Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Hey guys, how are you! Are you getting ready for all the holidays?? I know I can’t believe this year is almost over, time is flying by! My girlfriend Ramona (who used to own a huge bakery) called me saying that she wanted some sweet potato pie! She wanted me to come over and make some with her, so I was happy to! I will say here in the south, I have yet to find someone or a restaurant that can make a sweet potato pie like my godmom Gertrude’s…omg! She makes the BEST sweet potato pies I have ever tasted! Ramona’s pies are pretty good too!

We thought to make a couple of pies yesterday and share the recipe with you guys. For those out there that love to bake like myself, it’s a pretty simple recipe to follow. I have another dear friend named Jen, that you guys have seen on the blog before. She makes great pumpkin pies, I just do not like them. I hope you like the recipe inside and can make some terrific cakes and pies for this holiday season, happy baking, till next time!

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes – I like to use medium sweet potatoes.
Butter – Softened butter will mix more easily into the baked sweet potatoes when making this pie.
Sugar – My family has traditionally used granulated sugar for this pie. If you are looking for a brown sugar version, I’ve included how to make it later in this article and in the recipe notes.
Vanilla extract – The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pie. I do recommend using pure vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla flavoring as I believe you can taste the difference in the baked pie.
Eggs – You’ll need 2 large eggs for this pie recipe. I also like to have them at room temperature to mix into the pie filling more easily.
Milk – Use your preference of whole milk, heavy cream, or evaporated milk in this recipe. You will not want to use a lower fat content milk.
Unbaked Pie Crust – There is NO need to pre-bake these pie crusts. While I hope you try my homemade pie crust recipe, you can also use your favorite 9-inch pie crusts from the store if you wish.

Step by Step Instructions

This pie is so simple to make! Here’s how I make it:

Bake Sweet Potatoes. Once baked and slightly cooled, peel the skins off of the sweet potatoes and place them into a large mixing bowl.

Make the Sweet Potato Pie Filling. Heat oven to 350º F. Mash the peeled sweet potatoes with the softened butter. Add the sugar(s) and the vanilla extract and mix until well combined and pour in the milk and eggs. Mix until the mixture is well combined. I use a simple potato masher, but you can also use an electric mixer if you prefer.

Bake the Pie. Pour the pie filling mixture into unbaked pie crust. Bake until the center of the pie is just set and does not jiggle in the center when moved, about 60 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack.