If you have a soft spot for southern comfort desserts or crave that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced flavors, this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Rich, smooth, and bursting with warm spices, this beloved dessert not only captures nostalgia but also delivers a slice of pure joy with every bite. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this pie will quickly become your go-to treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the velvety texture of mashed sweet potatoes to the fragrant spices that create that classic cozy aroma. Here’s what you’ll gather before baking this beautiful pie.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Serves as the buttery, flaky base that supports the filling perfectly.
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, providing sweetness, moisture, and a lovely orange hue.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a silky custard consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie just right without overpowering the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- ½ cup evaporated milk: Gives a creamy texture and depth without making the filling too heavy.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binder to hold the custard together beautifully once baked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a hint of warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that brings that unmistakable sweet potato pie character.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty undertone to complement the cinnamon.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tools
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having the oven at the right temperature is crucial to bake the pie evenly, ensuring a perfectly set filling. Meanwhile, gather your mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer, and the pie crust, so everything is ready when you start combining ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Sweet Potatoes and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, blend the mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter until you have a smooth, creamy base. This step is key to a silky filling free of lumps and guarantees that luscious texture we all look for in a sweet potato pie.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Extras
Next, stir in granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these ingredients until fully blended brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with the eggs and milk creating that custard-like filling that holds the pie so well.
Step 4: Pour Filling into Pie Crust
Gently pour your luscious filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly. The crust acts like a flaky, buttery cradle for the rich sweet potato custard, and distributing the filling smoothly helps the pie bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your pie for 50 to 60 minutes, keeping an eye on it in the last ten minutes. The filling is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This signals that the custard has firmed up but remains moist and tender.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack. Cooling lets the filling set further, making slicing easier and preserving that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this pie into an irresistible dessert. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top or dust lightly with cinnamon, enhancing both texture and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe shines bright on its own, but pairing it with hot coffee or spiced tea creates a wonderful cozy dessert experience. If serving at a meal, fresh fruit or a light salad balances the richness of the pie wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual mini pies or pie jars for a casual gathering. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup to elevate the flavors and impress your guests with a little extra sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a second slice or package it for lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain the creamy texture without drying out the pie. You can also microwave a slice for about 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method is best to revive that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, but fresh baked and mashed sweet potatoes provide a better texture and more vibrant flavor that really makes this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe sing.
Do I need to pre-bake the pie crust?
No, for this recipe, the filling goes into an unbaked pie crust. The crust bakes along with the filling, ensuring it stays flaky without getting soggy.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The best test is to insert a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The pie will also puff slightly during baking and gently settle as it cools.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a gluten-free pie crust made from ingredients like almond flour or gluten-free flour blends to enjoy this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe without gluten.
What makes this pie different from pumpkin pie?
While both use similar spices, sweet potato pie has a naturally sweeter, denser filling with a richer, creamier texture. The flavor is more earthy and mellow compared to the bright pumpkin taste.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is a treasure you’ll want to bake time and again. It’s comforting, deliciously spiced, and always a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, roll out that crust, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade happiness. Once you try it, it might just become your family’s favorite dessert tradition.
