Embrace the heartwarming flavors of the South with the beloved Sweet Potato Pie. This timeless dessert captures the essence of comfort and tradition, blending the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices and a buttery crust. A slice of this pie is a celebration of family gatherings and cherished moments, making it a must-have addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold and cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Binding the Crust: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. Rolling and Shaping: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
4. Pre-Baking (Optional): If desired, you can pre-bake the pie crust for about 10-12 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step helps ensure a flaky crust.
5. Sweet Potato Bliss: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
6. Filling and Baking: Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges of the crust are golden.
7. Cooling and Setting: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. As it cools, the filling will set.
8. Serving and Savoring: Slice and serve the Sweet Potato Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each bite is a comforting blend of sweet and spice that warms the soul.
Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that invites you to savor life’s simple pleasures. This pie is a tribute to cherished moments shared around the table, with its buttery crust and velvety sweet potato filling. This pie brings a touch of comfort and tradition to every slice, whether enjoyed during the holidays or as a special treat.