The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Holidays

Sweet potato pie is the ultimate comfort dessert for holidays or any cozy gathering. Its velvety texture, rich sweet potato flavor, and warm spices make it a perfect pie for fall and winter, standing tall alongside pumpkin pie on the dessert table.

If you've always wanted to bake your sweet potato pie but didn't know where to start, this recipe will walk you through creating a pie that’s creamy, perfectly spiced, and guaranteed to impress your loved ones.

Read on for step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a few secrets to make the best sweet potato pie you’ve ever tasted.

Why You'll Love Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie isn’t just delicious—it’s a dessert steeped in tradition. Popular in Southern-style cooking, this pie takes simple, humble ingredients and transforms them into a magnificent, flavorful bake. Here’s why sweet potato pie deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Rich in Flavor: Thanks to naturally sweet potatoes, warm spices, and smooth custard, this pie packs depth in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With a little prep work and our foolproof steps, even beginners can nail this pie.
• A Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Sweet potato pie tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for holidays.

Now, let's get started with the ultimate sweet potato pie recipe.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

(Feel free to use store-bought pie crust for convenience.)

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream
• Crushed pecans or toasted marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Begin by baking or boiling your sweet potatoes until tender. Baking them in the oven enhances their natural sweetness. Once soft, peel off the skin and mash them thoroughly until smooth. You’ll want 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.

2. Make the Pie Crust

If you’re using homemade pie crust:

• Combine all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
• Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the dough comes together.
• Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

3. Blend the Sweet Potato Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth.

4. Assemble the Pie

Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. The filling will be fluid but will set as it bakes.

5. Bake the Pie

Transfer the pie to the oven and bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

6. Cool & Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing—this step ensures the filling sets perfectly. To serve, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed pecans, or toast marshmallows on top for a festive touch.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly baked or boiled sweet potatoes yield a superior flavor compared to canned varieties.
2. Blend Until Smooth: For a silky filling, ensure there are no lumps in your mashed sweet potatoes or pie mixture.
3. Par-Bake Crust for Crispy Edges: If you like your crust extra crisp, bake it for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
4. Make It Ahead of Time: Sweet potato pie tastes even better after it’s been refrigerated overnight, as the flavors marry beautifully.

Variations to Try

• Spiced Sweet Potato Pie: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cardamom or allspice.
• Pecan Sweet Potato Pie: Add chopped pecans to the filling or as a topping for a delightful crunch.
• Maple Syrup Twist: Replace half the sugar with maple syrup for added depth of flavor.

Why Sweet Potato Pie is Perfect for the Holidays

There’s something magical about serving sweet potato pie during large family gatherings. Its warm, spiced flavor perfectly complements traditional holiday meals. Plus, it’s a great alternative or addition to pumpkin pie for those who want to expand their dessert lineup.

From Thanksgiving dinners to Christmas celebrations, sweet potato pie always hits the right note!

A Slice of Tradition

Sweet potato pie isn’t just a dessert—it carries a sense of history and tradition with every bite. Whether you're baking one for the first time or it’s part of your family’s annual holiday menu, this pie is sure to fill your home with warmth and joy.

Try this recipe, and you may just find yourself baking it all year round!

Share Your Slice of Happiness

Enjoyed this recipe? Snap a photo of your pie, and share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #SweetPotatoPieWithUs. We’d love to see your culinary creations!