A classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie is creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced, making it the ultimate holiday dessert. Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a silky-smooth texture with a naturally sweet, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pie

✔ Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like eggs, sugar, and spices.
✔ Rich & Creamy Texture – A smooth, custard-like filling that melts in your mouth.
✔ No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just a mixing bowl and an oven!
✔ Perfect for Make-Ahead – The flavors deepen as it chills, making it even better the next day.
✔ Southern Tradition – A classic holiday favorite that brings warmth and nostalgia.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Toasted pecans
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pierce them with a fork.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
4. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash until smooth.

💡 Shortcut: You can also boil the sweet potatoes for about 25 minutes or use canned sweet potatoes (drained and mashed).

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Filling

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
2. Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust and spread it evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie in the preheated 350°F oven.
2. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
3. Let the pie cool completely before slicing—this helps the flavors meld together.

Tips & Variations

✅ Make It Extra Creamy – Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of evaporated milk for an even richer filling.
✅ Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle a streusel topping or chopped pecans before baking.
✅ Spice It Up – Try adding ginger or allspice for a deeper flavor.
✅ Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free pie crust or bake the filling in ramekins for a crustless version.
✅ Make It Dairy-Free – Swap butter for coconut oil and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Sweet Potato Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, this pie tastes even better after chilling overnight. Simply bake it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it covered in the fridge.

How Long Does Sweet Potato Pie Last?

It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.

Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Pie?

Absolutely! Bake and cool the pie completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Why Is My Pie Cracked?

Overbaking can cause cracks. The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when removed from the oven. It will firm up as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these toppings:

🥄 A dollop of whipped cream
🍯 A drizzle of maple syrup
🥜 Toasted pecans for crunch
🍨 Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Why This Sweet Potato Pie is a Must-Try

• A beloved Southern tradition – Rich in history and full of warm flavors.
• Perfect balance of sweetness and spice – With a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients – No fancy techniques required.
• Great for holidays, potlucks, and cozy nights – A dessert that feels like a hug in every bite!

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert—creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this pie will always be a crowd-pleaser.

So grab your sweet potatoes, spices, and pie crust and bake up a taste of the South! 🥧💛

👉 Love classic pies? Try our other delicious pie recipes and share your baking success! 😊