Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
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Take a trip down memory lane with this classic southern sweet potato pie recipe. Learn more about sweet potatoes, their history in the American South, and how to make this delicious dessert at home!
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
The Sweet Potato Pie has captured the hearts of many, and it’s easy to see why.
The Allrecipes community has been raving about this top-rated recipe for years, and with good reason.
The simple ingredients, including sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, are not only budget-friendly, but they’re also likely already in your pantry!
But the magic comes from the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which elevate the humble sweet potato to the next level.
Not only is this Sweet Potato Pie a delicious dessert, but it’s also a celebration of Southern heritage and a way to connect with the past.
Sweet Potato Pie Origin
The pie gained popularity in the South due to the abundance of sweet potatoes in the region.
It was commonly prepared for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Over time, it became an integral part of Southern cuisine and a beloved dessert enjoyed throughout the year.
This Recipe Is…
- The flavor of this pie improves over time, so it’s best to make it a few days ahead.
- It has a deep caramelized flavor, warm spices, and buttery, flaky crust – all at under a dollar per serving.
- Making Sweet Potato Pie in advance leaves more oven space for Thanksgiving side dishes.
- This classic dessert will be sure to steal the show at this year’s holiday dinner!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 3-4 hours
Yields 1
Ingredients
- Bruce’s Yams drained and mashed
- Eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Salted butter, softened
- Cornstarch
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust, for 8”/9” pans (or homemade)
- Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice, for garnish
For exact measurements, please see the printable recipe card below.
Dessert or Side Dish?
Sweet potato pie is primarily considered a dessert in many culinary traditions.
Its sweet and rich flavor profile, often accompanied by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, lends itself to being served as a sweet treat after a meal.
Some regional or cultural contexts, it is also be served as a side dish.
Especially during holiday gatherings where it complements savory main courses.
Ultimately, its classification can vary based on personal preferences and cultural practices.
How To Make Grandma’s Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a bowl, incorporate the mashed yams, eggs, and cream.
Add the sugar, spices, vanilla, cornstarch, and butter (1/3 cup). Mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer. You want the filling to be smooth and whipped slightly.
Add 1 tablespoon of softened butter to the pie dish and spread it to coat the whole dish. Roll in the pie crust and remove any air pockets from between the dish and crust.
Press the edge of the crust into a decorative shape or in the dish’s edge mold if applicable.
Bake the crust for 3 minutes.
Remove the crust and add the pie filling evenly and level with the dish.
Bake the pie for 12 minutes. Reduce the heat to 335 degrees F.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set.
Remove the pie and set it on a counter to cool for 3-4 hours. The pie needs to be cool. If you serve it before it cools, the shape of the pie will not be firm enough to sustain itself.
Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, or nutmeg.
“This is absolutely the best sweet potato pie I’ve ever tasted.” Allrecipes reviewer
Pro tip
While this recipe is delicious the day it’s baked, it gets even better after a few days in the fridge.
As the flavors meld together, the sweet potato filling becomes even more decadent and flavorful.
So, why not prepare it ahead of time and free up your oven on Thanksgiving day to make room for those tasty side dishes?
More Dessert Recipes For You
- Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip Recipe
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Jars
- Perfect Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe
- Grinch Cream Cheese Cookies
Printable Recipe Card and Nutritional Values
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 40 oz. can Bruce’s Yams drained and mashed
- 2 whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp salted butter softened
- 2 tbs. cornstarch
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust for 8”/9” pans (or homemade)
- Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a bowl, incorporate the mashed yams, eggs, and cream.
- Add the sugar, spices, vanilla, cornstarch, and butter (1/3 cup). Mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer. You want the filling to be smooth and whipped slightly.
- Add 1 tablespoon of softened butter to the pie dish and spread it to coat the whole dish. Roll in the pie crust and remove any air pockets from between the dish and crust.
- Press the edge of the crust into a decorative shape or in the dish’s edge mold if applicable.
- Bake the crust for 3 minutes.
- Remove the crust and add the pie filling evenly and level with the dish.
- Bake the pie for 12 minutes. Drop the heat to 335° and bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set. Stick a toothpick in the center to see if it’s set.
- Remove the pie and set it on a counter to cool for 3-4 hours. The pie needs to be cool. If you serve it before it cools, the shape of the pie will not be firm enough to sustain itself.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. Nutmeg and be used to garnish too.
Nutrition
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sweet Potato Pie is a dessert that’s sure to please any pie lover. Its creamy texture, spicy flavor, and budget-friendly price make it a winner in our book.
This recipe is easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert to serve at your holiday table, give this Sweet Potato Pie a try.
We promise it’ll be the best one you’ve ever tasted!
Leave us a comment below telling us what your favorite pie recipe is!
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