Dense, earthy, and warm. Gently mashing the roasted tubers releases a comforting aroma that fills my Burbank kitchen every November. This Sweet Potato Pie relies on real butter and vanilla to enhance the natural sugars found in the orange flesh. I first made this version with Sarah, and she taught me that roasting rather than boiling keeps the flavor concentrated. You should bake this now to enjoy a traditional centerpiece that feels like a warm hug. These sweet potato recipes dessert options are always a hit when the weather turns cool.
Why You'll Love This
This classic dessert stands out because it offers a deeper, more caramelized profile than a standard pumpkin version. You get a silky, custardy bite that pairs beautifully with a dollop of cold cream. Olivia loves helping me whisk the filling until it shines, making it a great family activity. By using a potato pie recipe that starts with whole roasted vegetables, you ensure a rustic and authentic taste. It is one of those Thanksgiving pies recipes that guests always remember for its velvety finish.
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What You'll Use
Simple pantry staples like sugar and milk transform humble vegetables into a decadent treat for your holiday table. This Sweet Potato Pie is easy to prepare when you follow the steps for roasting and mashing correctly. A splash of evaporated milk adds a lovely richness that makes the texture feel truly professional.
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Key Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes - roasted until tender and skins are loosened
- Butter - provides a rich, savory backbone to the filling
- Granulated sugar - balances the earthy notes of the tubers
- Vanilla extract - adds a classic aromatic sweetness
- Eggs - acts as the binder for a firm slice
- Milk - creates the smooth, pourable batter
- Pie crust - unbaked and chilled for a flaky edge
Optional Enhancements
You can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top before baking for extra warmth. Many unique eats recipes suggest adding a ginger snap crust for a spicy twist on the original.
Follow These Steps
Preparing this dessert requires patience while roasting, but the assembly itself is incredibly fast. Using whole potatoes ensures your sweet potato pie thanksgiving prep results in the best flavor.
Roast Potatoes
Prick the skins several times and bake until the center is soft to the touch. Roasting helps steam the vegetable from the inside so the skin peels away effortlessly.
Create Mash
Combine the peeled sweet potatoes with butter in a large bowl and mash until no lumps remain. A smooth base ensures that every bite of the finished custard feels light and airy.
Blend Filling
Whisk in the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and milk until the mixture looks glossy and fully integrated.
How do I prevent a stringy pie? Running the mash through a blender or sieve removes tough fibers for a professional result. This step is vital for achieving the consistency found in the best homemade pies.
Final Bake
Pour the filling into your unbaked shell and cook until the center stops jiggling. Allowing the pie to cool slightly before slicing helps the filling set for a clean cut.
Kitchen Wisdom
Roasting the potatoes on a bed of salt can help draw out excess moisture for a more concentrated flavor. I always use this technique when preparing my Sweet Potato Pie to ensure the crust stays crisp.
Tent the crust → prevents over-browning → the edges stay golden without burning during the long bake
Roast until very soft → makes peeling easier → the skin slips off without losing any flesh
Mash while hot → melts the butter instantly → creates a more cohesive and creamy base
Whisk eggs separately → prevents overmixing the batter → the finished pie won't crack on top
Cool completely → allows the starches to set → you get a perfect, stable slice every time
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Twist It Your Way
You can easily substitute the whole milk with heavy cream for a more indulgent, cheesecake-like experience. For those who prefer a deeper flavor, dark brown sugar can replace the granulated sugar to add a hint of molasses. Some families enjoy a sweet potato pumpkin pie hybrid by mixing the two purees together for a complex seasonal taste.
Keeping It Fresh Later
Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cold temperatures help keep the dairy-based filling stable and fresh. If you need to keep it longer, this pie freezes well for up to two months when wrapped tightly in foil.
Serving Ideas
Serve a room-temperature slice with a generous mound of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. James loves it with a hot cup of coffee, which cuts through the sweetness perfectly. This dessert is the ultimate way to end a meal of easy sweet potato recipes or a full holiday feast.
Quick Answers
Can I use canned yams instead of fresh potatoes?
While fresh roasted potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned yams if they are drained and rinsed thoroughly. Be sure to mash them well to remove any syrup from the canning process. Fresh potatoes usually offer a more vibrant orange color and a less watery filling.
How do I know when the center is set?
The pie is done when the edges are slightly puffed and the center has a very slight wobble when gently shaken. It should not look liquid in the middle. Overbaking can cause the top to crack, so keep a close eye on it during the last ten minutes.
Is an unbaked crust really better?
Starting with an unbaked crust allows the bottom to cook alongside the filling, which prevents the edges from becoming too hard or burnt. If you are worried about a soggy bottom, you can bake it on the lowest oven rack. This ensures the heat hits the base of the pan directly.
Can this pie be made ahead of time?
Yes, this is one of the best thanksgiving pies recipes to make a day in advance as the flavors deepen overnight. Simply keep it chilled and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture. It saves valuable oven space on the day of your big dinner.
What To Cook Next
This Dessert recipe for Sweet Potato Pie is a cherished family tradition that I hope you love.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prick the scrubbed sweet potatoes with a fork and bake at 400°F until they feel tender.
- Peel the cooled potatoes and mash them with butter in a bowl until the texture is uniform.
- Whisk in the sugar, vanilla, milk, and eggs until the filling reaches a glossy consistency.
- Pour the mixture into the crust and bake at 350°F until the center looks set and firm.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Sweet Potato Pie:
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