Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients
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There’s something soul-nourishing about a warm slice of homemade sweet potato pie! It evokes memories of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and sharing delicious food with loved ones.
But today, my friends, instead of discussing the potato pie itself (considering it’s been enough said about it already), I will turn the spotlight on the shining stars, the unsung heroes that bring this beloved dessert to life!
What are the ingredients for a sweet potato pie?
Imagine the earthy sweetness of perfectly cooked sweet potatoes, the creamy richness of evaporated milk, and the delicate balance of light brown sugar that adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
Infused with aromatic spices – ground nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and the velvety smoothness of melted butter, these ingredients blend into a sweet potato filling that is bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds.
As you gather the ingredients and prepare the mashed sweet potato flesh, you’ll notice the tantalizing aromas that fill your kitchen. Mixing them with an electric mixer transforms these humble components into a velvety-smooth filling that’s an ode to comfort and nostalgia.
The oven becomes a gateway to paradise, with a pie crust awaiting this sweet potato pie filling. As the Southern sweet potato pie bakes, your home will be enveloped in the enchanting aroma of warm spices, filling the air with anticipation and the promise of a delightful treat.
Once the pie emerges from the oven, its puffy and firm center testifies to the flawless blend of ingredients. A perfectly golden crust cradles the silky pie filling, waiting to be savored with every bite!
As the pie cools down, the flavors deepen and meld, ensuring each slice is a symphony of flavors and textures that will capture your palate.
Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, each forkful of sweet potato pie garnished with a generous whipped cream or cream cheese topping transports you to pure bliss!
Indulge in this soulful creation, and let the magic of the ingredients sweep you away on a culinary journey.
What ingredients are needed to make this easy sweet potato pie recipe?
Sweet potato pie ingredients are not just a list of components. It’s a gateway to a world of extraordinary flavors and culinary delights.
From the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes to the delicate blend of spices and the creamy richness of evaporated milk, each component plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more.
Let’s unveil the secrets behind the irresistible charm of this sweet potato pie recipe and unlock the pathway to pure flavor-filled bliss.
Ingredients for sweet potato pie
Sweet potatoes
Nature’s sweet gem
At the heart of this pie lies the star ingredient – fresh sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are versatile and packed with essential nutrients. They bring natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture to the pie filling.
When choosing sweet potatoes, go for firm ones with deep orange flesh. Look for smooth, tight skin free from bruises, cracks, soft spots, or signs of sprouting. These varieties will impart a sweeter, more intense flavor to your pie.
Evaporated milk
A creamy delight
Evaporated milk adds a velvety smoothness to the pie, elevating it to a new level of indulgence. It lends a subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
Light brown sugar
A touch of sweetness
Very different than regular granulated sugar. Brown sugar acts as the sweetener in this recipe, providing an ideal balance to the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. It adds a rich caramel-like flavor and enhances the pie’s overall taste. The light brown sugar’s molasses undertones contribute to this dessert’s warm and comforting essence.
Eggs
Binding the flavors together
Eggs are the binding agent in this recipe, ensuring the filling holds its shape while providing delicate richness. They add structure and contribute to the pie’s smooth and creamy texture. The proteins in the eggs coagulate during baking, helping the filling set beautifully.
Butter
Enhancing creaminess
Melted unsalted butter, or vegan butter for a dairy-free option, adds a rich flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Vanilla extract
Infusing fragrant aromas
The warm and comforting notes of vanilla extract perfectly balance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
Ginger
A hint of spiciness
Ginger’s slightly spicy and aromatic profile adds a subtle warm kick to the sweet potato pie filling. With a touch of warmth and depth added to the flavor profile, minced ginger complements the potatoes’ sweetness and the spices’ richness.
Spices
An exquisite blend of flavors
A medley of ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt forms the spice blend that gives sweet potato pie its distinctive taste.
- Nutmeg offers a warm and sweet note.
- While cinnamon adds a comforting, earthy flavor.
- Cloves contribute spiciness and enhance the overall aromatic profile.
- And finally, salt balances the sweetness and enhances the filling flavors.
Black folks sweet potato pie recipe
Ingredients for Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe
- 1 ½ pound of sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed (equals about 3 cups when softened and peeled)
- 12 oz. evaporated milk, 1 can
- 1 cup of light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Instructions for Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe
- Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set it aside.
- See my recipe HERE for homemade almond flour pie crust, or you can use a store-bought pie crust, dough, or pie shell that may or may not come with its own pie pan.
- Pro tip: Use an Instant Pot pressure cooker to soften and peel the sweet potatoes quickly and almost effortlessly!
- Open the Instant Pot lid and fill the stainless-steel inner pot with water to the ½ mark.
- Add the scrubbed sweet potatoes to the pot of water.
- Close the Instant Pot lid (ensure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes to loosen the potato skin.
- When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes.
- To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
- Pour the water and sweet potatoes into a colander in the sink to drain the hot water from the potatoes.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, peel and discard the skin.
- Gather 3 cups of sweet potato flesh.
- Add the sweet potato flesh, evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to either a blender or an electric mixer.
- Pulse or mix until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake the sweet potato pie at 350 degrees F: in a conventional oven for 28-30 minutes, in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 24-26 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and firm in the center. (Remember that cooking appliance times and oven temperatures will vary.)
- Allow the sweet potato pie to cool for at least 2-4 hours before garnishing or slicing.
- Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top.
- Serve this sweet potato pie recipe warm, and enjoy!
🎙 Listen to The Soul Food Pod episode: Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie ingredients FAQs
Can you make sweet potato pie ahead of time?
If you’re making a Thanksgiving sweet potato pie or a Christmas sweet potato pie, it’s a good idea to make your sweet potato pie masterpiece ahead of time. (Assuming, of course, that you have the refrigerator space.)
Do sweet potato pies need to be refrigerated?
Sweet potato pies have evaporated milk and butter, so they should be refrigerated to maintain fresh flavor and prevent spoilage.
Let the pie cool completely, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
How long will sweet potato pie last in the refrigerator?
The baked and cooled pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days.
Wrapped airtight in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Should sweet potato pie be served hot or cold?
Depending on personal preference, sweet potato pie can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Many people enjoy serving sweet potato pie hot, as it enhances the dessert’s comfort and indulgence.
The pie filling becomes slightly softer when served warm, and the flavors may seem more pronounced.
The warmth adds a cozy element, making it suitable for enjoying during the colder months or when seeking a comforting treat.
On the other hand, serving sweet potato pie cold can offer a refreshing and creamy experience.
Chilled sweet potato pie has a firmer texture, allowing clean and defined slices.
The cold temperature can contrast with the richness of the filling and make it a delightful treat on a warm day, especially since sweet potato pie is an all-holiday all-year Southern dessert favorite of the African American community.
How do you know when sweet potato pie is done baking?
To determine if a sweet potato pie is baked, here are the indicators to look for:
- Firmness – Gently shake the pie pan. The center of the pie should be firm and set instead of runny or jiggly. It should not appear liquid or overly wobbly.
- Visual cues – The edges of the pie crust should be golden brown, and the top should have a slight browning or caramelization. These visual cues indicate that the pie has baked sufficiently.
- Toothpick test – Insert a clean knife or toothpick into the center of the pie, and then remove it. The pie is likely done if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as it can lead to a dry texture.
What is the difference between pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie?
It’s true that sweet potato pie offers a more vibrant and flavorful experience than pumpkin pie.
The distinct differences between the two pies are notable and contribute to their unique characteristics.
Traditional pumpkin pies feature sugar, spices, and eggs. While they can be delicious, they tend to have a denser and creamier texture. And despite adding pumpkin pie spice, the flavor can sometimes fall short of sweet potato pie.
On the other hand, sweet potato pie takes the flavor to new heights with its soulful combinations of cinnamon sugar, sweet vanilla, cloves, and nutmeg. These seasonings meld beautifully with softened sweet potatoes or yams, creating a rich and delightful filling.
In terms of texture, sweet potato pie filling is lighter and fluffier, allowing flavors to dance on your palate with every bite!
This texture contrast sets sweet potato pie apart from its pumpkin counterpart.
Best sweet potato pie recipes to make
Which one is your favorite?
Can you use purple sweet potatoes in place of regular sweet potatoes?
Have you heard about the contemporary upgrade of this classic sweet potato pie Southern treat?
Purple sweet potato pie is what we call it – and it’s still made the Southern soul food way!
What other recipes can you make with sweet potatoes?
Check out the below roundup of the best Southern soul food sweet potato recipes!
Did you enjoy this recipe guide about sweet potato pie ingredients?
Have you had it?
Would you make it?
Comment below and lemme know.
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Equipment
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
- Instant Pot Omni Plus oven (optional)
- Instant Pot Ace Plus blender or an electric mixer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound sweet potatoes washed and scrubbed (equals about 3 cups when softened and peeled)
- 12 oz evaporated milk 1 can
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons butter unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set it aside.
- See my recipe HERE for homemade almond flour pie crust, or you can use a store-bought pie crust, dough, or pie shell that may or may not come with its own pie pan.
- Pro tip: Use an Instant Pot pressure cooker to soften and peel the sweet potatoes quickly and almost effortlessly!
- Open the Instant Pot lid and fill the stainless-steel inner pot with water to the ½ mark.
- Add the scrubbed sweet potatoes to the pot of water.
- Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes to loosen the potato skin.
- When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes.
- To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
- Pour the water and sweet potatoes into a colander in the sink to drain the hot water from the potatoes.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, peel and discard the skin.
- Gather 3 cups of sweet potato flesh.
- Add to either the Instant Pot Ace blender or an electric mixer the sweet potato flesh, evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- Pulse or mix until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake the sweet potato pie at 350 degrees F: in a conventional oven for 28-30 minutes, in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 24-26 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and firm in the center. (Remember that cooking appliance times and oven temperatures will vary.)
- Allow the sweet potato pie to cool for at least 2-4 hours before garnishing or slicing.
- Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top.
- Serve this Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Unlike some pie recipes, there is no need to pre-heat your empty pie crust for this Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe. Doing this can cause your pie crust edges to burn.
- A good indicator of when this pie recipe is done is when you can see the center of the pie filling puffing in the oven.
- You’ll probably have leftover sweet potato mix, depending on how deep-dish your pie pan is. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Or you can pour it into a Ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
- You could also make mini-Black folks sweet potato pies with any leftover pie filling.
- And don’t forget to use any leftover pie dough for the easiest Southern dessert ever – pie crust cookies!
- It’s best to let the pie cool and set for a few hours up to a whole day before slicing.
