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Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Ultimate Homemade Comfort

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie offers a rich, velvety sweetness and nostalgic flavors for dessert lovers.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes approximately 2 medium starchy, firm sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 3 tablespoons ice water added gradually
  • 1 tablespoon sugar for sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
  • 1 cup whipped cream for serving
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans for topping

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • pie plate
  • Whisk
  • pot
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Crust Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. 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 for 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Allow pie to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Serving
  1. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans before serving.

Notes

For best results, follow expert tips for choosing quality sweet potatoes and proper cooling of the pie.