Sweet potato pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of rich flavor and tradition. This Southern classic has been a staple on dinner tables for generations, and for good reason. Its velvety smooth filling, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, sits beautifully in a flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy treat, this sweet potato pie recipe will satisfy your taste buds and your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is foolproof even for beginner bakers.
- Minimal Ingredients – You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to make this recipe. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Versatile – This pie is perfect for every occasion—from Thanksgiving to casual family gatherings. It’s sure to impress guests no matter the season.
- Customizable – Add a little extra cinnamon for spice or use a dairy-free version for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 ½ pounds of sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized)
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of evaporated milk (or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
Note: You can substitute the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses flavor. For a gluten-free version, opt for a gluten-free pie crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them for 8-10 minutes until soft, or boil them in a pot of water for about 20 minutes. Let them cool before peeling.

- Mash the Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes have cooled, mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You can also use a blender for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and melted butter until smooth and well-combined.

- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. If you’re using a store-bought crust, ensure it’s fully thawed before using.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before serving to allow the filling to firm up.

Recipe Tips & Variations
- For a Lighter Texture: Try folding in a tablespoon of whipped cream into the filling mixture for added lightness.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling to give it a subtle kick.
- Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Topping Options: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added texture.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Sweet potato pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds until warmed through.
More Delicious Pie Recipes to Try
If you love sweet potato pie, then you’re sure to enjoy these other delicious pie recipes on our website! From savory to sweet, these pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a rich, creamy filling or a tangy twist, these options will satisfy your dessert cravings.
- Passover Potato Pie Recipe: If you’re looking for a potato-based pie with a unique twist, this Passover Potato Pie recipe is a must-try! It combines the richness of mashed potatoes with aromatic herbs and spices.
- Gooseberry Pie Recipe: For something a bit more tart, this Gooseberry Pie recipe will hit the spot. The balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it a delightful choice for pie lovers.
Each of these recipes brings something different to the table, but all offer the same warmth and satisfaction as the classic sweet potato pie. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pie the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes, sweet potato pie can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it directly from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
Why is my sweet potato pie runny?
If your pie is too runny, it might need a little more time to bake. Make sure the filling is set (not jiggly) before removing it from the oven. Also, ensure that the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed without any extra liquid.
This sweet potato pie is a must-try! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll enjoy every step of making this pie. Don’t forget to share your pie with friends and family—and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy baking!
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe – A Classic Southern Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Pie recipe is a classic Southern dessert known for its creamy texture and warm spices. It combines mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery crust to create a comforting and flavorful pie. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving a homemade treat.
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds of sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized)
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1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup of evaporated milk (or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
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1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
-
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
-
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
-
¼ teaspoon of salt
-
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
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1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the sweet potatoes: Pierce them with a fork and microwave for 8-10 minutes until soft, or boil for about 20 minutes. Cool, peel, and mash.
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Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and melted butter until smooth and well-combined.
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Prepare the crust: Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish.
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Fill the crust: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust, smoothing the top.
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Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set.
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Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
For a lighter texture, fold in whipped cream or use a hand mixer to beat the filling for extra airiness.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or extra cinnamon for a spicier flavor.
Vegan? Substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern