Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert, originating from the Southern United States. It’s known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a favorite, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. The pie is made primarily from sweet potatoes, along with ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The mixture is poured into a pie crust and baked until set. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started on making your own sweet potato pie.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Pie Crust:

• You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, or make your own from scratch. If making from scratch, you’ll need:
  • 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of butter, chilled and diced
  • 1/4 cup of ice water

Instructions:

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Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, place them on a baking sheet, and bake until tender, about 45-50 minutes.
3. Once done, let them cool, then peel and mash until smooth.

Making the Pie Crust (Skip if using store-bought):

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
3. Roll dough out to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place crust in pie plate, pressing evenly into the bottom and sides.

Preparing the Pie:

1. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes, or until the pie is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Let the pie cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your homemade sweet potato pie! This dessert is not only delicious but also brings a comforting warmth, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.