Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a rich, velvety classic that turns simple pantry ingredients into a showstopping dessert. With its smooth custard filling, warm cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and flaky buttery crust, this pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or comforting dessert ideas. Every bite brings warmth and nostalgia, making it a staple in Southern homes.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Sweet Potato Pie
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition. The creamy texture and balanced sweetness create a delightful harmony, making it the best Southern Sweet Potato Pie for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, allowing you to indulge in a homemade Southern Sweet Potato Pie without stress. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, ensuring your guests will be coming back for seconds. The pie also allows for easy variations, like Southern Sweet Potato Pie with marshmallows or Southern Sweet Potato Pie with pecans, catering to different tastes. Its versatility and rich flavor profile make it a hit among all ages, proving why Southern Sweet Potato Pie is popular in Southern cuisine.
Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Gather these items:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, pierce, and roast sweet potatoes for 45–60 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and mash until completely smooth.
- Step 2: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish.
- Step 3: Mix mashed sweet potatoes and melted butter until smooth.
- Step 4: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, stirring well.
- Step 5: Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Step 6: Stir in evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until creamy.
- Step 7: Pour filling into crust and smooth the top.
- Step 8: Bake 50–60 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggy.
- Step 9: Cool for 2 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Keep these in mind:
- Use freshly roasted sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- Ensure your pie crust is well-chilled before adding the filling.
- Check for doneness by gently shaking the pie; it should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- For an extra touch, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Pie
This pie is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor
How to Store and Reheat Southern Sweet Potato Pie
To store, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This pie is perfect for meal prep, making it an easy dessert to whip out for any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Sweet Potato Pie
What’s the secret to perfect Southern Sweet Potato Pie?
The key to making the perfect Southern Sweet Potato Pie lies in using ripe, sweet potatoes and balancing the spices to enhance the natural sweetness. This results in an authentic flavor that makes it a classic.
Can I make Southern Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make this pie a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, ensuring it’s covered, and serve it chilled or warmed up for your guests.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Sweet Potato Pie?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your sweet potatoes are fully cooked and smooth before mixing. Also, be careful not to overbake the pie, as it should remain slightly jiggly in the center when done.
Variations of Southern Sweet Potato Pie You Can Try
Experiment with these fun variations:
- Vegan Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
- Gluten-free Southern Sweet Potato Pie: Use a gluten-free pie crust for a delicious option.
- Southern Style Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallows: Top the pie with mini marshmallows for a sweet twist.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category for inspiration.
For a delightful twist, consider trying our Chocolate Eclair Cake or Creamy Tuscan Scallops recipes.
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, visit Healthline.
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Delicious Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a rich, velvety classic that turns simple pantry ingredients into a showstopping dessert. With its smooth custard filling, warm cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and flaky buttery crust, this pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or comforting dessert ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, pierce, and roast sweet potatoes for 45–60 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and mash until completely smooth.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish.
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes and melted butter until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, stirring well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Stir in evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until creamy.
- Pour filling into crust and smooth the top.
- Bake 50–60 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggy.
- Cool 2 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg