Sweet Potato Pie
What is sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, baked in a flaky pie crust.
It is similar in texture to pumpkin pie but has a distinct flavor from the sweet potato’s natural sweetness and earthiness.
Typically, the filling is mixed with milk or cream and eggs to create a rich, custard-like consistency.
Often served during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, sweet potato pie is a comforting and nostalgic treat, beloved for its creamy filling and spicy flavor.
Who invented sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato pie has deep roots in African American culinary traditions and the Southern United States, but its origins lie in a combination of African and European influences.
Enslaved Africans who were brought to the United States adapted a close relative of the yam, a staple of African cuisine, to the local ingredients available in the American South.
The sweet potato was introduced by European settlers and became a popular crop in the South due to its versatility and ability to thrive in the region’s climate.
Although no one person is credited with “inventing” sweet potato pie, it evolved as a variation of the European custard pie and became a signature dish in African American cuisine.
Over time, it became a beloved dessert, celebrated for its rich cultural and historical significance.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making sweet potato pie. Follow along carefully, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (soft at room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you’re feeling brave!)
Tools you’ll need:
A large pot or oven (to cook the sugar)
A mixing bowl
A hand mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
A 9-inch pie pan
A spatula or spoon
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Cook the sweet potatoes
Steaming method: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks and place them in a pot of simmering water. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until very soft. Remove and let cool slightly.
OR
Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let them cool and peel the skins.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Place the cooked sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl and mash them using a fork, potato masher, or hand mixer. Make sure they are smooth with no lumps.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
Add the Butter: Add the softened butter to the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until creamy. Use a hand mixer or whisk to make it smooth.
Add the Sugars: Mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Blend until everything is well combined.
Add eggs: Crack eggs into a bowl, one at a time, mixing well after each.
Add liquid ingredients: Pour in evaporated milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Add spices: Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to distribute spices evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the pie crust
If using a pre-made crust, let it thaw slightly if it has frozen, then gently press it into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative touch.
Place the pie crust on a baking sheet so that it is easy to handle when transferring it to the oven.
Step 5: Assemble the pie
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Gently tap the pie pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles in the filling.
Step 6: Bake the pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the pie (on its baking sheet) in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
To check if it is done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the pie. It should come out clean. The filling will look slightly puffed and set around the edges but may be slightly jiggly in the center – this is normal.
Step 7: Cool the pie
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack or countertop for at least 2 hours. Cooling allows the filling to firm up and makes it easier to cut.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Cut the pie into wedges and serve at room temperature or chilled. Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Helpful Beginner Tips:
Don’t skip the cooling time: This helps the pie set properly.
Avoid overmixing: Mix the ingredients until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Store leftovers: Cover the pie and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
By following these steps, you can make a great sweet potato pie, even as a beginner. Enjoy your homemade dessert!
Can you freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie! Freezing is a great way to preserve your pie for later without compromising its flavor or texture.
Here’s how to do it right:
Freezing Sweet Potato Pie
Before Freezing:
Cool completely: Allow the pie to cool completely after baking. Freezing a hot pie can cause ice crystals to form, which can lead to a soggy crust when thawed.
Choose a storage method: Use a disposable aluminum pie pan if you plan to freeze the pie before or directly after baking. This will prevent your regular pan from getting caked in the freezer.
Steps to Freeze Fully Baked Sweet Potato Pie
Wrap the Pie Tightly:
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap, making sure there is no air contact.
Rewrap the pie in aluminum foil for extra protection.
Alternatively, place the wrapped pie in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.
Label and date: Write the date on the packaging to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Steps to freeze unbaked sweet potato pie
Assemble the pie: Prepare the crust and filling as usual, but do not bake.
Wrap the pie tightly: Cover the unbaked pie with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Label and date: Note that it is unbaked for easy reference.
How long can it be frozen?
A well-wrapped sweet potato pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and reheating:
For baked pie:
Defrost in the refrigerator: Place the frozen pie in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Warm in the oven: Warm the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its freshness and warmth.
For a no-bake pie:
Bake from frozen: Preheat your oven as usual, and bake the pie directly from frozen. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the filling cooks through.
Pro tips:
Freezing in individual pieces can be convenient for serving smaller portions later.
Avoid freezing the pie with whipped cream or other toppings. Add these fresh after thawing.
Freezing sweet potato pie is a great way to enjoy this delicious dessert whenever you want it!