Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! This Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe, made with creamy evaporated milk, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget those store-bought pies; this homemade version is incredibly easy to make and boasts a flavor that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you need a comforting, delicious treat. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and subtly spiced flavors, making it a truly special addition to any meal. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Making the Sweet Potato Filling:
- Boil sweet potatoes: Boil the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash sweet potatoes: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Add sweet potatoes: Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour into crust: Pour the sweet potato filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy slice.
Tips for the Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie:
- Use good quality sweet potatoes: The flavor of your pie heavily depends on the quality of the sweet potatoes. Choose firm, well-shaped sweet potatoes without blemishes.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely enhances its texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Add pecans or walnuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Use maple syrup: Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients and exceptional taste. It's a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. Enjoy this delicious, healthy, and quick dinner dessert!