Sweet Potato Pie Recipe: A Thanksgiving Classic
There are few things in life that can comfort the soul quite like a delicious, homemade pie. The aroma of warm, buttery crust and sweet, spiced filling wafting through the house is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have tasted and created my fair share of pies. But there is one special recipe that always stands out from the rest: mock-southern sweet potato pie.
This recipe is the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. It takes the classic southern staple of sweet potato pie and gives it a modern twist with some unexpected ingredients. Don’t let the word “mock” fool you – this pie is just as rich and flavorful as the real thing. But with some small tweaks to the traditional recipe, this mock version is healthier, lower in carbs and sugars, while still indulging your sweet tooth.
If you are a fan of sweet potatoes or soul food, then this pie recipe is for you. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering or holiday celebration. So put on some music, dust off your apron, and get ready to make the best sweet potato pie you’ve ever had – southern-style with a delicious mock twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for soul food that satisfies your sweet tooth without leaving you with a sugar overload? Look no further than this mock-Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe. This dessert is sure to become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
Firstly, this pie is jam-packed with flavor. The combination of nutmeg and vanilla extract with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. The balance of brown and white sugar also adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
Secondly, this recipe is so versatile that it can be easily modified to suit dietary requirements. By using skim milk instead of evaporated milk, this recipe becomes low in fat and calories. Additionally, it’s perfect for those who follow a low-carb diet as sweet potatoes contain fewer carbs than pumpkin pie. You won’t find a more satisfying dessert that still allows you to maintain your healthy eating habits.
Lastly, this pie is easy to make, even if you are not an experienced baker. With simple instructions and common ingredients easily found at your local grocery store, this Southern favorite can be made in no time.
Overall, our mock-Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its unique blend of spices and sugars deliver unparalleled flavor that provides both health benefits and satisfaction to your sweet tooth. Give it a try today!
Ingredient List
To make this mock-southern sweet potato pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups of flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
-
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
-
Pie Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before you start. You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store or online.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Follow these steps to make your own delicious mock-southern sweet potato pie.
Making the Pie Crust:
Step 1: Prepare the crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1¼ cups of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Once mixed together, add ⅓ cup of vegetable oil and 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix the ingredients well with a fork until they are well combined.
Step 2: Roll out the dough and place in the pie plate
Lightly grease a nine-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Pour the dough mixture into the center of the pie plate and then spread it around so that it covers the entire bottom and sides. Use a fork to create small indents on the edges of the dough for decoration.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place pie crust in preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
Making the Sweet Potato Pie Filling:
Step 1: Boil sweet potatoes
Peel and cut three medium sweet potatoes into small pieces. Boil them until soft enough to mash (about 20-25 minutes). Reduce heat if you find that they are boiling too rapidly to avoid splattering.
Step 2: Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Mash sweet potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are boiled, remove them from heat and mash them using a fork or potato masher. Then you will need to add these ingredients:
- ¾ cups brown sugar
- ½ cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1 ½ cups skim milk
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step 4: Combine ingredients and pour into pie crust
Mix the sweet potato mash and the above ingredients together until well mixed. Once fully combined, pour into pie crust.
Step 5: Bake the pie
Bake your pie for 60 minutes or until it is firm.
And there you have it! A delicious mock-southern sweet potato pie that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering or soul-food feast.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re feeling like switching things up a bit, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can try out for this mock-southern sweet potato pie recipe.
For starters, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute sugar with a low-carb sweetener or sugar-free syrup. You can also use skim milk in place of evaporated milk for a lower-fat version.
If you’re a fan of the tender flakiness of traditional pie crusts, you can use an old-fashioned sweet pie crust instead of the mock-crush recipe provided. This will give your pie a texture that is similar to pumpkin pie.
Alternatively, if you want to experiment with the flavors, try adding some pecans to the crust or mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling mixture. Another variation is to use brown sugar instead of white sugar, which will give your pie a richer flavor.
You can even transform this sweet potato pie into mini sweet potato pies by using muffin tins to create individual servings. This is perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can just grab and go.
At last, it’s important to keep in mind that these substitutions and variations may alter the taste and texture of your mock-southern sweet potato pie. So be creative, but also make sure to pay attention to how different ingredients affect your dish.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your sweet potato pie is out of the oven and has had time to cool, it’s time to think about serving and pairing this mock-Southern classic.
First, consider cutting your pie into slices of even thickness – usually about ½ inch to 1 inch thick depending on your preference. A smooth slicing motion with a sharp knife will help ensure a clean cut.
This sweet potato pie is delicious on its own but why not take it up a notch and serve it alongside some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream? The smooth, cool texture of homemade whipped cream pairs perfectly with this rich, warm pie. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try adding a dollop of bourbon-infused whipped cream for a boozy twist.
If you want to make your mock-Southern sweet potato pie the centerpiece of a larger spread, consider pairing it with some savory dishes. Some popular options include fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens, or black-eyed peas – all classic staples of Southern cuisine.
For those who prefer something lighter, try pairing your pie with a fresh fruit salad or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette. The tartness of citrus fruits and the pop of pomegranate seeds can help balance out the sweetness of the pie while also adding some beautiful color to your plate.
And don’t forget to start off your meal with a warm bowl of soup, like gumbo or smoked sausage and kale soup – soul food classics that will get your taste buds dancing in anticipation for your sweet potato pie dessert.
Serving and pairing are all about preferences but once you’ve found the perfect match for your mock-Southern sweet potato pie, sit back and enjoy as all these flavors come together in one delicious feast!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have perfected your mock-southern sweet potato pie recipe, the next step is to figure out how to store it appropriately. Fortunately, this pie stores really well and can be made ahead of time without losing its flavor or texture.
If you’re planning on making this pie a day ahead, allow it to cool at room temperature and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also add a layer of aluminum foil for added protection. This will keep your pie fresh for up to three days.
If you want to make it even further ahead, you have the option of freezing it. The key to doing this successfully is to wrap each slice separately with plastic wrap before putting them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready to thaw them out, just take them out of the freezer and leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating your sweet potato pie is easy too! You can simply heat up individual slices in the microwave, but if you’re looking for the best results, reheat the entire pie in the oven. Take off any decorative top crusts first and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed throughout.
Once reheated, feel free to add a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat. Now that you know how easy it is to store and re-heat this soulful dessert, there’s no need to wait for that special occasion before enjoying another delicious slice.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the ingredients ready and the steps to make it happen, let me share with you some tips to make your sweet potato pie the best it can be.
In this southern sweet potato pie recipe, some parts of the process such as making the crust or preparing the filling might not sound too complicated, but little details can make all the difference in achieving the perfect pie with a tender crust and a flavorful, smooth filling.
Here are my tips that can help you to avoid some common mistakes and pull off an excellent mock-southern sweet potato pie:
1. Pre-baking the Pie Crust
Before pouring in the filling, pre-bake your crust for at least 10 minutes to ensure that it is sturdy enough to hold up well against that deliciously creamy and rich filling. To do so, prick all over with a fork and brush with a light coating of beaten egg. This will prevent it from becoming soggy.
2. Use Smooth Sweet Potato Puree
Make sure your sweet potatoes are well-cooked, soft but not mushy. The puree should be super-smooth before mixing in other ingredients to obtain a luscious texture for the pie filling.
3. Don’t Overfill
Be careful not to overfill your pie shell with too much filling as this will cause cracking on top when baking. Leave about ¼ inch space between the filling and crust edge.
4. Let Your Pie Cool Completely Before Slicing
It’s essential to let your sweet potato pie cool completely before slicing it properly without ruining its structure. Resting it overnight in the refrigerator is an excellent decision for better texture.
5. A Pinch of Nutmeg Makes All The Difference
While nutmeg is already included in our recipe, adding an additional pinch can enhance sweetness and complement the flavor profile of your sweet potato pie.
Remember that each oven is different; therefore, take into account that cooking time and temperature could vary at some point. Keep watching your pie carefully to avoid overbaking; you want it firm but not burned.
Try these tips, and don’t forget to leave a comment below telling us how your pie turned out!
FAQ
Before we move on to the FAQ section, let’s review a few things. The mock-southern sweet potato pie recipe is a household favorite for those who crave a traditional southern comfort dish with a modern twist. Combining both white and brown sugar, as well as fragrant spices like nutmeg, this pie is sure to tantalize your taste buds. If you’re wondering what makes this pie “mock-southern”, the secret is that it cuts back on some of the traditional southern sweeteners but maintains the same sweet, buttery flavor. By using skim milk instead of sweetened condensed milk and less sugar overall, it offers a health-conscious alternative to classic versions while retaining its delicious taste. Now, let’s dive into the FAQ section and address some of the questions that might come up when making this recipe.
How do you make Patti Labelle sweet potato pies?
For this recipe, we’ll need around 2 and a half pounds of unpeeled, scrubbed yams, which equates to about 5 medium-sized ones. We’ll use a melted stick of unsalted butter, a cup of granulated sugar, half a cup of evaporated milk (you can refer to Patti’s Pointers section below for some useful tips), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon each of freshly grated or ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of salt.
How to make a Paula Deen sweet potato pie?
For this recipe, we will need 2 cups of sweet potatoes that have been peeled, cooked, and cubed. We’ll also need 1 ¼ cups of sugar, which we will divide, along with a pinch of additional sugar. A quarter cup of melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon will also be required. Finally, we’ll need ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Why is my sweet potato pie not firm?
When preparing for a pie, boiling the sweet potatoes may not be the best approach as it can result in a runny consistency. It is crucial to remove the skin and mash the potatoes, but no need to stress over getting a perfectly smooth texture. In fact, leaving some small chunks will enhance the overall texture of your pie. And trust me, the end result will be delicious!
Is it better to boil or roast sweet potatoes for pie?
When it comes to preparing sweet potatoes for a delicious pie, most recipes suggest either steaming or boiling them. However, these methods result in soggy and diluted sweet potatoes. On the other hand, baking sweet potatoes whole intensifies their natural taste and sweetness, creating a much more scrumptious filling.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Mock-Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your guests, this pie is sure to please.
With its creamy sweet potato filling, warm spices, and flaky pie crust, this dish is a true comfort food that will remind you of the traditional Southern-style desserts. Even if you are not from the South, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in a piece of soul food with every bite.
So why not give this recipe a try? You’ll love how easy it is to make, and how easily adaptable it is to your personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer a sweeter or less-sweet version of this pie, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can experiment with.
Not only is this recipe delicious and satisfying, but it’s also a great way to include more sweet potatoes into your diet. Being rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a healthy choice that can contribute to your overall well-being.
In summary, this Mock-Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves good food and wants to add some Southern charm to their dessert repertoire. Give it a go and enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this amazing pie!
Mock-Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/3 cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Filling
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup evaporated skim milk, canned
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crust:
- Combine the flour and sugar in a bowl.
- Add milk and oil to the flour mixture.
- Stir with fork until well mixed and then form pastry into a smooth ball with your hands.
- Roll the ball between two 12-inch squares of waxed paper using short, brisk strokes until pastry reaches edge of paper.
- Peel off top paper and invert crust into pie plate.
- Filling:
- Combine sugars, salt, spices, and eggs.
- Add milk and vanilla. Stir.
- Add sweet potatoes and mix well.
- Pour mixture into pie shell.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool and cut into 16 slices.