Description
Classic Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and mashed sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Fill the Crust: Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 340 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect pie. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the potatoes, peel and cube them before boiling for 15-20 minutes until very tender; this ensures a smooth mash. While they cool slightly, prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch dish, crimping the edges. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter with the warm mashed sweet potatoes for 2 minutes until fully incorporated. Add both sugars and beat for another minute. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. On low speed, mix in the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until just combined. Pour the filling into the crust and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 55-60 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight, gentle jiggle.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is versatile. For a classic presentation, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a decadent twist, drizzle with warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea. For a festive holiday plate, garnish with candied pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Boil and mash sweet potatoes. Beat with butter, sugars, eggs, milk, and spices. Pour into a pie crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour until set. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, you can. Drain and mash one 29-ounce can of sweet potatoes in light syrup or water. This equals roughly 2 cups mashed.
How do I prevent a soggy crust? Blind bake (pre-bake) your crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake the pie, cool completely, and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often improve overnight.
Why did my pie crack? Cracking is usually from overbaking. Remember, the center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out; it will set fully as it cools.
Can I freeze sweet potato pie? Yes. Wrap the cooled, baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter, which won’t blend smoothly into the potatoes. Ensure it is softened.
- Overmixing the filling after adding the eggs, which can incorporate too much air and cause puffing and cracking.
- Not letting the pie cool completely before slicing, which leads to a runny filling.
- Using overly watery mashed potatoes. Ensure they are well-drained and mashed thoroughly.
- Placing the pie on a rack that’s too high in the oven, which can burn the crust before the filling sets.
Conclusion
This Classic Sweet Potato Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays and everyday gatherings alike. By following this enhanced guide and tips, you can confidently avoid common pitfalls and create a flawless pie every time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!