Simple Sweet Potato Pie holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of many, especially during festive seasons. This humble yet decadent dessert offers a symphony of flavours and textures that captivate with each bite. Let’s delve into the delicious world of sweet potato pie and discover what makes it such a beloved treat.
At the heart of this recipe lies its star ingredient: the sweet potato itself. Unlike its cousin, the pumpkin, sweet potatoes boast a natural sweetness and velvety texture that lend themselves perfectly to pie-making. Whether roasted, boiled or steamed, sweet potatoes bring depth of flavour and richness that elevate the dessert to new heights.
The fillings an harmonious blend of mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger and eggs for structure. Add a touch of sweetness from sugar or maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla extract. Combined and baked to perfection, this medley of ingredients creates a luscious, custard-like filling that is both comforting and indulgent.
One of the charms of this pie lies in its versatility. While some recipes call for a traditional pastry crust, others, like the no crust variation, allow the sweet potato filling to take centre stage. This flexibility makes it an accessible dessert for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. It can also be easily adapted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
Beyond its delicious taste, simple sweet potato pie carries cultural significance for many communities. It has become a staple dish in African American, Southern and Caribbean cuisines, often gracing tables during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The act of sharing a slice of sweet potato pie evokes a sense of warmth, nostalgia and connection to tradition.
A sweet potato pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the richness of heritage. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a sweet ending to a weekday meal, each slice is a testament to the enduring allure of this beloved treat. So, the next time you crave a taste of something sweet and soul-warming, consider treating yourself to a slice. Don’t forget to savour every moment of its deliciousness.
Simple Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
Crust: Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold /cut into small pieces
- 3 tbsp ice water maybe 4
Filling Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet potatoes cooked/peeled/mashed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs free range
- 1/2 cup milk whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces.1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.3 tbsp ice water
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.2 cups sweet potatoes, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp salt
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminium foil halfway through baking.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
- Serve slices of sweet potato pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
