Simple Sweet Potato Pie

1 pie servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 50 m Total: 1 h 10 m Beginner
5.0/5 (4)
Simple Sweet Potato Pie
A simple recipe to make a classic Southern dessert with sweet potatoes, warm spices like ginger and nutmeg, and a creamy custard filling. Simply Perfect and Simply Delicious.

Ingredients

1 pie servings
  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (one pound baked, or 1 (40 oz) can drained)
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 2/3 cup light cream or evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. If using fresh sweet potatoes, bake them at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes until tender. Peel and mash. Or drain canned sweet potatoes and mash.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, salt, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, cream, and melted butter together with the mashed sweet potatoes until well combined and smooth.
  3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
  4. Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean. The center may still jiggle slightly but will set as it cools.
  5. Allow pie to cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my pie filling watery?

A: Make sure to drain canned sweet potatoes very well, or if using fresh, don't add extra moisture when mashing. The pie needs to bake the full 50 minutes to set the custard properly.

Q: How do I know when the pie is done?

A: The knife test is key - insert it about 1 inch from the edge, not the center. The very center may still jiggle slightly when you shake the pie, but it will set as it cools. Overbaking will cause cracks.

Tips and Techniques

For the smoothest filling, make sure your sweet potatoes are well-mashed with no lumps before mixing in the other ingredients. You can use a potato masher or even blend briefly for an ultra-smooth texture. Let the pie cool completely before slicing - this allows the custard to fully set and makes for cleaner slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • light cream or evaporated milk: half-and-half or whole milk
  • fresh sweet potatoes: canned sweet potatoes
  • ginger and nutmeg: 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Whisk or electric mixer

Historical Context

Sweet potato pie is often considered the Southern answer to pumpkin pie, with a richer, more complex flavor. While pumpkin pie became popular in the North, sweet potatoes were more readily available and affordable in the South, making sweet potato pie a staple at holiday gatherings throughout Louisiana and neighboring states.