Heavenly Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Dessert Delight
Are you in the mood for something sweet, comforting, and quintessentially Southern? Look no further than this Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe. This dessert is the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet potato goodness, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.
As a chef specializing in Southern cuisine, I can attest that this recipe is the epitome of soul food – it’s sweet, rich, and hearty. There’s no denying that sweet potato pie holds a special place at the table during holidays and special occasions. In fact, it’s been around for centuries and has transcended cultural boundaries to become a beloved staple in homes across America.
But what sets this particular recipe apart from others is that it calls for fresh sweet potatoes, rather than canned. This gives the pie a natural sweetness that can’t be replicated with artificial preservatives or added sugars. And while it may require an extra step to prepare the sweet potatoes, trust me when I say that your taste buds will thank you for taking the time to mash them up.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan of pumpkin pie or simply looking to try something new, I invite you to give this Southern Sweet Potato Pie a chance. It’s an old-fashioned southern-style dessert that’ll warm you up from head to toe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of soul food and southern-style desserts, then this sweet potato pie recipe is definitely going to win you over. One of the reasons why this recipe stands out is because it’s packed with classic southern flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. From the nutmeg and cinnamon, to the brown sugar and vanilla extract, every ingredient in this recipe contributes to its irresistible flavor.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the star ingredient – sweet potatoes. Not only are they a staple in southern cuisine, but they also add a unique sweetness and texture that’s impossible to resist. The combination of creamy sweet potato filling and buttery crust makes for a truly unforgettable dessert.
But what I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it up for Thanksgiving dinner or just as a mid-week treat, this sweet potato pie is perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
So if you’re in the mood for a delicious and indulgent dessert that’s true to its southern roots, then look no further than this sweet potato pie recipe. Trust me, it’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire – and for good reason!
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients we will need for this scrumptious southern sweet potato pie recipe. This recipe makes use of some essential components for classic southern-style pies, ensuring that your pie is packed with flavourful and comforting goodness.
- Pie crust: 9 inch, unbaked
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 cups of fresh sweet potatoes, baked, cooled, and mashed (about 2 medium sweet potatoes).
- Brown sugar: 1 cup
- Granulated white sugar: ½ cup
- Unsalted butter: 1 stick (1/2 cup), softened
- Canola oil: ½ cup
- Evaporated milk: 1 can (12 oz)
- Large eggs: 2 beaten
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
All of these ingredients are necessary to make the perfect sweet potato pie. Be sure to have them on hand before beginning the recipe. You can find most of these items in your pantry or easily at your local grocery store.
In the next section, we’ll go over how to put these ingredients together to make a mouth-watering southern sweet potato pie.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all of our ingredients, it’s time to start making our delicious southern sweet potato pie.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Take the pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish. Set aside.
Step 3: Peel and Mash Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop 2 pounds of fresh sweet potatoes and boil them in a medium-sized pot until they are tender. Drain and then mash them until they are smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients for the Pie Filling
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with 1 ¼ cups of white sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 2 large eggs beaten, teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Step 5: Combine Pie Crust and Filling
Pour the pie mixture into the prepared crust.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Pie
Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool completely before slicing into pieces.
This recipe will remind you of soul food at its best – Southern Sweet Potato Pie is renowned as a classic recipe commonly found on dinner tables during festive occasions. Enjoy your freshly baked pie with a dollop of whipped cream, evaporated milk or sour cream. Perfectly paired with coffee or tea or just about any dessert drink.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to add a little twist to your sweet potato pie recipe? While this southern-style dessert is already a classic on its own, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can make to create your own unique spin.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of using butter or can’t consume dairy, you can substitute it with canola oil or vegan butter instead. This will still give your pie the same richness that butter provides while also catering to dietary restrictions.
Another interesting variation is adding corn syrup to the pie filling. While not traditionally included in sweet potato pies, it can give your dessert a richer texture and make it even more decadent. Just keep in mind that it will also increase the sweetness level, so consider reducing the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
For those who prefer a spicier taste, you can experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or allspice. These warm spices can elevate the flavors of your sweet potato pie and add some complexity to its taste.
Lastly, if you want to turn up the flavor dial even further, try substituting the traditional pumpkin spice blend with apple pie spice. The touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in this blend pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes, giving them an appetizing flavor.
Remember that these substitutions and variations are simply suggestions – it’s up to you to get creative with your ingredients and experiment with different flavors until you find the one that suits your tastes best!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a dessert that can serve as the perfect ending to any southern-style meal. You can serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature – just make sure to give it at least an hour to cool down if it was freshly baked.
For a classic pairing, you can serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The flavors of the fluffy, creamy whipped cream complement the sweet potato filling perfectly. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try topping your pie with a spoonful of sour cream instead. The tanginess of the sour cream cuts through the sweetness of the pie and brings out its rich earthy flavors.
If you want to take things up a notch, you can pair your sweet potato pie with a dessert wine such as Moscato or Riesling. These wines are light, sweet, and fruity – the perfect complement to this indulgent southern soul food dessert.
For those with a sweet tooth craving, you can drizzle corn syrup over your pie or add extra brown sugar into it. However, some might find this too sweet which makes sour cream an alternative option.
Southern Sweet Potato Pie is not just for dessert! You can enjoy leftover slices as a breakfast treat or snack on-the-go. This delightful dish embodies southern comfort food culture and brings people together at any gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Southern sweet potato pie is a perfect dessert to make ahead of time for special occasions or events. You can store the pie in the refrigerator for up to three days, or even freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
When reheating your sweet potato pie, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let the pie come to room temperature first. Then, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil and cover the pie with a sheet of aluminum foil before placing it in the oven. This will prevent the crust from burning or over-browning. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
You can serve the reheated pie as is or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, this southern-style dessert is sure to please any crowd. So, give it a try and impress your guests with your baking skills and your soulful taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a Southern Sweet Potato Pie, there are a few tips that can help ensure perfect results every time. As a seasoned chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have used these tips to create pies that are always delicious and well-received by my customers. Here are some of my tried and true tips for making the best Southern Sweet Potato Pie:
1. Use fresh sweet potatoes: The key ingredient in this recipe is the sweet potato, so be sure to use fresh ones that are in season. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your pie.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes well: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. This will make for a consistent and creamy pie filling.
3. Follow the recipe exactly: To ensure the perfect balance of flavors and texture, be sure to follow the recipe exactly as written. This includes measurements, cooking times, and ingredient substitutions.
4. Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can cause it to become tough and dry. Mix until everything is combined but don’t go overboard.
5. Use room temperature ingredients: Using ingredients that are at room temperature will ensure that they incorporate more easily into the batter and result in a smoother filling.
6. Let the pie cool before slicing: Allow enough time for your sweet potato pie to cool down before slicing into it so that it sets properly and doesn’t fall apart or ooze.
7. Add a topping: Sweet potato pie pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream on each slice adds another layer of sweetness.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Southern Sweet Potato Pie that is sure to please any crowd. Just remember, practice makes perfect – keep trying until you find your favorite variation!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe. These questions will help ensure that you make the best pie possible and troubleshoot any problems that may arise in the process. So, let’s dive in!
What do Patti Labelle put in her sweet potato pie?
For this recipe, we will need around 5 medium-sized sweet potatoes or yams, weighing approximately 2 1/2 pounds. These should be properly cleansed, but we don’t need to peel them. Other essential ingredients include a stick of melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, evaporated milk (refer to Patti’s Pointers for more information), 2 large eggs, freshly grated or ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let’s get started!
How to make a Paula Deen sweet potato pie?
For this delightful recipe, we’ll need 2 cups of sweet potatoes that are peeled, cooked, and cut into cubes. Along with that, we’ll also require 1 ¼ cups of sugar, which we’ll divide into portions, and a pinch of sugar. Half a stick of butter, which is ¼ cup when melted, 2 eggs, and either 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon will also be necessary. To add some flavor, add ¼ teaspoon each of salt, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to the mix.
How do you thicken a sweet potato pie filling?
When preparing this southern-style dish, it’s important to keep an eye on the consistency of the mixture. In case it becomes too watery, gradually add flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it has thickened up to a smooth and creamy texture resembling that of applesauce.
How do you make Patti Labelle sweet potatoes?
To prepare this southern-style sweet potato recipe, first, cook the sweet potatoes until they become soft. This usually takes about 25 minutes and can be done by boiling them in a large stockpot. Once cooked, drain them and allow them to cool for a bit until they can be easily handled. Then, peel the potatoes and put them into a big bowl. While the sweet potatoes are still warm, it’s time to add in the butter, cream, agave, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix the ingredients up well until the mixture becomes smooth. To finish it off, sprinkle over some orange zest.
Bottom Line
in a persuasive style:
In conclusion, if you are looking for an indulgent and soul-warming dessert, look no further than this Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe. With its rich and decadent filling, warm spices, and flaky pie crust base, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
But what makes this pie truly special is the tradition and history that it represents. As a staple of Southern cuisine, sweet potato pie has been enjoyed by generations of Black folks and served at holiday meals and special occasions all across the region.
By making this pie for your loved ones, you are not only treating them to a delicious dessert but also honoring a longstanding culinary tradition. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of Southern hospitality into your own home.
So go ahead, try out this recipe today and savor every bite of your own homemade sweet potato pie. Just don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite for years to come.
Southern Sweet Potatoe Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 sweet potatoes
- 6 teaspoons canola oil
- 2 -3 cups white sugar (to your preferred sweetness)
- 1 cup brown sugar (to your preferred sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 2 pie crusts
- 2 egg whites
Instructions
- To prepare Sweet Potatoes:
- With the oil cover the sweet potatoe skin with the oil 1 teaspoon =1 sweet potatoe.
- Poke holes in the sweet potatoe on all sides with a fork.
- Place on a cookie sheet and bake @ 375 degrees for about an hour or until the sweet potaotes are mushy to touch.
- Take them out of the oven and let cool. Once cooled the skin has to be peeled. It will peel off very easily to be careful not to tear up the sweet potatoe.
- Once they are all peeled put in a big bowl and with an electrical mixer start blending the sweet potatoes.
- Blend all wet ingredients together except the egg whites.
- Blend all dry ingredients together. The potatoes will be a little heavier than pudding consistency.
- Once all blended taste to adjust sugar sweetness to your liking.
- Next beat egg whites until you have high peaks.
- Fold in egg whites . Potoaotes will fluff up with air. ( Don't mix the potatoes will flatten).
- Pour potatoes into pie crusts and bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minuets. You'll start to see dark brown areas on the top of the pies.
- Take out let it cool.
- Once cool serve with cool whip. Yummy!