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Directions: How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and prick them a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. The skin will become wrinkled, and the flesh will feel soft when gently pressed. Depending on the size of the potatoes, they may need more or less time, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool and peel: Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before handling. Once cool enough to touch, peel off the skins. Mash the sweet potato flesh until smooth, either with a potato masher or a fork. You should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potato. Set aside to cool completely before adding to the pie filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
While the sweet potatoes are baking, you can prepare your pie crust.
If Using Store-Bought Pie Crust:
- Simply unroll the crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into place, making sure the edges are even. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
If Making Homemade Pie Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add 4-6 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a circle big enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Potato Pie Filling
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and melted butter. If you want a slightly thicker filling, add a tablespoon of flour.
- Mix the filling: Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The filling should be thick, creamy, and have a silky texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Pour the filling into the crust: Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven (350°F or 175°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges of the crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Sweet potato pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, as the filling sets and firms up as it cools.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (optional): Once the pie has cooled, you can top it with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a bit of extra sweetness and flair.
Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
- Sweet Potato Choice: Make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes. You can opt for orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel for the perfect texture and flavor. Try to avoid the white-fleshed varieties, as they can be less flavorful.
- Make Ahead: Sweet potato pie can be made up to a day ahead of time, and it stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Sweet potatoes vary in sweetness depending on the variety and size. Taste the filling before baking and adjust the sugar levels as necessary to suit your preference.
- Add-ins: If you like a little extra flavor in your pie, consider adding a teaspoon of bourbon or rum to the filling for a richer depth of flavor. Some people also like to fold in a few tablespoons of chopped pecans for crunch.
- Avoid Overbaking: Watch the pie carefully as it bakes. Overbaking can cause the filling to crack or become too dry. The pie is done when the filling is firm and set but not completely dry.
Why Sweet Potato Pie Works
Sweet potato pie works because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet potato filling is rich, velvety, and creamy, while the spices add warmth and complexity. The buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth filling, making every bite feel indulgent yet comforting. It’s not as heavy as pumpkin pie but still has all the depth and warmth of a fall classic.
This pie is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner. It’s a dessert that everyone can enjoy, and it’s always a hit when served to guests. The flavors are familiar but with a slight twist that sets it apart from other holiday pies.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is delicious on its own, but if you want to serve it as part of a spread, here are some great pairings:
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess and indulgence.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top of the pie adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the sweet potato perfectly.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast, serve the pie with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side. The saltiness pairs well with the pie’s sweetness.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Pie recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand for years to come—trust us, it’s too good to lose! With its creamy, spiced filling, buttery crust, and perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, it’s a dessert that will delight everyone at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a pie that tastes just like the ones your grandmother used to make.
So, don’t wait—bake this sweet potato pie today and make a memory that’ll last long after the last slice is gone!
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