Southern Sweet Potato Pie
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is an old-fashioned recipe loved for generations. It’s made with simple ingredients and is perfect for the Thanksgiving table.
This was Grandma’s baked sweet potato pie recipe, which has an entirely different taste than a traditional pumpkin pie. This pie is made with a creamy sweet potato filling and is my favorite. This is the best sweet potato pie recipe I have ever made and eaten.
Like my Sweet Potato Casserole, this potato pie recipe is a well-loved Southern dessert. It’s made with simple ingredients and two deep-dish pie crusts and always turns out perfect. Try it with whipped cream for an added touch.
A Taste of the South and Southern Classic
- This old-fashioned sweet potato pie is rich and full of flavor. The creamy sweet potato pie filling is smooth, thanks to the butter, eggs, and evaporated milk.
- This is a tried-and-true family recipe for a classic Southern dessert that has stood the test of time and is a favorite with my family and guests.
- This pie is perfect for your holiday table, especially Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, and all other occasions. It’s the perfect pie for any time of the year and is requested to be on my table every year.
- This simple recipe is great for beginner bakers. It’s foolproof and no fuss.
- A lot of spices do not overpower her recipe. You taste sweet potato pie, and it reminds me of fall.
Sweet Potato Pie usually gets overshadowed by Pecan Pie during the holiday season. Although pecan pie is quite delicious, sweet potato pie delivers a lighter and completely different taste.
How Many Pies Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes two pies. Yes, more to love and to eat. Holidays are busy, and if I can bake two pies at one time, it seems to help with the menu. Of course, you can always freeze one for later if so desired. Sometimes, I do, but usually, they both end up on the dessert table with none left.
Choosing The Right Crusts
For this pie, I used two deep-dish pie crusts. My husband likes to eat the crust on all pies and desserts, and this filling recipe does not reach the top of the deep-dish crusts. Instead, it sits below the rim by about 1/2 inch or so, which is perfect for him. This allows more crust to show, plus more room for the whipped topping to sit next to the crust—a win-win.
If you want the filling to come to the top of the pie crust, use regular pie crusts for this recipe. You will have two full pies—your choice.
How Does Baked Sweet Potato Pie Taste?
This pie tastes like sweet potatoes, of course. But, if you have never tasted this pie, you are in for a treat. And, if you like sweet potatoes, you will love this homemade sweet potato pie. Spices and flavorings do not disguise the taste. It’s just pantry ingredients that bring a big bite.
It’s sweet, warm, creamy, and smooth with a hint of vanilla. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting southern dessert usually served on holidays and for family traditions.
How To Prepare Sweet Potatoes
I have made this pie using sweet potatoes prepared in two different ways. The first way is to boil the sweet potatoes. I peeled the potatoes, thickly diced them into 2-3 inch pieces, placed them into a pot of cold water, and boiled until tender. I then drained and mashed the potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are drained very well. You don’t want a soggy pie.
The best way is to bake sweet potatoes in the oven. Baked sweet potatoes are easy to do and are so good. Wash the potatoes, place them on a baking sheet, and cook at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour or until fork tender. The cooking time depends on how big the potatoes are. Adjust the time accordingly. Once they are fork-tender, they are done. Slightly cool the potatoes, peel them, and mash them in a bowl.
Ingredients
This is a simple homemade sweet potato pie with a big taste. See the printable recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and amounts.
Sweet Potatoes—Sweet potatoes are the star of the show. Fresh sweet potatoes bring flavor to this pie. You’ll need about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes or 2 large sweet potatoes. Cook, peel, and mash for a creamy texture. I’ve never used canned sweet potatoes for this recipe, only fresh.
Butter- Adds richness and creaminess to the pie.
Sugar- White sugar provides sweetness for this pie.
Eggs– Eggs bind all the ingredients together.
Evaporated Milk—Use evaporated milk instead of regular milk. Make sure to check the can, and do not use sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk gives the filling a creamy consistency.
Vanilla-– Vanilla extract compliments the flavors. Use a good brand of vanilla.
Pie Crusts—For this recipe, I used 2 deep-dish frozen pie crusts (unbaked). The regular pie crusts will also work. Feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if desired, or use store-bought pie crusts for ease. I usually buy my crusts during the busy season to cut down on time. I’ll take the help where I can get it.
How To Make The Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie
- Cook the sweet potatoes, peel, and then place them in a large mixing bowl. Using your electric mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat on medium speed until fluffy.
- Add other ingredients and mix well.
- Add the pie mixture to the pie crusts and bake.
Baking Tip: All ovens cook differently. After 30 minutes, start checking on your pies. If they slightly jiggle in the middle (center of the pie), they’re done. If they slosh, put them back into the oven for several more minutes.
If the edge of the crust begins to brown too fast, make a pie shield to shield it. This is super easy to do and will save your crusts from burning. Click here to learn how to make a pie shield or homemade pie crust.
Love sweet potatoes? Then you must try my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes and Sweet Potato Casserole. They will not disappoint!
How To Store, Freeze, Thaw, and Serve
This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Making it a few days earlier will help you check off your to-do list during busy holidays.
To Store: Allow the potato pie to cool to room temperature before chilling. I like it best after it has chilled for several hours. It will set up and slice nicely.
Cover the pie gently with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and chill for several hours before serving. This pie should last in the refrigerator for up to five days, but mine never seems to last that long.
How To Freeze Sweet Potato Pie: Freezing sweet potato pies is a great way to enjoy pie any time you like, and it is a great make-ahead dessert for any special occasion.
Cool the pie. Wrap the pie. Label and date, freeze.
I usually bake my pies in aluminum pie pans, especially if I am using a frozen store-bought crust. This makes it super easy to freeze the pie. Once the pie has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the pie thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
To Thaw:
- Transfer the frozen pie from the freezer to the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Allow it to thaw slowly for 12-24 hours.
- Serve it at room temperature or warm it in a 300-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
To Serve: This pie is terrific served plain, but I also like to serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or marshmallow cream.
Be sure to try my No-Bake Pumpkin Pie for another fast, easy, and delicious holiday dessert.
FAQs
Classic sweet potato pie is made from mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and flavoring. It’s often served in a pie crust as a holiday treat. Southerners love this dessert.
Sweet potato and pumpkin pie are similar in texture and appearance but have different flavors. Sweet potato pie is made with sweet potatoes, while pumpkin pie is made with pumpkins. Both pies are served at many holiday festivities.
Sweet potato pie can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or made ahead and frozen.
Absolutely! Sweet potato pie pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
We are talking about two different kinds of milk.
Condensed Milk is not the same as evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is creamy and gives this pie a silky texture.
Sweetened Condensed milk is a lot thicker and sweeter. The sweet potato pie will not turn out the same if you use sweetened condensed milk. Double-check your cans of milk before adding to this recipe.
More Southern Pie Recipes:
If you are looking for some delicious sides for your holiday table, I’ve got you covered. 23 Southern Side Dishes for Thanksgiving will have something for everyone at the table. There are so many delicious sides that are all easy to make and delicious to eat.
Needing a good Stuffing recipe? Check out my Sausage Stuffing with Cranberries and Apples. It was featured in Lake Martin Living Magazine.
Simply Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sweet potatoes cooked, peeled, and mashed
- ½ cup melted butter 1 stick
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- 2 9" deep dish pie crusts or 2 regular pie crusts
Instructions
- Cook sweet potatoes and drain well. Mash. Add potatoes to an electric stand mixer and beat until fluffy.
- Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Place pie crust on a baking sheet. Add 2 cups of mix to each pie crust.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
I have a few questions:
1) do you thaw the pie shell or is it frozen? Cooked at all before adding filling?
2) Is the butter salted or unsalted?
Excited to try this recipe!
Hi Tara!
So glad you found the recipe – let me answer your questions so you can try this fabulous dessert.
1. If the pie shell is frozen, place it on the counter while you mix the ingredients. Do not cook the pie shell before adding the filling.
2. I used salted butter for this recipe.
Be sure to check out the section in the blog post about choosing the right crusts. Let me know what you think! Enjoy!
I love this recipe, I just add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
To add extra flavor. Also, do you have away to edit for 1 pie?
This is such a gorgeous pie!! My family really loved it!! A great addition on our holiday menu!
I never tried baking sweet potato pie, but your recipe was so easy to follow that I decided to go ahead. Turned out so delicious.