Warm, spiced, and filled with cozy tradition, Sweet Potato Pie is a true classic. This Southern favorite is smooth and creamy with just the right balance of sweet potatoes, sugar, warm spices, and a flaky pie crust. While pumpkin pie tends to steal the spotlight at Thanksgiving, sweet potato pie has been a beloved staple at holiday tables for generations — especially in the South.
This recipe is simple, nostalgic, and perfect for making ahead. With its custard-like filling and rustic flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like home with every bite. Serve it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or enjoy it plain and still warm from the oven. Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday supper, this pie is sure to become a favorite family tradition.
If you want the flakiest, most buttery crust that holds up beautifully under sweet potato filling, I highly recommend using my Perfect Buttery, Flaky Pie Crust recipe. It’s the crust I always use for pies like this!
Variations
- Brown Sugar Pie: Swap all white sugar for brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Spiced Pie: Add cloves or allspice for a stronger spice kick.
- Coconut Sweet Potato Pie: Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut for Southern flair.
Substitutions
- Evaporated Milk: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for richer texture.
- Butter: Margarine or plant-based butter for dairy-free.
- Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup in place of some sugar for a natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple, homemade, and filled with nostalgic flavor — it’s comfort in a pie crust.
Sweet Potato vs. Pumpkin Pie
Sweet potato pie has a richer, earthier flavor compared to pumpkin. It’s also less spiced, allowing the natural sweetness of the potatoes to shine.
Best Occasions for Sweet Potato Pie
Thanksgiving, Christmas, family gatherings, or anytime you want a cozy homemade dessert.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, but drain well and mash until smooth for the best texture.
Q: How do I know when the pie is done?
A: The center should be set but slightly jiggly; it firms as it cools.
Q: Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
A: Yes, bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely — it keeps well in the fridge for several days and tastes even better the next day.
Homemade Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Peel, chop, and boil sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, mashed sweet potatoes, and spices. Mix until smooth.
- Pour filling into unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top.
- Bake 55–60 minutes, or until center is set and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or cinnamon sugar.
- Pro Tip: For the flakiest, dreamiest crust that complements the creamy sweet potato filling, use my [Perfect Buttery, Flaky Pie Crust recipe] (https://homewithjana.com/buttery-flaky-pie-crust-recipe/). It’s what I always reach for when making pies from scratch.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor (canned works, but fresh is richer).
- Pie firms as it cools — don’t overbake.
- Make-ahead friendly: keeps in the fridge 3–4 days.
