Southern Sweet Potato Pie: A Holiday Tradition

A Taste of Tradition

As the leaves turn and holiday spirit fills the air, many families across the South gather to prepare their favorite festive dishes. Among these delights is the beloved Southern sweet potato pie. This creamy, spiced dessert, made with real sweet potatoes and a buttery crust, evokes a sense of nostalgia and family warmth. It’s a classic that often graces tables during Thanksgiving and Christmas, reminding us of cherished holiday traditions.

Creamy, spiced, and silky smooth — this Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to every holiday table.

🕒 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 55–60 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Servings: 8

🧂 Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 cups (475g) mashed sweet potatoes (about 2–3 medium sweet potatoes)

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

• Pinch of salt

For the Crust

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

🔪 Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
   Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth — no lumps!

3. Make the Filling
   In a large bowl, beat together mashed sweet potatoes and butter until creamy.
   Add sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
   Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Pour and Bake
   Pour filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
   Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

5. Cool and Serve
   Let pie cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

💡 Pro Tips

• Roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling enhances natural sweetness.

• Add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for extra depth.

• For a silky texture, use a hand mixer or blender for the filling.