Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe (Easy Thanksgiving & Holiday Dessert)
Few desserts are as beloved in the South as a homemade Sweet Potato Pie. With its silky smooth filling, warm blend of spices, buttery flavor, and flaky pie crust, this classic recipe has been a centerpiece on holiday tables for generations.
Made with roasted sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy milk, this Southern Sweet Potato Pie is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas celebrations, Sunday suppers, and family gatherings. Whether served chilled from the refrigerator or slightly warm with whipped cream, every bite is rich, comforting, and full of homemade flavor.
The History of Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Pie has deep roots in Southern cooking and African American culinary traditions. As sweet potatoes became a staple crop throughout the American South, home cooks began transforming them into rich custard-style pies similar to European pumpkin pies.
Today, Sweet Potato Pie remains one of the most iconic Southern desserts and is a holiday favorite across the United States.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture
Classic Southern flavor
Perfect Thanksgiving dessert
Easy make-ahead pie
Made with roasted sweet potatoes
Freezer-friendly
Great for holiday entertaining
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
Pie Crust
1 deep-dish pie crust
Sweet Potato Pie Filling
2 pounds sweet potatoes
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
⅓ cup evaporated milk
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
Use a fork to prick each potato several times.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until fork tender.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Pie Crust
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Prick the bottom and sides of the pie crust with a fork.
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the weights and parchment paper.
Return the crust to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Scoop approximately 2 cups of roasted sweet potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.
Mash or beat until smooth.
Add:
Melted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Mix until creamy.
Add:
Eggs
Evaporated milk
Sweetened condensed milk
Continue mixing until completely smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Shell
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Cover the crust edges with foil or a pie shield to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes.
The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Avoid overbaking, as this can cause cracking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Slice and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Sweet Potato Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie
Although the two desserts look similar, Sweet Potato Pie has a richer flavor and creamier texture than pumpkin pie.
Sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet, buttery taste that many families prefer during the holiday season. The result is a pie that's deeper in flavor and slightly denser than traditional pumpkin pie.
Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie
Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling for maximum flavor.
Use room-temperature eggs and dairy for a smoother filling.
Blind bake the crust to prevent a soggy bottom.
Do not overmix the filling.
Remove the pie when the center still has a slight wobble.
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
Can Sweet Potato Pie Be Made Ahead?
Absolutely.
Sweet Potato Pie is one of the best make-ahead holiday desserts.
Bake the pie up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until serving.
Many people believe the flavor improves after chilling overnight.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie
Fresh whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Candied pecans
Caramel sauce
Cinnamon sugar
Maple whipped cream
Perfect Drink Pairings
Homemade Eggnog
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Hot Apple Cider
Chai Tea Latte
Fresh Coffee
Gingerbread Latte
More Pie Recipes You'll Love
Classic American Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Pecan Pie
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie
More Southern Desserts You'll Love
Peach Cobbler
Banana Pudding Delight
Butter Pecan Cake
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding
Gooey Pecan Pie Bars
Bread Pudding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but freshly roasted sweet potatoes provide the best flavor, texture, and natural sweetness.
Why did my sweet potato pie crack?
Cracks usually occur when the pie is overbaked. Remove it from the oven while the center still has a slight jiggle.
Does sweet potato pie need refrigeration?
Yes. Because the filling contains eggs and dairy, leftovers should be refrigerated after cooling.
Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes. Sweet Potato Pie freezes very well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 Slice
Calories: 390
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 29g
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and loaded with homemade flavor. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family Sunday dinner, this classic holiday dessert is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your recipe collection.