Sweet Potato Pie is the kind of nostalgic dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a velvety filling nestled in a buttery crust—pure Southern comfort baked to golden perfection. With every creamy slice, this homemade classic dazzles at fall dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, or anytime you crave a sweet, spiced treat to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together this Sweet Potato Pie couldn’t be easier. Each element, from the tender spuds to the warm, fragrant spices, plays a leading role in creating that irresistible flavor and luscious texture, while the crust provides the perfect base for everything to shine.

Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This is your canvas—store-bought works, but homemade gives a rustic touch.
Mashed sweet potatoes (2 cups): About two large sweet potatoes, roasted or boiled, bring the signature color, sweetness, and creamy foundation.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps meld all the flavors together.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create that smooth, custardy bite.
Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor and keeps things gently moist.
Evaporated milk (½ cup): Or half-and-half—this bit of dairy makes the filling silky and balanced.
Large eggs (2): The eggs help set the pie, giving it body while keeping the filling creamy.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the sweetness and accentuates the pie’s earthy flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The key spice—cinnamon infuses warmth throughout every bite.
Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Just a touch, for classic holiday aroma and flavor.
Ground ginger (¼ tsp): Lends subtle brightness and another note of spice.
Salt (¼ tsp): Brings out all the flavors and prevents the pie from tasting flat.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Shell

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently fit your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the corners for a neat base. Set it aside—your buttery crust is about to become a cozy home for that dreamy filling.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until they’re completely smooth and lump-free. If you roasted rather than boiled, you’ll notice a richer, more caramelized flavor that takes this Sweet Potato Pie to another level.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Add the softened butter to your mashed sweet potatoes and blend until creamy. Next, mix in both sugars, then add the evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, and all the lovely spices. Stir until you have a silky, fragrant batter—this is where all those Southern flavors come alive!

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour your luscious sweet potato filling into the prepared crust, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top. The color should be vibrant and inviting, promising all sorts of good things to come.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean. Don’t worry if it has a slight jiggle—it’ll firm up as it cools. Let your Sweet Potato Pie rest on a wire rack for at least 2 hours so the flavors can settle and the texture can finish setting.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie

Garnishes

A cloud of freshly whipped cream is the most classic (and beloved!) topping for Sweet Potato Pie. For something extra, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. Even a drizzle of maple syrup or a handful of toasted pecans can add delightful personality and a hint of crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Sweet Potato Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect hot-and-cold combo, or serve it alongside a fruit compote for a tangy contrast. If you’re gathering for a big feast, offer coffee or chai tea—the warm spices are simply made for each other.

Creative Ways to Present

Mini Sweet Potato Pies are always a showstopper at gatherings—use a muffin tin for perfectly portioned treats. Want to layer up the comfort? Serve slices with caramel sauce or sandwich small wedges into homemade ice cream sandwiches. For rustic charm, try serving right from the pie dish at the table, letting everyone cut their own hearty slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover the pie snugly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Sweet Potato Pie keeps beautifully for up to four days, and in fact, some swear it tastes even better on day two as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save leftovers for later, this pie freezes like a dream. Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. When the craving strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-pie warmth again, place slices on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through. Microwaving works, too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Do I need to roast or boil the sweet potatoes?

Roasting the sweet potatoes before mashing brings out deeper, caramelized flavors that make the pie extra special, but boiling works fine if you’re short on time. Either way, just make sure they’re tender and mash them thoroughly for the silkiest filling.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the pie up to two days in advance. Cool it completely, cover, and store in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature or give it a gentle reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, using a ready-made pie crust is a wonderful shortcut and makes Sweet Potato Pie accessible for even the busiest cooks. If you have a little extra time, though, a homemade crust adds a buttery, flaky touch.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The center should be set, not liquidy, with just a slight wobble when you gently shake the pie. A knife inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean—resist overbaking, as the pie continues to firm up as it cools.

Is Sweet Potato Pie the same as pumpkin pie?

While they share a similar spiced filling and creamy texture, Sweet Potato Pie has a naturally richer, earthier flavor and a beautiful orange color. Both are crowd-pleasers at holiday tables, but sweet potato has its own devoted following!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s big on comfort, tradition, and flavor, it’s hard to top homemade Sweet Potato Pie. Give it a try—your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and the recipe) before you know it!