No-Crust Sweet Potato Pie

1 pie servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 40 m Total: 55 m Beginner
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No-Crust Sweet Potato Pie
This is a delicious sweet potato pie that makes its own crust—no rolling out dough needed! With just sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, margarine, egg, and almond extract, you get a dessert that’s creamy on the inside with a slightly crisp top. The unusual 450-degree bake gives it that perfect texture.

Ingredients

1 pie servings
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp almond extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Place in water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain potatoes well and add remaining ingredients.
  2. Mix with a mixer until well blended and smooth.
  3. Pour into a greased 9-inch pie plate. No crust needed—the flour and margarine will form a crust as it bakes.
  4. Bake at 450°F for 25 minutes. Yes, 450 degrees—the high heat creates the signature texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why does the pie need such a high temperature?

A: The 450°F temperature helps create the self-forming crust. The high heat sets the flour and margarine mixture on the bottom and edges while keeping the center creamy. Don't reduce the temperature or you'll lose that textural contrast.

Q: Can I use butter instead of margarine?

A: Yes, butter works fine and adds richer flavor. The margarine was likely used in the original recipe because it was common in Southern home baking, but butter is an excellent substitute.

Q: How do I know when the sweet potatoes are cooked enough?

A: They should be fork-tender—a fork should pierce through easily. If they're undercooked, you'll have lumps in your pie. Overcooking is better than undercooking for this recipe.

Tips and Techniques

Make sure to drain the sweet potatoes very well after cooking—excess water will make the pie too loose. For even smoother texture, you can press the mixture through a sieve after mixing, though it’s not necessary if you blend thoroughly with a mixer.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • almond extract: vanilla extract
  • margarine: butter
  • sweet potatoes: canned sweet potatoes or yams

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • 9-inch pie plate
  • Potato masher or fork (if pre-mashing before mixing)

Historical Context

Crustless sweet potato pies have been a practical solution in Louisiana homes for generations, especially when time is short during the holidays. Sweet potatoes are a staple crop in Louisiana, particularly in the northern parishes, making this an economical and delicious dessert.