How to Make a Sweet Potato Pie

How to Make a Sweet Potato Pie is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Simple Way with Delilah on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 15 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 2 hrs 22 min

Cost: $7.76 total, $0.97 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 medium Sweet Potatoes (deep orange, smaller potatoes are sweeter; baked then peeled)
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated White Sugar
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature, melted but not hot)
  • 1 cup Half-and-Half (room temperature)
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (sifted; helps thicken filling)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 9‑inch Pie Crust (store‑bought, thawed completely before filling)

Instructions

  1. Bake Sweet Potatoes

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, prick each potato 9 times with a fork or knife, and bake for about 45 minutes until they are tender and the skins are lightly caramelized.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Cool and Peel

    Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and discard any strings.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Blend Sweet Potato Flesh

    Transfer the peeled sweet potato flesh to a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer on medium speed to puree until completely smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Sugars, Spices, and Flavorings

    To the pureed sweet potatoes add brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix on low until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Incorporate Butter and Half‑and‑Half

    Stir in the melted (but not hot) butter followed by the room‑temperature half‑and‑half. Mix until the mixture is glossy and homogeneous.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Eggs and Flour

    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, sift in the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing just until combined. The custard should be smooth, fluffy, and slightly thick.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Blind‑Bake the Pie Crust

    Place the thawed pie crust in the 9‑inch pie dish. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Bake the Filled Pie

    Pour the sweet potato custard into the pre‑baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the pie to the oven and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool and Set

    Allow the pie to cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator and let it set for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing.

    Time: PT3H30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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How to Make a Sweet Potato Pie

Recipe by The Simple Way with Delilah

A creamy, sweet, and lightly tangy sweet potato pie made from scratch. The recipe walks you through baking sweet potatoes until caramelized, blending them into a smooth custard, and baking the filling in a flaky crust. Let the pie set for a few hours for the perfect slice.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4h 3m
Prep
1h 37m
Cook
41m
Cleanup
6h 21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.76
Total cost
$0.97
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Prick and bake sweet potatoes until caramelized
  • Blend sweet potatoes to a completely smooth puree
  • Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
  • Blind‑bake the crust to avoid sogginess
  • Let the pie set for several hours before serving

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets and pie dish
  • Melted butter is hot; avoid splatter burns
  • Sharp knife or fork used to prick potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sweet Potato Pie in Southern American cuisine?

A

Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert that dates back to the 19th century when sweet potatoes were a staple crop in the American South. It became a holiday favorite, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, as a comforting alternative to pumpkin pie.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sweet Potato Pie in the United States?

A

In the Deep South, the pie often includes warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while some Appalachian versions add a splash of bourbon. Coastal variations may incorporate orange zest for extra brightness.

cultural
Q

How is Sweet Potato Pie traditionally served in Southern households?

A

It is typically served chilled or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, and sometimes topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sweet Potato Pie traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Sweet potato pie is a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings throughout the year, symbolizing comfort and hospitality.

cultural
Q

What makes Sweet Potato Pie special or unique in American dessert cuisine?

A

The natural sweetness and creamy texture of baked sweet potatoes give the pie a dense yet airy custard that differs from pumpkin or pecan pies, offering a distinct flavor profile that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sweet Potato Pie?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the flour which can make the filling tough, using cold dairy ingredients that cause curdling, and skipping the blind‑bake which leads to a soggy crust.

technical
Q

Why does this Sweet Potato Pie recipe use room‑temperature butter and half‑and‑half instead of melted butter and cold milk?

A

Room‑temperature dairy incorporates evenly without shocking the custard, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, fluffy texture. Melted butter that is too hot can partially cook the eggs.

technical
Q

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After baking, let the pie cool completely, then refrigerate it covered for up to four days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions for up to two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Sweet Potato Pie is done?

A

The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should still have a slight wobble when the pan is gently shaken. Once cooled, the filling will firm up to a custard‑like consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Simple Way with Delilah specialize in?

A

The Simple Way with Delilah focuses on straightforward, beginner‑friendly recipes that break down classic comfort foods into easy‑to‑follow steps, emphasizing practical tips and minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Simple Way with Delilah's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Delilah emphasizes simplicity and clarity, often using everyday pantry ingredients and avoiding overly technical jargon, which makes traditional Southern dishes like Sweet Potato Pie accessible to home cooks of any skill level.

channel

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