Imagine a dessert that captures the warmth of Southern hospitality in every single bite - a slice of sweet potato pie that's so creamy, so rich, and so perfectly spiced that it'll transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in the heart of the American South. This isn't just any pie; this is Anne Butler's legendary sweet potato pie, a recipe passed down through generations that promises to become the star of your holiday table or a decadent weekend treat that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- If using fresh sweet potatoes, wash and pierce them with a fork. Bake or boil until tender, approximately 45-50 minutes. Once cooled, peel and mash thoroughly until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk or mix with an electric mixer until all ingredients are completely blended and smooth.
- Prepare the pie crust by placing it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and trim any excess dough hanging over the rim.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 2-3 hours.
- Once cooled, the pie can be served at room temperature or chilled. Optional: Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, smooth sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh for the most flavor and creamy texture.
- Moisture Matters: Make sure to thoroughly drain and mash your sweet potatoes to prevent a watery pie filling.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Prevent Pie Crust Burning: If the edges of your pie crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- The Doneness Test: A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, and the pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when it's perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set properly, which ensures clean, beautiful slices.
- Storage Tip: This pie can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
