Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie – Classic Southern Homemade Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water.
2. Peel them and cut them into medium-sized pieces.
3. Place them in a large pot of boiling water.
4. Cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until they are completely tender.
5. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly.
6. Mash them using a potato masher or food processor until completely smooth.

You should have approximately 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold cubed butter.
3. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Mix until the dough comes together.
6. Shape it into a flat disc, wrap it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling

1. Place the mashed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the melted butter and mix until smooth.
3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
5. Pour in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract.
6. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
7. Sprinkle in the tablespoon of flour.
8. Mix everything until the filling becomes creamy, smooth, and well combined.

For an extra-smooth texture, blend the filling with an electric mixer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly flour your work surface.
3. Roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to cover a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Carefully transfer the dough into the pie dish.
5. Press it gently against the bottom and sides.
6. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges using your fingers.
7. Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared crust.
8. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Sweet Potato Pie

1. Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 55–65 minutes.
3. The crust should become beautifully golden brown.
4. The filling should look set around the edges, while the center may have a slight jiggle.
5. Insert a knife or toothpick near the center; it should come out mostly clean.

If the crust becomes too dark before the filling is ready, cover the edges loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the pie from the oven.
2. Place it on a cooling rack.
3. Allow it to cool completely for approximately 2 hours.
4. Refrigerate if you prefer a firmer texture.
5. Slice into 8 generous portions.

Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

• Roast instead of boiling: Roasting sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) until tender can give the filling a deeper, sweeter flavor.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother filling.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix just until everything is combined.
• Prevent a soggy crust: Avoid adding watery sweet potatoes to the filling.
• Let it cool completely: This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.
• Store properly: Keep leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie pairs beautifully with:

• Homemade whipped cream.
• Vanilla bean ice cream.
• Caramel sauce.
• Chopped toasted pecans.
• A sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
• A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Final Result: A beautifully golden, flaky pie crust filled with a silky, creamy sweet potato mixture, perfectly balanced with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A timeless homemade dessert that everyone will love!

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