Name: Irresistible Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe You'll Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 9-inch unbaked pastry shell (Store-bought option saves time!); 1 lb sweet potatoes (cooked) (Baking recommended for richer flavor.); ½ cup butter (softened) (Opt for unsalted butter.); 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk (Avoid swapping with evaporated milk.); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Freshly ground offers the best flavor.); ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (Adjust to taste.); ¼ teaspoon salt (Balances sweetness.); 2 eggs beaten (Use room temperature eggs.)

The moment the warm aroma of freshly baked sweet potato pie fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile, knowing that comfort food has officially arrived. It’s one of those classic Southern desserts that bridges generations—each bite reminiscent of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon at home, and trust me, it’s a keeper!

The silky filling, a harmonious blend of creamy sweet potatoes, rich butter, and fragrant spices, effortlessly fills a buttery, flaky crust, making it the perfect companion for festive dinners or a simple weeknight treat. Whether you’re a busy chef looking for a delightful dish to impress guests or someone craving that homemade goodness, this pie checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into the timeless flavors of this Irresistible Southern Sweet Potato Pie that’s sure to bring warmth to your table and smiles to everyone’s faces.

Why is this the Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie?

Unmatched Comfort: This pie brings the taste of home with every buttery bite, making it a nostalgic favorite.

Simply Delicious: The easy recipe requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum flavor, ensuring you’ll impress your guests effortlessly.

Warm Spices: A delightful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creates an inviting aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth and cheer.

Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this pie is adaptable for any occasion.

Healthy Twist: Powered by sweet potatoes, it’s a dessert with a nutritional boost, packed with vitamins and fiber.

Experience the joy of homemade baking with this warm, indulgent classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients

For the Crust
• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pastry shell – This forms the essential structure of the pie; a store-bought option saves time!

For the Filling
• 1 lb (2 medium) sweet potatoes (cooked) – A key ingredient that gives the pie its natural sweetness and creamy texture; baking is recommended for richer flavor.
• ½ cup butter (softened) – Adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel to the filling; opt for unsalted butter to better control seasoning.
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk – This ensures a luscious, creamy consistency, so avoid swapping with evaporated milk.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Infuses the pie with warmth and depth; freshly ground cinnamon offers the best flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances the sweet profile with its warm, nutty notes; adjust to taste for preferred spice levels.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness, making the flavors come alive.
• 2 eggs – beaten – Essential for binding the filling, creating that smooth custard texture; use room temperature eggs for even blending.

Experience the flavors of a true classic with these ingredients, and prepare to impress with your Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie!

How to Make Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect stage for baking, ensuring your pie crust turns crispy and golden.
Mash sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes along with the softened butter until the mixture is completely smooth. Aim for a velvety texture that invites you to taste!
Combine ingredients: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well incorporated. You want a creamy filling that bursts with warm spice flavors.
Add eggs: Mix in the beaten eggs until they are fully integrated into the filling. This is what binds the pie together, lending it that lovely custard-like feel.
Fill crust: Carefully pour the sweet potato filling into your prepared pastry shell, smoothing the top for an even bake.
Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean—this is the moment of triumph!
Cool down: Allow the pie to cool before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, though letting it set enhances the flavors beautifully.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for the Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Bake vs. Boil: Baking sweet potatoes retains more sweetness and flavor compared to boiling, enhancing the taste of your pie.
Perfect Texture: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky smooth filling in the best Southern sweet potato pie.
Time Saver: Make the pie a day ahead to allow flavors to develop. Store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly to maintain freshness.
Cooling is Key: Let the pie cool completely before serving. This allows it to set properly, ensuring every slice holds its shape beautifully.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg levels according to your palate, but don’t skip them—their warmth is essential to the pie’s character!

How to Store and Freeze Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Fridge: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, ensuring it remains moist and delicious.

Make-Ahead: Bake the pie a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Make Ahead Options

This Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy homemade goodness without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply mash the cooked sweet potatoes and mix in the butter, sweetened condensed milk, spices, and eggs as directed, then store it airtight in the refrigerator. If you like, you can even assemble the complete pie and refrigerate it, covered, to save time. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for 15-20 minutes for the best results. You’ll have a delightful dessert ready to bake and serve, maintaining its delicious quality and flavors!

Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Variations

Feel free to explore delightful twists on this classic recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

Pumpkin Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree for a unique flavor that still feels familiar. This option is perfect for a fall-inspired dessert!
Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, elevating texture and flavor while adding a lovely nutty essence to the filling.
Coconut Cream: Substitute half the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a tropical twist that adds richness and a hint of coconut.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising hint of heat, balancing the sweetness with an exciting flavor contrast.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk in place of sweetened condensed milk and vegan butter to create a tasty and inclusive version for lactose-sensitive guests.
Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the pie for an indulgent treat that adds a delightful depth to the traditional flavors.
Ginger Spice: Incorporate fresh grated ginger or ground ginger for an earthy spice that plays harmoniously with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Fruit Fusion: Fold in fresh blueberries or cranberries to the filling for a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness beautifully.

With these variations, you can enjoy the best Southern sweet potato pie tailored just for you!

What to Serve with Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie?

Indulging in this delightful Southern treat is just the beginning of a charming meal experience.

Homemade Whipped Cream: Add a light and fluffy topping to your pie, enhancing its sweetness with a creamy contrast.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, rich flavor of ice cream complements the warm, spiced pie beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans bring a fresh, vibrant touch, balancing the richness of the pie.
Maple Glazed Carrots: With their natural sweetness and warm flavors, these carrots echo the pie’s comforting notes while adding a pop of color.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink that ties in similar spices from the pie, creating a cozy atmosphere for your dessert.
Pecan Pie: For the ultimate indulgence, serve both pies together; the crunchy pecans contrast remarkably with the smooth sweet potato filling.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, bright element that balances the pie’s sweetness and richness.
Crispy Fried Chicken: A classic Southern dish that brings a hearty texture and savory flavor to the table, making every bite a celebration.
Sweet Tea: A quintessential Southern beverage that pairs perfectly with dessert, adding a refreshing, sweet sip between bites.

Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best sweet potatoes for this pie?
For the best Southern Sweet Potato Pie, look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be a vibrant orange or reddish hue. Choose medium-sized ones, as they typically offer a balance of sweetness and creaminess, which is perfect for this recipe.

How should I store leftover sweet potato pie?
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor. I always recommend allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again for optimal taste.

Can I freeze my sweet potato pie?
Absolutely! To freeze your Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie, wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to restore that wonderful texture.

What if my pie doesn’t set properly while baking?
If your pie doesn’t set, it might need more baking time. Make sure to check it around the 50-minute mark; if the knife inserted in the center comes out with a bit of filling, return it to the oven for 5-10 more minutes. Also, remember that letting it cool completely will further help it firm up. If you notice the filling bubbling over, place a pan below it while baking to catch any drips.

Is this pie suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, this recipe is nut-free, making it suitable for individuals with nut allergies. However, if you wish to enhance the flavor by adding nuts, such as chopped pecans, consider using an alternative addition to the filling or serving, like whipped cream, if nut allergies are a concern for any diners.

Can I use other types of squashes instead of sweet potatoes?
Certainly! If you’re looking to mix things up, you can swap sweet potatoes for pumpkin puree or butternut squash. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but you’ll still achieve that lovely creamy texture and warmth in your pie.