Sweet Potato Pie
A classic Southern dessert with a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling baked in a flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 900g
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted, 113g
- 1 can evaporated milk 12 oz / 354 ml
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 55g
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 unbaked deep-dish pie crust 9-inch
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by an inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the hot, drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar, beaten eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined, but do not overmix.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles only slightly. A thermometer inserted in the center should read 160°F (71°C).
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For food safety, egg-based custard pies should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
To prevent the crust edges from browning too quickly, you can cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Ensure your sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling to avoid a watery filling. You can let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to steam dry.
The pie is best served after it has fully cooled and set. It can be served at room temperature or chilled.