Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

Indulge in the timeless delight of a quick-to-make, old fashioned sweet potato pie with canned yams. Crafted with a premade pie crust and sweetened with the richness of maple syrup, this dish has earned its place as a cherished holiday favorite.

During the holiday season, few desserts can outshine the classic appeal of a well-prepared sweet potato pie. While pumpkin pie typically steals the spotlight this time of year, the sweet potato should not be overlooked. This delightful vegetable boasts a natural sweetness that sets it apart, offering a flavor profile reminiscent of pumpkin.

During the holiday season, consider showcasing this sweet potato pie recipe as an alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie. The flavors are strikingly similar.

You have the flexibility to use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, incorporate either canned or fresh sweet potatoes, and even substitute maple syrup with honey or agave if necessary. Such adaptability is just one of the many reasons why this pie comes highly recommended!

For more dessert recipes, check out our Lemon Sour Cream Cake, Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes, and Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies.

Ingredients

For this recipe you’ll need the following ingredients.

• Sweet Potatoes (28 ounces, drained):
  • Purpose: Main flavor and texture.
  • Importance: Sweet potatoes are the star ingredient, providing a naturally sweet and earthy taste while contributing to the smooth and creamy texture of the pie. The draining helps remove excess moisture.
• Eggs (2 large):
  • Purpose: Binding and structure.
  • Importance: Eggs serve as a binder, helping to hold the pie filling together and giving it a cohesive texture.
• Maple Syrup (1/3 cup):
  • Purpose: Sweetening and adding flavor.
  • Importance: Maple syrup imparts a rich and distinct sweetness to the pie filling, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
• Vanilla (2 teaspoons):
  • Purpose: Adding a sweet and aromatic flavor.
  • Importance: Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the pie and provides a pleasant aroma, contributing to the overall sensory experience.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):
  • Purpose: Adding warm and spicy notes.
  • Importance: Cinnamon brings a classic fall flavor to the pie, providing warmth and depth to the overall taste.
• Gluten-Free or Regular Pie Crust:
  • Purpose: Serving as the base and structure.
  • Importance: The pie crust acts as a foundation for the pie, providing a buttery and flaky texture. The gluten-free crust accommodates those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Make Sweet Potato Pie

Start by preheating the oven to 400°F, ensuring the oven is ready for baking when the pie mixture is prepared.

In a mixing bowl, combine the well-drained sweet potatoes with 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend these ingredients thoroughly until a smooth and creamy pie mixture is achieved.

Take a regular or gluten-free pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Carefully pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly for uniform baking. Once ready, place the filled pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the pie is set.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or knife into the center – it should come out clean when the pie is fully cooked. Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack.

For optimal flavor, refrigerate the pie for a few hours before slicing. Top the old fashioned sweet potato pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of deliciousness!

Tips and Tricks

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes:
  • You can opt for fresh sweet potatoes if desired. The flavor and texture will be better than using canned sweet potatoes.
• Properly Drain Sweet Potatoes:
  • Make sure to drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the pie.
• Room Temperature Ingredients:
  • Allow ingredients like eggs and maple syrup to come to room temperature before mixing. This promotes better blending and a smoother texture.
• Spice it Up:
  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you’re a cinnamon lover, add a bit extra, or throw in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.
• Cool Before Slicing:
  • Allow the pie to cool before slicing. This not only prevents burns but also helps the filling set, making for neater slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Instructions

To store your sweet potato pie, begin by allowing it to cool completely at room temperature after baking, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once it has cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.

If you need to store it for a more extended period, freezing is an option. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Frozen sweet potato pie can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Before serving, you can warm the pie in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for 15-20 minutes to freshen it up, or simply serve it at room temperature.

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