There are some desserts that just *feel* like home, and for many, especially during the fall and holiday season, that dessert is a slice of perfect Southern Sweet Potato Pie. This isn’t just any pie recipe; it’s a beloved family favorite that’s been passed down, perfected, and shared around countless tables. It’s simple, honest, and lets the incredible flavor of sweet potatoes shine!
Unlike pumpkin pie, which often relies heavily on spices, this classic **Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe** focuses on creamy texture and the natural sweetness of the star ingredient. It’s comforting, deeply satisfying, and honestly, once you try a slice of this, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in Southern cooking. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weekend treat.
Ready to bake a piece of Southern tradition? Let’s make this incredible pie!
Before we dive in, here are the key details for this recipe:
| ⏲️ Prep Time: 25 mins | 🔥 Bake Time: 60 mins (for pie) | ⏰ Total Time: ~2 hours (includes potato bake/cool) |
| 🥣 Yields: 8-10 servings | 🍳 Difficulty: Easy-Medium |
❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- ✅ Authentically Southern: A simple, classic approach that lets the pure sweet potato flavor shine, just like Grandma used to make.
- ✅ Incredibly Creamy: Baking the sweet potatoes (my secret weapon!) creates a silky-smooth, rich filling.
- ✅ Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the pantry staples already, making this very accessible.
- ✅ Holiday Staple: The perfect comforting dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance to save time when you’re busy!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious Southern Sweet Potato Pie. The star here is undoubtedly the sweet potatoes, and using softened butter is key for a smooth filling.
- ✅ 3 medium Sweet Potatoes (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total), scrubbed clean and baked until tender
- ✅ ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- ✅ 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar (see notes for brown sugar option)
- ✅ 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- ✅ 2 large Eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten
- ✅ ½ cup (120ml) Milk (whole milk, heavy cream, or evaporated milk all work!)
- ✅ 1 (9-inch) Unbaked Pie Crust (use your favorite homemade flaky pie crust or good quality store-bought)
- Optional Add-ins (for Spiced Version):
- ✅ ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ✅ ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ✅ Pinch of Ground Cloves or Allspice
Ingredient Notes: Baking the sweet potatoes concentrates their sweetness and yields a drier, smoother texture compared to boiling, which can make the filling watery. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easy, lump-free mixing! If you prefer a traditional spiced pie, add the optional spices with the sugar.
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Let’s get this comforting Southern Sweet Potato Pie into the oven! Follow these steps for creamy, perfect results:
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pierce them several times all over with a fork. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet (to catch any drips). Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes. Let them cool until they are cool enough to handle comfortably, then peel off the skins.
- Prepare the Filling Base: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Place the peeled, warm sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash the sweet potatoes until they are very smooth. Add the softened butter to the warm mashed potatoes and mix until it’s completely melted and incorporated.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar (and optional spices, if using) to the sweet potato mixture and mix well. Stir in the vanilla extract, lightly beaten eggs, and milk. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. You can use a whisk, spatula, or continue with an electric mixer on low speed.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the smooth sweet potato filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Pie: Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven (350°F/175°C). Bake for about 55-70 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, and the center is mostly set but might still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The filling will continue to set as it cools. If your pie crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil or pie crust shields.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the filling to firm up properly. This usually takes at least 2-3 hours. Do not slice the pie until it is fully cooled.
💡 Expert Tips for Success
Unlock the secrets to the best Southern Sweet Potato Pie with these tips:
- ✅ Bake Your Potatoes: As mentioned, this is the single most important tip for flavor and texture. Baking caramelizes the sugars and prevents a watery filling. Bake them until they are *very* soft.
- ✅ Mash Until SMOOTH: Aim for a perfectly smooth sweet potato base before adding other ingredients. No lumps! A potato masher, fork, or even a food mill or ricer followed by a quick whisk can achieve this. An electric mixer works well too.
- ✅ Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are softened/room temperature for easy, smooth incorporation into the filling. Cold ingredients can cause lumps.
- ✅ Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry or cracked filling. The center should still look slightly soft but not liquid when the edges are set. It will finish setting as it cools.
- ✅ Cool Completely: Patience is key! Slicing a warm sweet potato pie will result in a messy slice. Let it cool fully on a wire rack.
- ✅ Prevent Burnt Crust Edges: If your crust edges are browning too fast, cover them loosely with a strip of aluminum foil or use pie crust shields halfway through baking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a classic, and classic pairings are often the best:
- ☁️ Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream is the quintessential topping.
- 🔥 Marshmallow: Toasted marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows lightly browned under the broiler add a fun, sweet twist.
- 🍦 Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a simple, delightful addition.
- drizz Drizzle: A drizzle of salted caramel sauce takes it to a more decadent level.
- ☕ Beverage: Pairs wonderfully with coffee, hot tea, or cold milk.
🥡 Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storage: Baked Southern Sweet Potato Pie should be stored covered in the refrigerator due to the eggs and dairy in the filling. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil once completely cooled.
Make Ahead: You can bake the pie up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely at room temperature before chilling.
Freezing: Yes, Sweet Potato Pie freezes relatively well! Once the pie is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe pie container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, unwrap (or keep loosely covered to prevent condensation) and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can gently rewarm slices if desired, but it’s also delicious served chilled.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southern Sweet Potato Pie
What’s the difference between Sweet Potato Pie and Pumpkin Pie?
While similar in texture and appearance, the flavor profile is distinct. Pumpkin pie relies heavily on “pumpkin pie spice” (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) to give it flavor, as pumpkin itself is relatively mild. Sweet potato pie, especially classic versions like this one, lets the natural sweetness and unique flavor of the sweet potato itself be the star, with vanilla often being the primary flavoring.
Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
For the absolute best flavor and texture in a Southern Sweet Potato Pie, baking fresh sweet potatoes is highly recommended as it concentrates sweetness and reduces moisture. Canned sweet potato puree can be used in a pinch, but ensure it is 100% sweet potato and drain off any excess liquid. The flavor might be slightly less intense, and the texture might be less creamy than using freshly baked potatoes.
Can I add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg?
Yes, absolutely! While this classic recipe omits them to let the sweet potato flavor shine, many people prefer a spiced version. Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (plus a pinch of cloves or allspice if you like) along with the sugar in Step 3. This gives it a flavor profile closer to pumpkin pie but still with the unique sweet potato base.
Can I use evaporated milk or heavy cream instead of regular milk?
Yes, using evaporated milk or heavy cream instead of whole milk will result in an even richer, creamier pie filling. Evaporated milk is a very common and traditional ingredient in many Southern sweet potato pie recipes for exactly this reason.
📖 More Recipes You Might Like
If you loved this classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, you might also enjoy these other comforting desserts from StirDelish:
- Spectacular Red, White, and Blue 4th of July Trifle (Easy No-Bake!)
- Epic Red Velvet Berry Crunch Cupcakes (Stuffed!)
- Dreamy Layered Strawberry Delight (Easy Summer Treat!)
Final Thoughts
Baking this Southern Sweet Potato Pie connects you to a delicious tradition. The aroma filling your kitchen is just the beginning – that first creamy, flavorful bite is pure comfort. It’s a recipe that deserves to be shared and cherished.
I hope this classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe becomes a beloved favorite at your table too. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I always love hearing your baking successes. Happy Baking!
