Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the rich, velvety world of Southern cuisine with this irresistible Soul Food Sweet Potato Pie! Imagine a dessert so decadent, so perfectly spiced, that it transports you straight to a warm family kitchen in the heart of the South. This isn't just a pie – it's a slice of culinary tradition that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- If using fresh sweet potatoes, wash, peel, and cut them into uniform chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash thoroughly until smooth with no lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, milk, and eggs. Mix well until the ingredients are completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Prepare your pie crust by placing it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and trim any excess dough hanging over the sides.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution and smooth top.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F to set the crust.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-45 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
- Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon on top. Best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm.
Tips
- Sweet Potato Selection: For the most authentic flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes and cook them from scratch. Avoid canned varieties for the best texture and taste.
- Smooth is Key: When mashing sweet potatoes, use a potato masher or rigorously mix to ensure there are absolutely no lumps in your filling.
- Spice Balance: Don't be afraid to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste, but be careful not to overpower the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Crust Matters: For an extra-flaky crust, chill your pie crust before filling and baking. This helps prevent shrinkage and creates a more tender texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner, more beautiful slices.
- Storage Tip: This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts or holiday preparations.
- Serving Suggestion: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this already delicious dessert to new heights!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
