Sweet Potato Pie is a treasured dish that has been passed down through generations, and its delightful flavors and rich textures make it a beloved treat for holidays and special occasions. This timeless dessert captures the essence of tradition and brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a buttery crust, resulting in a pie that is both familiar and indulgent.

The origins of sweet potato pie can be traced back to African and Native American culinary traditions, where sweet potatoes were commonly used in a variety of dishes. When sweet potatoes made their way to the United States, particularly the southern states, they quickly became a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes. Sweet potato pie emerged as a popular alternative to pumpkin pie in the South, as sweet potatoes were more readily available in the region.

What sets sweet potato pie apart is its unique combination of flavors. The natural sweetness of the potatoes, when complemented with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. The velvety smooth filling, made from mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, and butter, is poured into a flaky, homemade crust that adds an irresistible buttery crunch to each bite.

Serving a slice of Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is like serving a slice of history. It brings to mind images of family gatherings, laughter-filled kitchens, and the comforting aromas that waft through the house during the holiday season. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other occasion, this beloved pie is a cherished tradition that brings people together and reminds us of the importance of food, family, and the joy of sharing a homemade dessert.

Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup evaporated milk
3 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1 ) Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2) Prepare the crust by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3 ) Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4 ) On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

5 ) In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

6 ) Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7 ) Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and atoothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pie should be golden brown on top.

8 ) Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. This allows the pie to set and makes it easier to slice.

9 ) Serve slices of Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie at room temperature or chilled, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Enjoy the delightful flavors and comforting nostalgia of this Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie. Share it with loved ones and create lasting memories as you savor each delicious bite.