Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with you because it’s one of those classic treats that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. There’s something so special about the creamy, sweet filling paired with that flaky crust—a combination that instantly brings up memories of holidays and family gatherings. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend dessert, or just because you crave a slice of Southern comfort, this pie never disappoints.

When I first tried baking sweet potato pie, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such rich flavor—no fancy spices or complicated steps needed. You’ll find that this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is forgiving for any skill level, yet rewarding enough to impress your family or guests. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close and whip it out whenever you need a soulful, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe calls for classic, simple ingredients that blend wonderfully to give you that rich texture and balanced sweetness we all crave. When shopping, look for fresh sweet potatoes with smooth skin, and if you can get whole milk or evaporated milk, it really elevates the creaminess.

• Sweet Potatoes: Make sure they’re firm and medium-sized for the best baking results.
• Butter: Unsalted is best here so you control the saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar: You can swap some for brown sugar if you prefer a deeper flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference—it adds warmth and depth.
• Eggs: Large eggs help bind the filling and give it structure.
• Milk (Whole or Evaporated): This keeps the filling silky-smooth.
• Pie Crust (Unbaked): A 9-inch crust, store-bought or homemade, works perfectly here.
• Optional Toppings: Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff for an extra touch of indulgence.

Variations

I like to encourage you to make this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe your own because every family’s taste buds are different. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that add a nice twist or accommodate dietary needs, and I’m happy to share those favorites with you.

• Brown Sugar Swap: I discovered this trick when I swapped half the granulated sugar for brown sugar, deepening the flavor and adding a subtle molasses richness that’s incredibly tasty.
• Spiced Version: Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can give the pie a cozy holiday vibe that my family loves.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you need to avoid dairy, coconut milk and dairy-free butter work surprisingly well—just expect a slight change in texture, but the flavor stays amazing.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Using a gluten-free pie crust lets those with sensitivities enjoy this treat without missing out.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Bake Your Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

This step is the foundation of your pie’s flavor. Preheat your oven to 400º F, scrub your sweet potatoes clean, and prick each a few times with a fork to let them steam inside. I typically bake mine on a sheet pan for 45 to 50 minutes until they’re tender and a toothpick slides in easily. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins—this is where patience pays off because perfectly baked sweet potatoes mash up so creamy and sweet.

Step 2: Mix the Filling with Love

Lower your oven temperature to 350º F so it’s ready for the pie. Mash the baked sweet potatoes with butter until silky smooth—this is when the magic happens. Stir in your sugar, vanilla, milk, and beaten eggs until they blend into a luscious, pourable filling. A tip I learned early on: don’t overmix the eggs or beat too hard; you want a smooth batter but not too much air, which can cause cracks later.

Step 3: Pour & Bake Your Pie

Pour the filling into your unbaked pie crust—if you’re like me, you might sneak a little lick of the spatula before setting it in the oven! Bake for about an hour until the center sets but still has a slight jiggle—like a perfectly set cheesecake. Don’t worry if it jiggles a bit; it will firm up as it cools. After removing it, let it cool slightly before cutting, so you get neat, beautiful slices.

How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, I usually keep it simple with a generous dollop of whipped cream—that creamy topping balances the natural sweetness beautifully. Sometimes, when I’m feeling nostalgic or hosting a crowd, I add a swirl of marshmallow fluff on top and gently toast it for a campfire-style finish. These toppings add that extra bit of festivity, but the pie also shines on its own.

Side Dishes

This pie works great just as dessert, but if you want to make it part of a bigger Southern-inspired meal, pair it with dishes like savory collard greens, candied yams, or a slow-cooked ham. The sweet potato pie provides that sweet counterpoint to saltier mains, making your meal feel balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve layered mini versions of this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe in mason jars, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a cute individual dessert. Another favorite is to cut the pie into bite-sized squares and serve as part of a dessert platter with pecan pie and pecan pralines. It’s a fun way to mix and match Southern sweets!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover sweet potato pie covered tightly in the fridge—it stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days. If you want to keep its texture, I recommend storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it snugly with plastic wrap and foil. This keeps the pie’s flavors intact and prevents the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing the pie is definitely doable! I wrap the whole cooled pie well in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven. I’ve found this method preserves the creamy texture pretty well without drying out the pie.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring back the warmth without overcooking. For a crisper crust, reheating the whole pie or slices in a 325º F oven for 10-15 minutes works wonders. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the filling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart—it’s more than just dessert; it’s a connection to warmth, tradition, and simple joy. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how easy and satisfying it is to make your own pie from scratch. Once you do, it might just become your go-to comfort dessert to share with loved ones, just like it is for me.

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