This Southern sweet potato pie is a classic soul food dessert made with a warm spiced sweet potato filling layered into a flaky crust. It’s perfect for fall and Thanksgiving!
This is a classic pie recipe that’s always welcome on a fall dessert table alongside other traditional desserts like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and a pecan pie recipe.
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A Favorite Pie Recipe for Fall
This Southern sweet potato pie is a sweet treat that’s all about comfort just like my chocolate pecan pie recipe. It starts with a smooth, creamy filling made from baked sweet potatoes that’s then spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg!
It gets poured into a homemade buttery crust for the perfect not overly sweet combination. Just like sweet potato casserole and sweet potato fries, it’s become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Crust: While a homemade pie crust is preferred, store-bought pie crust works, too. You can even try this recipe with my graham cracker crust.
- Sweet potatoes: I prefer to use baked sweet potatoes as it intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a smooth texture for the filling, you could boil them, though.
- Milk: Whole milk or evaporated milk contributes to the creaminess of the filling.
- Eggs: Eggs act as binders and add structure to the pie filling. Be sure to beat them well before incorporating them into the mixture for an even distribution.
- Sugars: Brown sugar brings a subtle molasses note, while granulated sugar ensures a smooth texture.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the dynamic duo that infuses the pie with warm, comforting flavors. You could add a pinch of ginger or use pumpkin pie spice.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Use a rolling pin and roll the dough out into a circle that’s ⅛ – ¼-inch thick. Transfer the dough to your pie plate and crimp the edges.
Mash baked sweet potatoes and butter then use an electric mixer to mix in the sugars, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices.
Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and place the pie dish on a baking sheet.
Bake the pie in a 350°F oven until the center is set. Let the pie cool for 3 hours before serving.
Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Tips
With these tips up your sleeve, your southern sweet potato pie will turn out perfectly!
- Use a glass dish. I love making pie in a glass pie plate because it lets me see the bottom of the crust to make sure it is nicely browned. If you don’t have a glass pie dish, that’s ok, just use what you have and follow the timing in the recipe.
- Baking the sweet potatoes. When making pie with sweet potatoes, make sure they’re cooked through and fork-tender. This ensures a silky smooth filling. You can bake them in the oven or even microwave them if you’re in a hurry.
- Use a baking sheet. Place your pie pan on a baking sheet. This extra step prevents any accidental spills in the oven and ensures uniform cooking.
- Shield the edges. Covering the pie crust edges with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking protects the edges from over-browning, so you’ll have a beautifully golden crust without any burnt bits.
Can I Make Sweet Potato Pie in Advance?
Making this easy sweet potato pie ahead of time is not only a great idea but I actually recommend it since the filling tastes best tastes best once it has cooled completely.
Assemble pie, bake it and then store it covered in the refrigerator overnight or up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Pie?
Yes, but it is best to do so after baking. Cool the pie completely, then wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer safe container or freezer bag for 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bring to room temperature before serving.
More sweet potato recipes include sweet potato casserole, roasted sweet potatoes and sweet potato soup.
More Favorite Fall Pie Recipes
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 3 medium sweet potatoes , baked and peeled
- ½ cup salted butter , softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup milk , whole or evaporated
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Whipped cream , for serving
Instructions
- Roll out pie dough. Roll out the unbaked pie dough on a floured surface to about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Carefully transfer to a pie pan. Crimp the crust edges using your thumb and index finger. You can also cut off the extra dough around the edges or press it down with a fork, if you prefer.
- Add pie pan to a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pie pan on a baking sheet.
- Make sweet potato pie filling. In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 baked sweet potatoes with 1/2 cup butter until and smooth. Mix in the 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar with an electric mixer on low until combined. Mix in 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt on low until well combined. Pour filling into the the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake. Bake 1 hour, or until the center is set. Cover the crust with foil the last 20 minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t get too brown.
- Cool. Transfer pie to a cooling rack and let cool completely (about 3 hours). Top with whipped cream when ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
Great question! The center of the pie should be set when it’s fully baked. Give it a gentle jiggle – if it wobbles like jelly, it needs more time. If it jiggles slightly in the center but feels more solid around the edges, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
I know the aroma is irresistible, but patience is key here. Allow your pie to cool completely on a cooling rack for about 3 hours. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the perfect texture. Once it’s cooled, go ahead and dollop on some whipped cream before indulging.
Serving up this delectable sweet potato pie recipe is always guaranteed to be a hit! Make it even more special by generously dolloping a swirl of homemade whipped cream on each slice.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can serve warm slices of the pie with scoops of vanilla ice cream, and for a touch of indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie slices and add some crunchy chopped walnuts or pecans.
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Desserts, Nut-Free, Pies + Tarts, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Sweet Potato Pie is so underrated. It’s delicious, and this recipe was fabulous!
When I saw this I was so excited. My grandma used to make this pie! It was so good! Thank you!
This homemade sweet potato pie is the ultimate comfort food. It is so good, easy to make and the recipe is perfect!