Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The creamy, rich filling combined with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the lusciousness of condensed milk makes this pie a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or as a special treat, this pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, eggs, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Mix all ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the prepared sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delicious pie as a comforting dessert that will warm your heart.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
Sweet Potato Pie is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop. For an extra touch, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm, spiced flavors of the pie. This pie is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want a comforting dessert.
Storage:
To store your Sweet Potato Pie, first allow it to cool completely. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep the pie for a longer period, it can be frozen. Wrap the pie in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place the pie in the refrigerator overnight. Before serving, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer to serve it slightly warm.
Variations:
- Maple Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: Replace the 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. The maple syrup will add a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes. Be sure to use pure maple syrup for the best results, as it provides a deep and nuanced flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pie. This variation is perfect for fall gatherings and adds a rustic touch to your dessert.
- Pecan Topping:
Details: To create a crunchy and sweet topping, mix 1/2 cup of chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Before baking the pie, sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the top. The pecans will toast as the pie bakes, creating a deliciously crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. This variation adds texture and a nutty flavor, making the pie more decadent and festive.
- Coconut Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: For a tropical twist, stir 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the sweet potato filling. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs well with the creamy filling. To enhance the coconut flavor, consider using toasted coconut as a garnish on top of the pie after baking. This variation is perfect for those who love the combination of coconut and sweet potato, creating a dessert that feels both exotic and comforting.
- Spiced Rum Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: Add 1-2 tablespoons of spiced rum to the sweet potato filling. The rum introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the spices in the pie. The alcohol will cook off during baking, leaving behind a subtle, festive flavor that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. This variation adds complexity to the pie and pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Marshmallow Topping:
Details: For a classic touch, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pie during the last 10 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will melt and turn golden brown, creating a gooey, sweet topping that complements the spiced filling. This variation adds a nostalgic element to the pie, reminiscent of traditional sweet potato casseroles. It’s a fun and delicious way to add extra sweetness and texture.
- Ginger Snap Crust:
Details: Instead of a traditional pie crust, use a ginger snap cookie crust. To make the crust, crush ginger snap cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into the pie pan to form a crust. The spicy, crunchy ginger snap crust adds a new layer of flavor to the pie, complementing the sweet potato filling with a warm, spiced undertone. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced spice flavor.
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: For a richer, more indulgent dessert, mix 1/2 cup of melted dark chocolate into the sweet potato filling. The chocolate adds depth and richness, creating a velvety texture and a flavor that’s reminiscent of a chocolate mousse pie. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers and adds an unexpected twist to the traditional sweet potato pie.
- Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with 1 cup of buttermilk. The buttermilk adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the pie and creates a lighter, more custard-like texture. This variation introduces a subtle tartness that contrasts nicely with the warm spices, making the pie feel lighter and more refreshing.
- Orange Zest Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest to the filling. The citrus zest brightens the pie, adding a refreshing note that complements the warm spices and sweet potatoes. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of citrus and want to add a refreshing twist to their pie. The orange flavor pairs beautifully with the spices, creating a balanced and aromatic dessert.
- Vegan Sweet Potato Pie:
Details: Make the pie vegan by using a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, such as coconut condensed milk, and replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Use a vegan pie crust to keep the recipe plant-based. This variation ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, can enjoy the pie. The coconut condensed milk adds a subtle coconut flavor, while the flax eggs help bind the filling without altering the taste significantly.
FAQs:
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just make sure to drain them well and mash them until smooth.
- How do I know when the pie is done?
- The pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the filling is set.
- Can I make the pie ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can make the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
- Yes, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly for this recipe if you want to save time.
- Can I substitute the condensed milk?
- If you prefer, you can use evaporated milk and increase the sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Is this pie supposed to be very sweet?
- This pie is sweet but balanced with the spices. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup.
- What can I use instead of eggs?
- You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Can I freeze the pie?
- Yes, this pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
- Can I add other spices?
- Certainly! Feel free to add a pinch of allspice, cloves, or even a bit of cardamom for extra flavor.
- What if my pie cracks?
- Don’t worry if your pie cracks; it’s still delicious! You can cover any cracks with whipped cream or marshmallow topping.
This Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and a creamy texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with one of the suggested variations, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, homemade treat!