Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: A Timeless Southern Classic

If there’s one dessert that truly captures the heart and soul of Southern hospitality, it’s the Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Southern-style. With its smooth, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust, this pie has graced Southern tables for generations — especially during the holidays. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving Desserts Pie or simply craving a slice of comfort, this Sweet Potato Pie Southern recipe is a must-try.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to make an Easy Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie from scratch, with plenty of helpful tips, variations (including a recipe for sweet potato pie without crust), and secrets for achieving that irresistible rich flavor and velvety texture. Let’s dive into this heartwarming dessert!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pie

• Classic Southern Living Sweet Potato Pie flavor
• Perfectly spiced and creamy
• Easy to make ahead for holidays
• Can be made crustless or with store-bought crust
• Crowd-pleasing Sweet Potato Dessert for all ages

🥧 Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Pie

For this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Easy, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

🥄 How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Let’s walk through how to make sweet potato pie step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
2. Boil or bake them until fork-tender (about 45 minutes in a 400°F oven or 25–30 minutes boiled).
3. Peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a food processor for a silkier texture.

Tip: For extra smooth filling, run the mashed sweet potatoes through a fine mesh sieve or blend them until silky.

Step 2: Make the Pie Filling

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.
5. Mix until the filling is creamy and well blended. Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges if desired.
2. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
3. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean.
4. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tip: The pie may puff slightly while baking but will settle as it cools.

🧁 How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Without Crust

Looking for a gluten-free or lighter version? Here’s a recipe for sweet potato pie without crust:

• Simply grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or nonstick spray.
• Pour the filling directly into the dish.
• Bake as directed (50–55 minutes at 350°F).
• Let cool and slice carefully — it will still hold together beautifully!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with maple syrup for extra flavor.

🥄 Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie

1. Use fresh sweet potatoes: While canned sweet potatoes are convenient, fresh ones give a richer, more authentic flavor.
2. Don’t skip the spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and depth to the filling.
3. Prebake the crust (optional): For an ultra-crisp crust, blind bake it for 10 minutes before filling.
4. Avoid overbaking: The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when done. It will firm up as it cools.
5. Chill before serving: Let the pie rest for at least 2–3 hours to develop flavor and firm texture.

🛍️ Storing & Freezing Sweet Potato Pie

Storing:

• Cover the cooled pie with plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the whole pie or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

🔄 Variations to Try

1. Mini Sweet Potato Pies

Use a muffin tin and small rounds of pie dough to create individual Sweet Potato Dessert servings.

2. Maple Sweet Potato Pie

Replace part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.

3. Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Pie

Top the filling with a layer of chopped pecans mixed with brown sugar and butter before baking.

4. Coconut Sweet Potato Pie

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the filling and a splash of coconut milk in place of evaporated milk.

🎉 Perfect for the Holidays

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a classic dessert for Christmas or Sunday supper, this easy sweet potato pie simple recipe brings tradition and flavor to any celebration. It’s the Southern cousin to pumpkin pie but with a richer, earthier flavor that many prefer.

This Thanksgiving Desserts Pie pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or any holiday spread. Plus, it can be made ahead — so you can spend less time baking and more time with family.

📜 The History Behind Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie has deep roots in African American culinary tradition, especially across the Southern U.S. region. Originally derived from African yam dishes and European custard-style pies, the modern Southern Living Sweet Potato Pie evolved into a staple dessert in African American households during holidays and Sunday gatherings.

The sweet potato’s natural sweetness and widespread availability made it a favorite among Southern cooks, eventually becoming synonymous with heritage, warmth, and comfort food.

✅ FAQs

Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they’re drained well and mashed. Avoid sweetened or syrup-packed varieties.

Q: What’s the difference between pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato pie is denser and richer, with more texture and earthy sweetness, while pumpkin pie is silkier and often spicier.

Q: Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and vegan butter.

Q: Why is my pie filling runny?
It likely wasn’t baked long enough. Bake until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when shaken.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days and can even be frozen.

✨ Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the rich, spiced flavor of a Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Southern-style. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and endlessly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Easy enough for beginners or planning a show-stopping Thanksgiving Desserts Pie, this tried-and-true version will never let you down.

Don’t be surprised when guests come back for seconds (and ask for the recipe). From its creamy filling to its buttery crust, this Sweet Potato Pie Southern tradition will always have a special place on your table.