Sweet Potato Pies: A Southern Classic Made Easy

Sweet potato pie is a cherished dessert in Southern cuisine, perfect for any occasion from festive holidays to simple family dinners. This creamy, flavorful pie combines sweet potatoes, spices, and a hint of honey, creating a delightful treat everyone will adore. In this post, we’ll explore a detailed recipe for sweet potato pies, including tips, variations, and a keto/low-carb option. We’ll also address frequently asked questions to help you achieve pie perfection.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Pie Filling:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 stick butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 9-inch pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Boil or Bake: Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly. Boil in a large pot until tender (about 40-50 minutes) or bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 60 minutes.
2. Peel and Mash: Once cooked and cooled, peel the sweet potatoes and mash until smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, white sugar, and honey.
2. Add Butter and Eggs: Melt butter and add to the mixture. Beat the eggs and stir in. Mix until well incorporated.
3. Add Spices: Add vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

1. Prepare Pie Crusts: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crusts in 9-inch pie pans and trim excess dough.
2. Fill Pies: Pour filling evenly into prepared pie crusts.

Step 4: Bake the Pies

1. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Let pies cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set.

Cooking Notes

• Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes offer the best flavor. Canned can be used but may alter texture and taste.
• Sweetness: Adjust sugar and honey to taste. For less sweetness, reduce white sugar.
• Spices: Adjust spices to your preference. Extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor.

Variations

1. Pecan Topped Sweet Potato Pie: Mix 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over pies before baking.
2. Marshmallow Topped Sweet Potato Pie: Sprinkle 1 cup mini marshmallows over pies during the last 10 minutes of baking.
3. Coconut Sweet Potato Pie: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.

Keto and Low-Carb Version

Ingredients:

• Replace sweet potatoes with 2 cups pureed pumpkin for lower carbs
• 1 can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener
• 1/4 cup sugar-free honey substitute
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Keto Pie Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix almond flour, coconut flour, melted butter, egg, and salt. Press into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.
2. Prepare the Filling: Follow the original steps using keto ingredients. Pour into the prepared crust.
3. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, ensure they are drained and mashed well.
2. How should I store sweet potato pie? Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make this pie ahead? Yes, make a day in advance and refrigerate.
4. What type of crust is best? Traditional, graham cracker, or nut-based crusts work well.
5. How can I make a dairy-free version? Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk.
6. Can I use different spices? Yes, adjust spices to your liking.
7. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk? Try evaporated milk with added sugar or a homemade substitute.
8. How can I make the filling smoother? Puree sweet potatoes in a food processor or blender.

Sweet potato pie is a comforting dessert perfect for fall. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, this Southern favorite will be a hit at your table. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert, and feel free to experiment with toppings and crusts!