Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Introduction
Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a classic comfort dessert with a rich, creamy filling and a buttery crust. This easy-to-make pie combines wholesome sweet potatoes with warm vanilla and a hint of sweetness, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, baked
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or evaporated)
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and prick them 4 to 5 times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a toothpick. Remove and let cool until they can be handled easily. Peel the skin off and place the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF.
- Step 2: Add the butter to the sweet potatoes and mash until smooth. Stir in the sugar until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract, milk, and beaten eggs until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Step 3: Bake the pie at 350ºF for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Step 4: Serve the pie warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or marshmallow fluff if desired, and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling mixture.
- Use evaporated milk for a richer pie, or whole milk for a lighter texture.
- Try a graham cracker crust for a sweeter, crunchier base.
- If you prefer a smoother filling, blend the sweet potatoes and ingredients in a food processor before pouring into the crust.
Storage
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy cold. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh baked sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain and mash them well, but note the pie may be a bit less flavorful and more moist.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the center is mostly set and does not jiggle significantly when you gently shake the pan. It may still have a slight wobble that will firm up as it cools.
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Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a classic dessert featuring creamy, mashed sweet potatoes combined with butter, sugar, eggs, and milk baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. Traditionally served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallow fluff, this pie offers a rich, sweet, and comforting flavor that’s perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, baked
Pie Filling
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or evaporated)
Pie Base
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400º F. Scrub the sweet potatoes until clean, then prick each sweet potato 4 to 5 times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender when pierced with a toothpick. Remove from the oven and allow to cool until they can be easily handled. Peel off the skin and place the sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Reduce the oven temperature to 350º F.
- Make the Pie Filling: Add the butter to the mashed sweet potatoes and mash until smooth. Stir in the sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and beaten eggs, mixing thoroughly until the filling is smooth and evenly blended. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated 350º F oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve: Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or marshmallow fluff as desired. Slice and enjoy the classic Southern dessert.
Notes
- Baking the sweet potatoes whole ensures maximum moisture retention and a smooth, creamy texture.
- You can substitute evaporated milk for whole milk for a richer filling.
- Let the pie cool sufficiently to set fully before slicing to avoid runny filling.
- Marshmallow fluff adds a nostalgic sweetness but whipped cream can be used for a lighter touch.
- Leftover pie can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern Sweet Potato Pie, sweet potato dessert, traditional Southern pie, baked sweet potato pie
