There’s something magical about a perfectly baked sweet potato pie — smooth, creamy, and spiced just right. It’s a dessert that instantly brings warmth to any table, from a casual Sunday dinner to the most festive holiday feast. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your guests. With its rich flavor and golden filling, it’s a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Southern-Style Sweet Potato Pie
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4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lb / 900 g)
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1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
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4 large eggs
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2 cups (400 g) sugar
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1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
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1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp (0.75 g) ground cinnamon
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1/8 tsp (0.4 g) ground allspice
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1 stick (1/2 cup / 113 g) butter, room temperature
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2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
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1 package 9-inch (23-centimeter) pie crusts, or homemade
How to Make Southern-Style Sweet Potato Pie
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Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut into cubes and place in a large heavy pot with the salt. Cook over medium-high heat until the potatoes are fork-tender, but not falling apart. Drain well in a colander and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
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Add the butter to the hot potatoes and mash until completely smooth. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Add the eggs and blend thoroughly. Pour in the evaporated milk and continue mixing until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. Taste the filling and adjust sweetness or spice if desired.
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Divide the filling between two 9-inch (23-centimeter) deep-dish pie shells. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
The Perfect Sweet Ending
This sweet potato pie is pure comfort on a plate — velvety, flavorful, and beautifully spiced. Whether you serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy it plain, each bite is a reminder of why this pie is such a beloved holiday tradition. Make one for the family, and you might just find it disappears faster than any pumpkin pie you’ve ever baked.
