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Home ยป Recipes ยป Soul Food Classics

Published: Nov 15, 2024 by LaKita ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

Easy Sweet Potato Pie

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Overhead view of finished pie in pan on marble surface.
Close up view of whole finished pie on marble surface.
Slice of pie on white plate with fork in it.
Overhead view of single slice of pie on white plate by a fork.
Two photos on finished slice of pie on a white plate on pin with text overlay.
Two finished pies on marble surface on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of slice of pie on white plate with fork in it on pin with text overlay.
Four process photos to make pie on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of finished pie in pan on marble surface.

This Easy Sweet Potato Pie is a simple to prepare, homemade version of a classic southern treat. It's sweet, creamy, and full of flavor. Make this recipe soon, you won't be disappointed!

This recipe can be made with a store-bought pie crust or you can choose to make your own Homemade Buttery Pie Crust. Also if you love the flavors of sweet potato pie, then you should try making a Sweet Potato Casserole or Sweet Potato Pound Cake.  

Overhead view of slice of pie on white plate with fork in it.

To me, nothing says that it's Thanksgiving Day better than a good ole sweet potato pie.

For years, I was intimidated to even give this pie a try. Each year I would ask my mom to make this treat for me so that I could enjoy it. To me, it is the perfect dessert to end a very filling holiday meal. A few years ago I decided to spend some time in the kitchen to watch my mom make these pies and I was floored to see how easy they are to make. The hardest part about preparing these pies is the prep required for the sweet potatoes.

The recipe begins by picking out four large sweet potatoes. Next, you need to clean, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into large chunks. Lastly, you have to boil them until they are fork-tender and drain off all the water to add them to the recipe. That is all you need to do to prepare the sweet potatoes.

Place the potatoes along with all of the other pie ingredients into a stand mixer bowl or food processor and mix until smooth before adding to the pie shell to bake. That is it! This recipe is so simple and definitely worth giving a try for Thanksgiving dinner or this holiday season.

Let's get started! 

What Equipment to Use?

To make a homemade sweet potato pie, you will need a mixer! You can use a hand mixer with a large bowl or a stand mixer, either will do. This recipe could also be made by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon.

However, it will take some arm muscle to mix the ingredients together until creamy. I love using myย KitchenAid Stand Mixerย to make things easier, but I have made it with aย hand mixerย as well.ย 

What Ingredients are Needed to Make this Easy Sweet Potato Pie Recipe? 

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make pin in separate bowls on marble surface.
  1. Sweet Potatoesย - Select fresh sweet potatoes that are large and about the same size. Locate them in the produce section of the grocery store and they may also be referred to as Mississippi red sweet potatoes, or yams. If it's labeled as yams, just make sure it looks like an orange potato with red outer skin and not tree bark which is actually a yam and is not sweet. The recipe can be made with Japanese or white sweet potatoes as well.ย 
  2. Butter - Use salted or unsalted butter in your favorite brand. Allow the butter to come to room temperature before using it to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients to make the sweet potato pie filling. 
  3. Sugar - Granulated sugar (white sugar) or cane sugar works best for this pie recipe. 
  4. Milk - Be sure to use whole milk or canned evaporated milk for a little extra sweetness. This recipe has not been made with any milk substitutes, but lactose-free whole milk should work with no problem. Heavy cream could also be used instead in the same unit of measure.
  5. Eggs - You will need two large eggs for this recipe, one per pie. Try to remove them from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for easier combining with the rest of the ingredients. 
  6. Ground Nutmeg - This spice certainly makes a difference, so definitely do not omit it. 
  7. Ground Cinnamon - Make sure it is pure ground cinnamon without any additional ingredients added to it. 
  8. Vanilla Extract - Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla. Vanilla bean paste could be used instead. 
  9. Pie Crusts - 2 (frozen or refrigerated) prepared pie crusts or make your own! 

See the recipe card below for exact simple ingredients and instructions.

How to Make the Best Recipe for Sweet Potato Pie: 

Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. If you are using frozen pie crust, now is the time to remove them from the freezer and allow them to sit at room temperature while preparing the sweet potato filling. You will need two pie crusts for this recipe. 

Overhead view of two frozen pie crusts on marble surface.

Clean the sweet potatoes, peel off the skin, and cut them into large chunks. Place the prepared sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the sweet potatoes to a rolling boil over high heat and allow them to continue boiling until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. 

Boiled sweet potato chunks in large glass mixing bowl.

Carefully drain the water off the sweet potatoes and add them into a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl to use a hand mixer. Add the butter and mix on medium speed until combined. 

Sweet potato puree in large glass mixing bowl on marble surface.

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Adjust the mixer speed to low and add in the sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Add in the two eggs, adjust the mixer speed back to medium, and mix until slightly smooth.

If there are still a few chunks of sweet potato in the mixture, it's perfectly fine. 

All of the pie filling ingredients combined in large glass mixing bowl.

Turn the mixer off and slowly add the filling evenly into the two pie crusts. Add a baking sheet to the oven to place the pies on just in case so filling spills over. Place the pies into the oven to bake at 350 degrees F. for 55 to 60 minutes, until the center of the pie has set and lightly browned.

Pie filling added to pie crust on large sheet pan before baking.

Allow the pies to cool before slicing to serve.

Overhead view of two baked pie on marble surface.

Serve a slice of pie warm or at room temperature topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop ofย vanilla iceย cream. Enjoy!

Overhead view of baked pie on marble surface.

Tips to Make the Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

  • Make sure the pie crust is at least 9 inches in size. This recipe yields 2 pies.
  • You may prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance. 
  • Be sure to use whole milk for this pie recipe or you can also use canned evaporated milk. 
  • Try tasting the pie filling before adding it to the pie dish. Don't be afraid to adjust the sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg according to your preference. 
  • Be careful not to over-mix or overbake your pies. 
  • To keep this recipe simple, I use frozen pie crust or refrigerated pie crust, but you can also make your own for a completely homemade pie version. 
  • If you notice your pie crust is browning faster than the pie baking, cover the pie crust with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield. 

Storage Tips

Refrigerator. Once the sweet potato pie has completely cooled, transfer the slices to an airtight container or cover it with some aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. You may store the pie in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When ready to serve the pie again, allow it to come to room temperature or slightly reheat it before enjoying it again.

Freezer. This pie can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for up to 30 days. Allow the baked pie to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in the freezer. 

Once you're ready to serve, simply remove the pie from the freezer the night before and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving it the next day. Once the pie has fully thawed you may store it at room temperature.

Close up side view of slice of pie on white plate.

Want More Easy Holiday Recipes? Try These:

  • Easy Candied Yams
  • Cajun Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey
  • Easy Cornbread Dressing 
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • Sweet Potato Casserole 
  • Collard Greens with Ham Hocks 
  • Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts 
  • Easy Deviled Eggs 
  • Sour Cream Pound Cake
  • Overhead view of finished cabbage in large skillet.
    Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon (Easy One-Skillet Side Dish)
  • Southern Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon
  • Overhead view of green beans on a white plate by a fork on marble surface.
    Garlic Green Beans
  • Close up front view of finished pound cake on serving plate.
    Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas for this Classic Sweet Potato Pie? Please share them in the comments below!

๐Ÿ“– Recipe

Overhead view of single slice of pie on white plate by a fork.

Easy Sweet Potato Pie

LaKita Anderson
This Easy Sweet Potato Pie is a simple to prepare, homemade version of a classic southern treat. It's sweet, creamy, and full of flavor. Make this recipe soon, you won't be disappointed!
4.80 from 67 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Resting Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 286 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot or saucepan
  • 1 stand mixer or hand mixer
  • 1 large mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large sweet potatoes (4 cups mashed sweet potato)
  • ยฝ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ยฝ cup milk
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 frozen prepared pie crusts

Instructions
 

  • Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. If you are using frozen pie crust remove now is the time to remove them from the freezer and allow them to sit at room temperature while preparing the sweet potato pies. You will need two pie crust for this recipe.
  • Clean the 4 large sweet potatoes, peel off the skin, and cut them into large chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the sweet potatoes to a boil over high heat and allow them to cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.ย 
  • Drain the water off the sweet potatoes and add them into a stand mixer bowl or large bowl to use a hand mixer. Add the ยฝ cup butter and mix on medium speed until combined.ย 
  • Adjust the mixer speed to low and add in the 1 cup granulated sugar, ยฝ cup milk, ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ยฝ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Mix until combined. Add in the 2 large eggs and turn the mixer speed back on medium and mix until smooth. If there is still a few chunks of potato in the mixture, it is fine.ย 
  • Turn the mixer off and slowly add the filling evenly into the two pie crust. Place into the oven to bake at 350 degrees F. for 55 to 60 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Allow the pies to cool before serving. Serve and Enjoy!
  • Store any leftover pie in an airtight container up to 4 days. This pie may also be frozen up to 1 month.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure the pie crust is at least 9 inches in size. This recipe yields 2 pies.
  • You may prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance.ย 
  • Be sure to use whole milk for this pie recipe or you can also use canned evaporated milk.ย 
  • Try tasting the pie filling before adding it to the pie dish. Don't be afraid to adjust the sugar,ย ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg according to your preference.ย 
  • Be careful not to over-mix or overbake your pies.ย 
  • To keep this recipe simple, I use frozen pie crust or refrigerated pie crust, but you can also make your own for a completely homemade pie version.ย 
  • If you notice your pie crust is browning faster than the pie baking, cover the pie crust with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield.ย 
Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 193mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 12283IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword sweet potato pie
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 11/26/2020. Updated 11/07/2023 and 11/15/2024.

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Comments

    4.80 from 67 votes (42 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Hayley says

    November 27, 2023 at 4:32 am

    5 stars
    I prepared this sweet potato pie for thanksgiving potluck and not a single piece left. Everyone at the table enjoyed it and asked for the recipe ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you Hayley! It makes me happy to hear that it was a success at the Thanksgiving potluck ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • Vicki Ann Hernandez says

      November 15, 2024 at 11:43 am

      can you use deep dish pie crust

      Reply
      • LaKita says

        November 17, 2024 at 9:39 am

        Yes you sure can! This recipe will make enough to fill one deep dish pie crust.

        Reply
  2. Mandy D says

    November 26, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    Such a delicious pie! We had them growing up and I was thrilled to find this recipe!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you so much Mandy, it was a favorite for me growing up as well!

      Reply
  3. Tammy says

    November 26, 2023 at 3:28 pm

    5 stars
    I've only had yam pie once and it was soo delicious! I think it's a nice alternative for those who aren't a big fan of pumpkin pie. Such a wonderful holiday dessert.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you Tammy! I agree it is a nice alternative to pumpkin pie!

      Reply
  4. Jacqueline Debono says

    November 26, 2023 at 12:49 pm

    5 stars
    We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Italy and most times use sweet potatoes in savory recipes. But I have always wanted to try a sweet potato pie. This turned out so well. It was easy to make and seriously delicious!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you Jacqueline! I love hearing that and I hope that you do get a chance to give it a try. I promise that it's not overly sweet ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  5. Veronika says

    November 23, 2023 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    We made this pie for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it! It was perfectly flavored and not overly sweet!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you Veronika! Happy to hear that ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Jake Da'Daugh says

    November 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    Yep, I'm gonna try your sweet potato pie recipe.
    But, ya'll say large taters, well my market has very large sweet potatoes.
    Might be best were you to say how much weight to use.
    Thanks
    Luv your website

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      Thank you so much Jake! I completely understand and will be sure to make a note for the exact measurement/weight. Thank you for letting me know ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
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Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

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