Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the pie crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll your pie dough to an 1/8-inch-thick circle, and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the crust to 1/2 inch beyond the rim of the plate, and flute the edge. Refrigerate the plated pie dough while you prepare the filling.
Editor’s Tip: When rolling out your pie dough, 1/8 inch is about the same thickness as two quarters stacked on top of each other.
- Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes
To easily and quickly prepare the sweet potatoes, simply place them in a medium saucepan, and add water to cover them. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat, and cook, uncovered, until tender, 13 to 15 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: If you’d like to use roasted sweet potatoes, scrub two to three sweet potatoes clean, then prick them with a fork. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, and bake in a 400º oven until tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Let them cool until you can handle them; peel the skin, and place the sweet potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: Mash the potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them, and return them to the pan. While they’re still warm, this is the best time to mash them so they get super smooth. Once mashed, let the sweet potatoes cool to room temperature.
- Step 4: Make the filling
In a bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, and mix well. Add the milk, 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix everything well, and pour into the crust.
Editor’s Tip: Have leftover mashed sweet potatoes? Use them for other desserts, like these mini sweet potato pies or fried sweet potato pies.
- Step 5: Bake the pie
Bake the pie for 15 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 350°. Bake the pie until it’s set, or when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the pie cool on a wire rack. If desired, dollop slices of pie with whipped cream.
Recipe Variations
This sweet potato pie is more than satisfying on its own. But the addition of a topping can really take this dessert to the next level.
- Top it with something creamy: Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream on top. Here’s how to make whipped cream.
- Add texture: If you want a little texture and extra burst of sweetness, sprinkle on candied pecans or other sugar-coated nuts.
How to Store Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a custard pie, so it should be stored in the refrigerator. After baking your pie, let it cool completely for two to four hours. Loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Can you freeze sweet potato pie?
You can also freeze sweet potato pie, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. To freeze your pie, let it cool completely, then tightly wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. You can then freeze the pie for up to three months. To thaw the pie, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Reheat Sweet Potato Pie
If reheating the pie directly from the freezer, place the frozen pie on a baking sheet (brush off any frost), and heat at 300° for 40 to 50 minutes. If your sweet potato pie has thawed from frozen in your refrigerator, place the chilled pie on a baking sheet, and bake at 300° for about 30 minutes. In both cases, insert the tip of a knife into the center of the pie to see if the pie has warmed through.
Sweet Potato Pie Tips
How do you make pie crust from scratch?
To make a pie crust recipe from scratch, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cut in 1/3 cup shortening until crumbly. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 teaspoons white vinegar. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk, tossing with a fork until a ball is formed. Then, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out the crust as desired.
Can you use canned sweet potatoes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes in this recipe. Just make sure to drain the sweet potatoes well before mashing them. Extra moisture isn’t your friend when making any type of custard pie.
Can you make sweet potato pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make sweet potato pie ahead of time. If the pie is for a big food holiday like Thanksgiving, it’s even better if you do. That way you can free up the oven for day-of baking.
