old fashion sweet potato pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashion sweet potato pie recipe

I’ve been making old-fashioned sweet potato pie for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This recipe is a staple in our household, especially during the holidays. I love how the sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs with the spices, creating a delicious and comforting dessert. My kids can’t get enough of it, and I’m happy to oblige their requests.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. I like to serve it warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, but it’s also delicious cold. One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that it’s a great way to use up sweet potatoes that are getting too ripe. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to teach kids about where food comes from and how to prepare simple meals from scratch.

The history of sweet potato pie dates back to the early colonial days in America, when sweet potatoes were a staple crop in many southern states. The pie was originally made with molasses and spices, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. Over time, recipes evolved to include sugar, eggs, and other ingredients that we associate with traditional desserts today. When I make this pie, I like to use a mixture of white and brown sugar for added depth of flavor.

I also use a combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to give the pie its signature warm and aromatic taste. The secret ingredient in this recipe is actually quite simple: using fresh sweet potatoes that are cooked until they’re tender but still retain some of their natural sweetness. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish during the holidays or as a main course during the week.

It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover sweet potatoes or other vegetables like carrots or parsnips. I’ve tried making this pie with different types of sweet potatoes over the years, but my favorite variety remains the Beauregard. These sweet potatoes have a lovely orange color and an incredibly smooth texture that makes them perfect for baking. In terms of technique, I like to cook my sweet potatoes until they’re very tender before mashing them up and mixing them with sugar, eggs, and spices.

This creates a lovely texture that’s both smooth and creamy at the same time. Another thing I appreciate about this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead of time. You can prepare the filling several hours in advance or even freeze it for later use.

Old Fashion Sweet Potato Pie

4.9 from 1228 votes

This classic sweet potato pie features a silky, spiced filling made from roasted sweet potatoes and a buttery, flaky crust. It is a beloved Southern dessert that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any comforting meal.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2To make the crust, combine flour and salt in a bowl.
3Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until dough holds together.
5Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 12-inch circle.
7Gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing into the bottom and sides.
8Trim excess dough to a 1/2-inch overhang, fold under, and crimp edges with a fork.
9Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbles.
10Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
11Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then remove weights and parchment.
12Continue baking for 5 to 7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
13Set aside to cool slightly.
14Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
15In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
16Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well blended, about 2 minutes.
17The filling should be thick and creamy.
18Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
19Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
20Bake at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean.
21The filling should be slightly puffed and golden brown.
22Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
23This allows the filling to firm up.
24Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream.
25Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Fork
Hand mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 56g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 34g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For deeper flavor, roast the sweet potatoes whole at 400°F for 50 minutes until tender, then scoop out the flesh. You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. To prevent a soggy crust, always pre-bake it as directed.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashion Sweet Potato Pie Works

This old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipe is a classic dessert that never goes out of style.

It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner party or just need a comforting treat after a long day – because its warm flavors evoke feelings of nostalgia and tradition.

You can store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashion Sweet Potato Pie

Q: What type of sweet potatoes are best for making sweet potato pie?

A: The best variety for making sweet potato pie is Beauregard because they have an orange color and an incredibly smooth texture that makes them perfect for baking.

Q: Can you substitute other types of sugar for white sugar in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute brown sugar or turbinado sugar for white sugar in this recipe if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How do you store leftover sweet potato pie?

A: To store leftover sweet potato pie, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerating it at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q: Can you make this pie ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling several hours in advance or even freeze it for later use by letting it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Q: What are some good alternatives to using heavy cream in this recipe?

A: Some good alternatives to using heavy cream include coconut cream or almond milk which can add a rich and creamy texture without adding extra calories.

Q: Can you make individual servings of this pie?

A: Yes, you can make individual servings by dividing the filling among ramekins or small baking dishes before topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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