Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Ultimate Homemade Comfort

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something truly comforting about the rich, velvety sweetness of a Southern Sweet Potato Pie fresh out of the oven. I first fell in love with this classic dessert on a crisp autumn afternoon, when the warm spices and creamy filling felt like a cozy hug on a plate. What makes this pie so special isn’t just its buttery crust or the cinnamon-kissed sweetness of the sweet potatoes, but how effortlessly it brings people together around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just craving a homemade treat that beats anything from fast food, this recipe is your ticket to a slice of Southern tradition that’s both simple to make and impossible to resist.

Why choose Southern Sweet Potato Pie?

Irresistible Comfort: This Southern Sweet Potato Pie delivers a warm, nostalgic flavor that feels like a cozy hug. Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, even beginners can create show-stopping results. Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you crave homemade goodness. Rich Texture: Velvety filling paired with a buttery crust creates a perfect balance. Time-Saving: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for last-minute cravings or festive occasions.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients

For the Filling

Sweet Potatoes – Choose starchy, firm sweet potatoes for a smooth, creamy texture that defines Southern Sweet Potato Pie.
Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel notes and natural sweetness without overpowering the potatoes.
Heavy Cream – Provides richness and a velvety mouthfeel, essential for that classic pie filling.
Eggs – Bind the filling together and give it a luscious, custard-like consistency.
Butter – Adds depth and a silky finish; use unsalted to control overall saltiness.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice, enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Ground Nutmeg – Offers a subtle earthy warmth that rounds out the spices perfectly.
Vanilla Extract – Brightens flavors and lends a subtle aromatic sweetness unique to Southern Sweet Potato Pie.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors for a harmonious taste.

For the Crust

All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of a flaky, tender pie crust for perfect support of the filling.
Cold Unsalted Butter – Cut into flour to create a light, buttery crust with delightful flakiness.
Ice Water – Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, keeping the crust crisp.
Sugar – Just a touch to add sweetness and help the crust brown beautifully.
Salt – Essential to enhance the overall flavor of the crust.

Optional Topping

Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pie, elevating each bite.
Pecans – Toasted pecans provide crunch and a nutty depth, making every slice even more irresistible.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie

For the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold, cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs about the size of peas; work quickly.
Form Dough:
Drizzle ice water, one tablespoon at a time, combining gently until dough comes together. Gather into a ball, flatten into a 1-inch-thick disc, wrap in plastic, and chill 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to pie plate, trim excess, and flute the edges for a decorative finish.
For the Filling:
Peel and cut sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then return to pot and mash until completely smooth and lump-free.
Mix Filling:
In a large bowl, blend mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, heavy cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until filling is silky, smooth, and homogenous.
Fill & Bake:
Pour filling into prepared crust, smoothing top with a spatula. Bake in 350°F oven for 50–60 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. Watch for a light golden crust.
Cool Pie:
Allow pie to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then refrigerate at least 1 hour. Cooling fully ensures clean slices and lets flavors deepen for that perfect texture.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Southern Sweet Potato Pie options are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days in advance; simply roll it out, fit it into the pie plate, and refrigerate it wrapped tightly in plastic. The filling can also be made ahead—mix it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to finish your pie, simply pour the chilled filling into the crust and bake as directed. This method not only keeps your pie just as delicious but also allows for a more relaxed baking experience—ideal for family gatherings or busy weeknights!

What to Serve with Southern Sweet Potato Pie?

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a slice of pie, and what better way to elevate that experience than by pairing it with the right accompaniments?

Creamy Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy sweetness that complements the rich filling beautifully.
Toasted Pecan Crumble: Offering a delightful crunch, toasted pecans enhance the nutty notes of the pie while bringing additional depth of flavor.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in spiced apple cider mimic the flavors in the pie, creating a harmonious balance that feels like a comforting hug in a mug. Sip it while enjoying dessert for a cozy experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream melts into the warm pie, providing a creamy contrast that perfectly offsets the velvety texture of the filling.
Fresh Pear Salad: A light salad with sliced pears, mixed greens, and a drizzle of honey vinaigrette offers refreshing brightness, cutting through the dessert’s richness.
Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee, whether served hot or iced, create a delightful pairing, balancing the pie’s sweetness with a warm, inviting aroma.
Pecan Pie Bars: For those who want a double dessert experience, these nutty bars harmonize with the sweet potatoes, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the meal.
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy, sweet tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon sugar offer a playful texture and flavor contrast to the smooth pie, making dessert even more fun.

Variations & Substitutions for Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Feel free to add your own twist to this comforting classic with these delightful variations!

Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a pie everyone can enjoy.
Maple Syrup: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup to impart a unique flavor that elevates the sweetness beautifully.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that perfectly balances the sweet filling. The warmth of the spice will surprise you in every bite!
Nutty Crust: Incorporate ground pecans into your crust for an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the filling perfectly.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them—your pie will have an irresistible depth.
Coconut Milk: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still delivers that lush texture, plus a hint of tropical flavor.
Chocolate Swirl: For chocolate lovers, fold in a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate into the filling for a rich, decadent treat.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in some mashed bananas or pureed apples for added sweetness and moisture, creating a unique twist on the classic pie.

These simple swaps and enhancements invite your creativity to shine, turning a traditional favorite into a personalized masterpiece!

Expert Tips for Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for starchy, firm sweet potatoes to achieve that creamy, velvety texture classic to Southern Sweet Potato Pie.
Avoid Overmixing Filling: Mix ingredients until smooth but don’t overbeat; this keeps the filling light and prevents cracking during baking.
Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the crust dough before rolling to maintain flakiness and prevent shrinking while baking.
Test for Doneness: The pie’s center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid; a fully set filling ensures perfect texture without being dry.
Cool Completely: Let the pie cool thoroughly before slicing to allow flavors to meld and ensure clean, beautiful slices.
Enhance with Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or toasted pecans adds contrast and elevates your homemade Southern Sweet Potato Pie experience.

How to Store and Freeze Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Room Temperature: Once cooled, Southern Sweet Potato Pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days; cover loosely with a clean cloth to keep it fresh.

Fridge: To prolong freshness, refrigerate pie for up to 4 days in an airtight container. This helps maintain its creamy filling and overall flavor.

Freezer: You can freeze Southern Sweet Potato Pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, restoring that lovely texture.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my sweet potatoes are right for Southern Sweet Potato Pie?
Choose firm, starchy sweet potatoes without dark spots or sprouts. They should feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin. These characteristics ensure a creamy, velvety filling perfect for Southern Sweet Potato Pie.

What’s the best way to store leftover Southern Sweet Potato Pie?
After cooling completely, you can store the pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Room temperature storage is okay for 2 days if covered loosely, but refrigeration keeps the custard filling fresh and safe.

Can I freeze Southern Sweet Potato Pie, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to lock in freshness and prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

My Southern Sweet Potato Pie cracks when baking. How can I avoid that?
Cracking usually means the filling was overmixed or overbaked. Mix ingredients gently until smooth, and bake until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Avoid opening the oven door too often. Cooling the pie gradually on a wire rack prevents sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.

Are there any dietary considerations when making Southern Sweet Potato Pie for pets or those with allergies?
This pie contains ingredients like eggs, dairy, and spices that aren’t suitable for pets. If baking for guests with allergies, you can substitute dairy with coconut cream and use an egg replacement like flaxseed meal mixed with water. Always check with your guests first to accommodate their dietary needs safely.