sweet dishes. Unlike its cousin, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie offers a denser, heartier texture with a distinct earthiness that balances the warm spices typically used. Its flavor pairs perfectly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, making it a rich, flavorful experience.

But beyond the flavor, there’s something about making sweet potato pie from scratch that feels deeply satisfying. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor the results.

Ingredients for Traditional Sweet Potato Pie

To make this sweet potato pie, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a table with the necessary ingredients in both U.S. and metric measurements for your convenience.

Ingredient	U.S. Measurement	Metric Measurement
Sweet Potatoes	2 large (about 1 lb)	450 grams
Butter (unsalted)	1/2 cup	115 grams
Granulated Sugar	1 cup	200 grams
Brown Sugar (light or dark)	1/2 cup	100 grams
Eggs	2 large
Milk (whole or evaporated)	1/2 cup	120 milliliters
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon	5 milliliters
Ground Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Unbaked Pie Crust (9-inch)	1 crust

Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of turning these basic components into a delicious, golden-brown sweet potato pie.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes under running water. Place them in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Allow them to cook until tender, which should take about 40 to 50 minutes depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. To check if they’re ready, insert a fork or knife into the center—it should go in easily without resistance.

Once cooked, drain the water and set the sweet potatoes aside to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, peel the skin off. The skin should come off easily at this stage.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Transfer your peeled sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mash them until smooth. You can use a potato masher or the back of a fork to achieve this. If you prefer a silkier texture, consider using a hand mixer or food processor for this step.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy. This step helps ensure the sweetness and richness of the pie are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, gradually pour in the milk (or evaporated milk), and add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish if you’re using homemade dough. If using store-bought, simply fit it into your dish, ensuring there are no air bubbles between the crust and the dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pie on the middle rack of a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Sweet potato pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, often with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: When selecting sweet potatoes, opt for orange-fleshed varieties like Garnet or Jewel. These tend to be sweeter and have a creamier texture when baked.
2. Don’t Overmix the Filling: While it’s important to combine the ingredients thoroughly, overmixing can cause the pie to become too dense. Mix just until smooth for a light, creamy filling.
3. Blind Bake for a Crisp Crust (Optional): If you prefer a crispier bottom crust, consider blind baking your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
4. Spice to Taste: If you enjoy spicier pies, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or add a pinch of allspice or ground cloves. Every family has their own take on how much spice makes the perfect sweet potato pie.
5. Make Ahead for Better Flavor: Sweet potato pie is one of those desserts that tastes even better the next day. Make it a day ahead of time and let the flavors meld together overnight.

Variations and Add-Ins

Once you’ve mastered the basic sweet potato pie recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are a few variations and add-ins you can try:

• Maple Sweet Potato Pie: Swap out the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
• Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Pie: Before baking, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans on top of the pie for a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
• Marshmallow Sweet Potato Pie: For a more decadent twist, spread a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pie during the last 5 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will toast to a golden brown, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole.

Serving and Storing Your Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie can be served on its own or paired with a variety of toppings. Whipped cream, a cinnamon dusting, or a caramel sauce drizzle all make excellent accompaniments.

To store your pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sweet potato pie for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

When ready to serve after freezing, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before slicing.

Why Sweet Potato Pie is a Must-Try

Sweet potato pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a slice of history, a reminder of family traditions, and a testament to how simple, humble ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. Its creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust make it a dessert that’s not only delicious but deeply satisfying to make. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a Sunday family dinner, or simply to treat yourself, this pie will always bring warmth and comfort to your table.

So the next time you’re looking for a timeless and easy dessert, try your hand at this traditional sweet potato pie recipe. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.