Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies Southern hospitality and warmth, look no further than this Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie. With its silky texture, deep caramelized sweetness, and a perfectly spiced filling, this pie is a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re serving it up for the holidays, Sunday supper, or just because, it’s bound to be a family favorite.
Pure Comfort
There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, creamy texture of sweet potato pie. It’s a nostalgic treat that takes you back to simpler times, filled with laughter, family gatherings, and the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air. Every bite is a perfect balance of earthy sweetness, warm spices, and buttery crust.
Ingredients
What You Need
- For the Pie Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Time to Cook
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Steps to Make It
Make It Perfect
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Bake or boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them until smooth.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugars, melted butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
Mix It Up
Want to make this pie truly your own? Try these delicious variations:
- Maple Sweetness: Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Bourbon Boost: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Marshmallow Magic: Top with mini marshmallows and broil for a few seconds for a fun, toasted topping.
Perfect Partners
Busy Day Hero
This pie is a lifesaver when you need an easy dessert that still feels special. It comes together quickly and can be made in advance, so you can focus on your main course or simply enjoy time with family.
Work Ahead
Want to get a head start? You can make the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, pour it into the crust and pop it in the oven.
Save Some For Later
Sweet potato pie freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Simply thaw and enjoy whenever the craving hits.
Everyone’s Happy
This pie is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a casual get-together, expect smiles all around.
Good For You Too
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this pie a slightly healthier alternative to other rich desserts. It’s a sweet treat you can feel good about indulging in.
Easy Clean Up
Since this pie filling is made in just one bowl, clean-up is a breeze! Plus, using a store-bought crust cuts down on prep time and dishes.
Switch It Up
- Dairy-Free? Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Gluten-Free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use a gluten-free pie crust.
- Lower Sugar? Reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute for a less sweet version.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but make sure to drain them well and mash them until smooth to get the best texture.
2. How do I know when the pie is done?
The center should be set and slightly jiggly but not liquid. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.
3. Do I have to refrigerate sweet potato pie?
Yes, store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Absolutely! A graham cracker crust adds a unique twist and pairs well with the flavors.
5. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds.
6. Can I make mini sweet potato pies?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and line it with mini pie crusts. Reduce the baking time to about 25 minutes.
7. How can I make the pie creamier?
For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the filling in a food processor before pouring it into the crust.
Conclusion
Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie is more than just a dessert it’s a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. Its creamy filling, buttery crust, and warming spices make it a must-have for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven, chilled from the fridge, or saving a slice for later, this pie is pure Southern comfort in every bite. Happy baking!
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