Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! This Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe, made with the magic of sweetened condensed milk, is guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of warm spices and sweet potatoes. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, delivering a homemade pie that's as delicious as it is comforting. It's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread, a delightful holiday dessert, or simply a sweet treat any day of the week. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 9-inch pie.
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1 (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust (for convenience) or your favorite homemade recipe
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil or steam the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can easily check for doneness with a fork – they should pierce easily.
- Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes well and let them cool slightly.
Making the Sweet Potato Filling
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Add the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk everything together until well combined and completely smooth. This ensures a creamy and delicious pie filling.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
- Carefully pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To check for doneness, gently jiggle the pie – the center should be mostly set, with only a slight jiggle.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy pie.
Tips for the Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie:
- Sweet Potato Selection: Use sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of allspice or cardamom can add a delightful complexity.
- Make it Ahead: This pie tastes even better the next day! Make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
- Crust Options: Use your favorite pie crust recipe or buy a pre-made one for convenience. A homemade crust adds a lovely touch, but a store-bought one works perfectly well.
Variations:
- Pecan Sweet Potato Pie: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch.
- Marshmallow Topping: Top the cooled pie with toasted marshmallows for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Spiced Rum: Add 1 tablespoon of spiced rum to the filling for an adult twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator website and input your specific ingredients. However, expect a pie slice to be relatively high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, but also a good source of vitamin A and fiber from the sweet potatoes.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe! This homemade treat is perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your baking adventures – and your delicious pies! – with us on social media. Happy baking!