Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved dessert that embodies warmth, nostalgia, and rich cultural heritage, especially within Southern cuisine. This creamy, flavorful pie is made primarily from sweet potatoes, which are known for their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color. The dish is often celebrated during holidays and family gatherings, serving as a delicious reminder of tradition and togetherness.
The preparation of Sweet Potato Pie involves roasting or boiling sweet potatoes until tender, then mashing them into a smooth filling. This filling is typically enhanced with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, along with ingredients like sugar, butter, and eggs to create a rich custard-like texture. The mixture is poured into a flaky pie crust and baked until set, resulting in a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.
Historically, Sweet Potato Pie has deep roots in African American culture, symbolizing resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. It is believed to have originated in the South, where sweet potatoes were abundant and became a staple ingredient in many households. Over generations, this pie has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cherished dish at celebrations across the country.
This delicious southern sweet potato pie recipe is one I’m sharing from my grandmother’s recipe box (though I’ve tweaked it just a bit). The recipe card actually has my Aunt Jennie’s name written at the top, along with a date from 1980.
As a little girl, we would often visit family in Texas, including my Great Aunt Jennie. Aunt Jennie was one of a kind, and it was always fun going to see her.
Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 single pie crust
2 cups sweet potato purée*
2 large eggs
1/2 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup pure cane sugar
1/2 cup salted butter
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare your pie crust and set it aside.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato purée, eggs, flour, sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract using a mixer.
Add the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Continue to mix until everything is well blended, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Fill and Bake:
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the pie is firm and set in the center.
Cool and Chill:
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack.
Once cooled, refrigerate the pie overnight. The flavors will meld and improve with time.
Serve:
Slice the chilled pie and top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect complement to the pie’s rich flavors.
Tips:
Sweet Potato Purée: Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender, then mash or blend until smooth.
Chilling: Chilling the pie overnight enhances the flavor and texture, making it even better the next day.
Enjoy this delightful sweet potato pie, perfect for any gathering or special occasion!