Homemade Sweet Potato Pie – Perfect Fall Dessert
🍠 Sweet Potato Pie: Creamy, Velvety, and Pure Southern Comfort

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]
There’s something incredibly special about a slice of homemade sweet potato pie. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug, a sweet whisper of tradition, and a celebration of rich, earthy flavors that just sing of home. Imagine a velvety smooth filling, bursting with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, perfectly balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Each forkful is pure bliss – creamy, comforting, and utterly irresistible. Whether it’s the star of your holiday table, a cozy Sunday treat, or a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, this sweet potato pie is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy every sweet tooth. It’s a dish that truly feeds the soul.
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Quick Glance
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 8 slices
- 💥 Vibe: Cozy, Spiced, Velvety
Jump Ahead
What You’ll Need
Creating this dreamy sweet potato pie starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create pure magic. You’ll love how easily these pantry staples transform into such an elegant and comforting dessert.
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream for an extra rich texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but adds wonderful depth)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas! Follow these simple steps to bake a sweet potato pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let them cool slightly.
- Mash Them Up: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and mash until smooth. For an extra velvety texture, you can even press them through a potato ricer or use a hand mixer.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt until well combined.
- Combine and Fill: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix with a spoon or a hand mixer until the filling is smooth and fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the Crust: Pour the sweet potato filling into your unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Gently smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for the filling to fully set! Slice and serve.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While classic sweet potato pie is a masterpiece on its own, here are a few ideas to add your personal touch or elevate your serving experience:
- Topped with Torched Meringue: For a stunning presentation and a delightful texture contrast, top your cooled pie with a fluffy meringue and lightly torch it for a golden, caramelized finish.
- Pecan Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter over the top for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Bourbon-Kissed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture for a sophisticated, warming flavor note. It pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes and spices.
- Individual Tartlets: Use mini pie crusts or cut pastry rounds to make adorable individual sweet potato tartlets, perfect for parties or portion control.
- A Dollop of Cream: Serve warm slices with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of maple syrup or vanilla bean.
Reviews
– Sarah K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”This recipe is phenomenal! The pie was incredibly creamy and perfectly spiced. My family devoured it during Thanksgiving, and I’ve already been asked to make it again!”
– James P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”I’ve tried many sweet potato pie recipes, and this one is by far the best. The tips for getting it smooth and preventing cracks were so helpful. A new family favorite!”
– Maria G. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Easy to follow and absolutely delicious. The flavor profile is spot on – not too sweet, just perfect. It reminds me of my grandmother’s pie, which is the highest compliment!”
FAQ
Q: How can I prevent my sweet potato pie from cracking?
A: The most common reason for cracking is overbaking or sudden temperature changes. To prevent this, ensure you don’t overbake (the center should still have a slight jiggle) and allow the pie to cool slowly on a wire rack at room temperature, away from drafts, before refrigerating.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Ensure you use unsweetened canned sweet potatoes and drain them very well before mashing. The flavor might be slightly less vibrant than fresh, but it will still be delicious.
Q: How should I store leftover sweet potato pie?
A: Sweet potato pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3-4 days.
Q: What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?
A: While both are custard pies with similar spices, sweet potato pie generally has a richer, denser, and naturally sweeter flavor with a silkier texture. Pumpkin pie tends to be lighter in flavor and often relies more heavily on spices.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a homemade sweet potato pie. It’s a dessert that transcends simple sweetness, offering a taste of tradition, warmth, and pure joy with every creamy, spiced bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten a regular day, this recipe will guide you to a perfect, soul-satisfying pie that gathers loved ones around the table. Don’t be shy; dive into the delightful world of sweet potato pie and create cherished memories in your kitchen today!
Recipe Note
For the absolute best texture and ease of slicing, ensure your sweet potato pie is completely cooled and preferably chilled for at least 4 hours (or even overnight) before serving. This allows the custard to fully set and develop its signature velvety consistency.
Sweet Potato Pie
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 8-10
Calories: 400
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Peel sweet potatoes, cut into chunks, and boil in lightly salted water until very tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well and mash thoroughly with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), allspice (if using), and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until the filling is smooth and well combined. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Serve warm or chilled.
Chef’s Notes: Ensure sweet potatoes are very soft and mashed completely smooth for the best pie texture. For an extra smooth filling, you can pass the mashed sweet potatoes through a food mill or blend briefly. Serve warm or chilled, optionally with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
