Sweet potato pie is a tasty dessert. It is sweet and smooth. Many people in Austin, Texas, love this pie. It is a part of Southern cooking. This pie has a soft filling made from sweet potatoes. The crust is crispy and golden. Making this pie is easier than you think. You can make it at home with simple ingredients.
What You Need for Sweet Potato Pie
Here is a list of ingredients. They are easy to find in stores. You will need:
- 2 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pie crust (9-inch, store-bought or homemade)
These ingredients make the pie sweet and creamy. The spices add a nice warm flavor. You can also add a little ginger or allspice if you like.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make your pie:
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: First, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or bake them until soft. Then mash them well.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, put the mashed sweet potatoes. Add the sugars, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything until smooth.
- Prepare the crust: Place your pie crust in a pie pan. Press it down gently to fit the pan.
- Fill the crust: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust. Spread it evenly.
- Bake the pie: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 55 to 60 minutes. The filling should be set but still soft in the center.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least one hour. It tastes best when cool or at room temperature.
Tips for a Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
- Use soft, well-cooked sweet potatoes. They mash easily.
- Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until smooth.
- Check the pie after 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- If the crust browns too fast, cover edges with foil.
- Let the pie cool completely. This helps the filling to set.
Why Sweet Potato Pie is Special
Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert. It is easy to make with simple ingredients. The pie has a creamy texture and warm spices. It is a great dessert for holidays or family meals.
Sweet potatoes are healthy and full of vitamins. They give the pie a natural sweetness. Using evaporated milk makes the filling rich and smooth. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy taste.
Variations of Sweet Potato Pie
You can change the recipe to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
| Variation |
Description |
Extra Ingredients |
| Marshmallow Topping |
Add a sweet, fluffy layer on top |
Mini marshmallows, toasted on top after baking |
| Whipped Cream |
Serve with fresh whipped cream |
Heavy cream, sugar, vanilla (to whip) |
| Spiced Pie |
Add more warm spices |
Ginger, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice |
| Orange Flavor |
Add a fresh citrus taste |
Orange zest or a splash of orange juice |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sweet potato pie is easy, but some things can go wrong. Avoid these mistakes:
- Using raw sweet potatoes: The filling will be lumpy or not smooth.
- Overbaking: The pie filling can crack or become dry.
- Not cooling the pie: The filling will not set properly.
- Too much sugar: The pie will be too sweet and mask the sweet potato flavor.
- Skipping spices: The pie will taste plain and less flavorful.
Where to Find Sweet Potato Pie Recipes Online
Many websites offer easy sweet potato pie recipes. Here are some popular sources:
- Allrecipes
- Simply LaKita
- Inspired Taste
- Cooking With Tammy (YouTube)
- Grandbaby Cakes by Jocelyn Delk Adams (Facebook)
These recipes often share tips and videos. Watching a video can help you see the steps. You can choose the recipe style you like best.
Final Thoughts
Sweet potato pie is a delicious and easy dessert. It is perfect for holidays or any day. The recipe uses simple ingredients you know. The spices make the pie warm and tasty. You do not need special skills to bake it.
Try making this pie at home. It will bring smiles to your family. The sweet, creamy filling with a crisp crust is hard to resist. Serve it with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra joy.
Now you have a clear and simple sweet potato pie recipe. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Ingredients For A Sweet Potato Pie?
Sweet potato pie ingredients include cooked mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pie crust. Optional spices like ginger or salt enhance flavor. This combination creates a creamy, spiced, custard-like filling perfect for baking.
What Are Some Common Mistakes In Sweet Potato Pie?
Common mistakes include undercooking sweet potatoes, overbaking the pie, using too much sugar, skipping spices, and not letting the pie cool properly. Avoid watery fillings by draining potatoes well and prevent a cracked surface by baking at the right temperature.
What Does Patti Labelle Put In Her Sweet Potato Pie?
Patti LaBelle’s sweet potato pie includes cooked mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pie crust. She may add marshmallow fluff or whipped cream for extra sweetness and texture. Her recipe blends classic Southern flavors with rich, creamy filling.
How Many Eggs Should Go In A Sweet Potato Pie?
A sweet potato pie typically requires 2 to 3 large eggs. Eggs bind and set the filling perfectly. Use 3 eggs for a firmer texture. Adjust based on pie size and recipe preferences. Eggs ensure a smooth, custardy consistency in sweet potato pie.
