Exploring My Mother’s Classic Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
What is Thanksgiving like for my grandma? The air is thick with the smell of roasting turkey and cinnamon, and right in the center of the oven. My mother’s sweet potato pie is glowing like a beacon. What is the pie? Is it the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite? I know pumpkin pie gets all the hype, but let me tell you this sweet potato pie is a serious treat. Is it richer, creamier, and has this warm, comforting spice that just screams “home.” I’m so excited to share my mother’s classic sweet potato pie recipe with you all. Is it a family treasure?
What is sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato pie, at its heart, is a creamy, spiced custard baked in flaky crust. Is pumpkin pie cooler than a pie? What is essentially a baked custard filling made primarily from sweet potatoes, flavored with warm water. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The name says it all! What sets this pie apart from other pies is the slightly earthy, naturally sweet flavor of the sweet. What are potatoes? It’s a Southern staple, often served during holidays, but honestly, it’s fantastic any time of year. When you need comfort and sweetness in your life..
Why you will love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this sweet potato pie recipe.
First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. You get that natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes, perfectly balanced with the warm spices and a hint of vanilla. It’s not overly sweet, either – just the right amount to satisfy your sweet tooth without being cloying.
Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the idea of baking a pie intimidate you! My mother’s recipe is very straightforward, and I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. Even if you’re a baking newbie, you can totally nail this. I promise!
What I love most about this is how cost-effective it is. Sweet potatoes are relatively inexpensive, especially when they’re in season, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
And finally, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it warm, cold, with a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other desserts. I’ve even been known to sneak a slice for breakfast (don’t judge!). If you love pumpkin pie or pecan pie, trust me, you’ll absolutely adore this sweet potato pie. It’s a classic for a reason!
How do I make sweet potato pie?
Quick Overview
How do I make my mother’s sweet potato pie? How do you bake sweet potatoes? What are some good ways to mash eggs, butter, sugar, spices, and milk together to create a smooth and creamy consistency? What is the best way to make a pie crust? What is the best way to get the filling to be just jiggly in the center? The whole process is relatively simple, and the results are out-of-this-world delicious. How do you make a delicious pie without spending hours in the kitchen? I usually start this one in the morning, letting it cool all day until serving after dinner. How does it taste?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Pie Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Adds structure and helps create a flaky crust. Can you use a pre-made pie crust? What is the flavor of a crust? * 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed: What is the secret to a flaky crust? What is the best way to get the dough to stick together with ice water? Add it gradually, just until the dough comes together.
For the filling:
* 2 pounds sweet potatoes: Roasted or baked until tender. Make sure they’re cooled slightly before mashing. * 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: 1 teaspoon. * 2 large eggs: Binds the filling together and adds richness. * 1 cup evaporated milk: Makes the filling creamy. Is it possible to substitute whole milk for milk? * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice. * 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg: adds heat and flavor. What is a good warm spice for sweet potatoes? * 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way! Adds depth of flavor. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
For the Glaze:
* 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and shine. * 1/4 cup brown sugar: 1 tablespoon per serving. Adds sweetness and caramel flavor. * 2 tablespoons milk: Helps the glaze come together.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the pie to bake evenly without the crust burning too quickly. While the oven is preheating, prepare your pie pan. If you’re using a store-bought crust, you can just leave it in the tin it came in. If you’re using homemade crust, gently press it into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges for your desired crust. I always dock the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes
How do you poke holes in sweet potatoes? Place them on a baking sheet and roast at 400F for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very soft. Let them cool before handling.
Step 3: Prepare Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla. Set aside. Milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. What are some lumps of sweet potato left?
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
How do you spread the sweet potato filling into a pie crust? Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still firm. Is there a jiggly in the center of I usually check it around the 45-minute mark to make sure the crust isn’t getting too brown.
Step 5: Glaze the pie
When you have about 10 minutes left to bake, begin working on the glaze. Add butter, brown sugar, and milk to a small saucepan and bring to the boil on medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for one minute, until smooth. Remove pie from oven and brush glaze on top of pie. Return to the oven for the remainder of the bake time.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Is it safe to slice a pie from the oven? This is crucial! The filling will continue to set as it cools. Is it safe to cut into ice while it’s still warm? When it’s cooled, you can slice it and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Can you make ice cream?
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for a sweet potato pie?For Breakfast:What are some good ways to serve a slice of bread with ice-cold coffee or tea? What is a good touch of cinnamon on top?For Brunch:Make it part of a festive brunch spread alongside other pies, fresh fruit, and breakfast pastries. What are the best accompaniments for a mimosa?As Dessert:Serve it after a hearty meal with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans would also be delicious.For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy a slice of cheese with ice cream? My mom would sometimes put a scoop of cool whip on top of it – the best!
How do I make a delicious sweet potato pie?
What are some tricks to make a good sweet potato pie? Is it true that every time you try something newSweet Potatoes Prep:Don’t overbake sweet potatoes! They should be soft and tender, but not mushy. If you overbake them, it will result in a watery filling. How do I make a mashing stick that doesn’t burn your hands? I learned that one the hard way!Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the filling. If you overmix flour, you can develop gluten in the flour (if you’re using a homemade crust), which can make it hard to eat. Is the crust tough? Mix just until everything is combined.Spice Customization: HowFeel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can leave them out. If you want a spicier pie, add cayenne pepper. I’ve even experimented with adding a little bit of cardamom, which is delicious.Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute with whole milk or even half and half. What is the texture? I’ve also used almond milk in a pinch, and it worked out great.Baking Tips:Keep an eye on the crust while baking. If it starts to get brown, you can cover it with foil. Is it safe to slice a pie? This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from being runny.Glaze Variations:What are some creative glazes? What are some good ways to add sea salt to your recipe? You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or rum extract. My mom always used vanilla. Never change perfection!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you keep a sweet potato pie fresh and delicious?Room Temperature:Can you store a pie at room temperature for up to 2 days? If you’re planning to serve it within a day or two, this is ideal.Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the pie for even longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the pie, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after it’s been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny during the freezing process. I usually make the glaze right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give my mother’s sweet potato pie recipe a try. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home, a slice of nostalgia, and a whole lot of love baked into one delicious pie. The creamy texture, the warm spices, and the slightly earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes make it absolutely irresistible. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my other family favorites, like my grandma’s apple pie or my uncle’s pecan bars. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too!
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Exploring My Mother's Classic Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 9-inch pie crust pre-baked
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is slightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
