The Best Sweet Potato Pie - Brenda Gantt (2024)

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Brenda Gantt

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• By recipeshub_R
• September 15, 2023

The Best Sweet Potato Pie is a soulful and beloved American dessert that embodies the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a flaky pastry crust. This classic pie is a cherished part of Southern cuisine and has gained popularity across the United States for its delightful blend of creamy, earthy, and subtly sweet elements. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own Best Sweet Potato Pie while exploring the rich history that has made it a staple of American dessert tables.

The roots of Sweet Potato Pie can be traced back to the Southern United States, where sweet potatoes were cultivated as a staple crop. While the exact origin of Sweet Potato Pie is unclear, it is believed to have evolved from traditional European sweet pies, such as pumpkin pie, as settlers in the American South adapted recipes to include ingredients readily available in the region.

Sweet Potato Pie became especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, when sweet potatoes were a vital food source in the South. Enslaved African Americans contributed significantly to the development of this pie, using their culinary expertise to create a delicious dessert from humble ingredients.

One key aspect of Sweet Potato Pie’s history is its association with African American culture and the culinary traditions passed down through generations. The pie became a symbol of comfort, sustenance, and cultural identity, particularly during times of hardship and struggle.

Over the years, Sweet Potato Pie found its way to family gatherings, church suppers, and holiday feasts, becoming a staple dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas in many Southern homes.

The enduring popularity of Sweet Potato Pie stems from its delectable taste and the cultural significance it holds for many communities in the United States. Today, it is celebrated as a soulful dessert that bridges generations, telling stories of resilience and the rich tapestry of American culinary history.

INGREDIENTS

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, roasted and mashed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing the Pie Crust:

1. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough begins to come together. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to clump.
4. Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and shape it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Sweet Potato Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and roast them for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and mash them.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the chilled pie crust on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the rolled-out dough in the pie pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edge.
3. Pour the prepared Sweet Potato Filling into the pie crust.
4. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can use a pie shield or aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning of the crust edges.
5. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

NOTE:

• The Best Sweet Potato Pie is a heartwarming dessert that celebrates the flavors and cultural heritage of the American South. Each slice is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of those who shaped its history, as well as a reminder of the delicious traditions that continue to be cherished today. Enjoy this pie with loved ones, savoring its rich, soulful taste.