Name: Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet potatoes, baked; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup milk (whole or evaporated); 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust; Whipped cream, for topping; Marshmallow fluff, optional topping

If you’re craving a slice of true Southern comfort, you’re in the right place. This Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that just warms the soul and brings everyone around the table together. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time – creamy, sweet, and perfectly spiced with a buttery crust to top it all off. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail this classic Southern favorite in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Southern Flavor: This recipe honors the rich tradition of Southern sweet potato pie with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Creamy and Smooth Texture: The combination of baked sweet potatoes and butter creates that luscious filling you crave.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Not too sugary, letting the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shine through.
Easy and Reliable: Straightforward steps mean you don’t have to be a pro to impress your guests.

A close-up view of a pie with two layers visible: the bottom layer is a thick, golden crust with a rough, soft texture forming the pie's edge, and the top layer is a toasted marshmallow-like topping with a light brown, slightly bubbly, and uneven surface showing some white spots where it's not fully browned. The pie is placed on a white plate with raised round bead-like details along the edge, set against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here has a purpose, working together to bring out the best in this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe. Using baked sweet potatoes instead of canned adds an incredible depth of flavor, and the simple mix of butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla creates that classic creamy custard pie you’ll love.

Sweet potatoes: Baking them whole enhances their natural sweetness and texture better than using canned versions.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety filling – don’t skip it!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overwhelming the natural sweet potato flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma that rounds out the pie’s flavor.
Eggs: They’re your binder here, helping the pie set perfectly.
Milk (whole or evaporated): Makes the filling creamy and smooth – whole milk offers richness, evaporated milk adds a subtle depth.
Unbaked pie crust: You can use store-bought for ease, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff: These are optional toppings that take the experience over the top – I’ll explain why later.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is how versatile it is. I often tweak it to suit whatever I’m feeling, whether it’s a small change to flavor or a swap to accommodate dietary needs. Feel free to customize it so it’s perfect just for you!

Spiced Up: I sometimes add a teaspoon of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cozy fall twist that my family goes crazy for.
Healthier Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a lower-sugar sweetener like maple syrup for a lighter pie.
Marshmallow Topping: For a nostalgic touch, spread marshmallow fluff on top and brown it under the broiler – it’s a fun Southern favorite!
Mini Pies: Make individual pies with small tart shells for a fun party appetizer or gift idea.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give your sweet potatoes a good scrub, then prick them 4-5 times with a fork to let steam escape while baking. Lay them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until they’re tender and a toothpick slides in easily. Trust me, baking them whole unlocks a deeper sweetness and creamier texture you just can’t beat. Once cooled enough to handle, peel off that skin – it should come right off without a fight – and slide the flesh into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Filling

Lower the oven heat to 350°F. Now, add the butter to the sweet potato flesh and mash it up until silky smooth. Next, stir in the sugar until it’s fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract, milk, and beaten eggs. Mix everything thoroughly so the filling is smooth and well combined — I usually use a hand mixer on low speed for a minute or two, but a sturdy whisk works fine too. Pour this luscious filling into your unbaked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake Your Pie Just Right

Bake the pie at 350°F for about an hour, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly overall – it will firm up as it cools. I like to check it by gently shaking the pan; if only a small patch in the middle wobbles, you’re good to go. Take it out and let it cool to room temperature. This step is key because it helps the pie slice nicely instead of falling apart.

Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Whether you serve this pie warm or at room temperature, topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of marshmallow fluff is a game-changer. I love whipped cream for a light, airy contrast, but on special Sundays, my family begs for the marshmallow top toasted just a little under the broiler for that nostalgic, toasty flavor. Either way, you’ll have a pie that’s pure joy to eat.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, without bruises or sprouts to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Bake, Don’t Boil: Baking preserves flavor and sweetness, whereas boiling can dilute it.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mix until combined but avoid overbeating which can cause air bubbles and cracking in the pie.
Cool Before Serving: Letting the pie cool helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

A single slice of pie is shown on a smooth white plate with a shiny silver fork resting beside it. The pie has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light, flaky crust in pale beige, the thick middle layer is a moist, bright orange filling with a slightly grainy texture, and the top layer is a fluffy, white topping with a browned, slightly uneven surface that suggests it has been lightly toasted. The background is a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of that classic whipped cream dollop right on top – it cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a little crunch and nutty contrast. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can really elevate flavors without overpowering the pie.

Side Dishes

I like pairing slices of this pie with hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect cozy combo. For a bigger meal, classic Southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, or even a light, fresh salad can be wonderful companions, especially at holiday dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I like to bake individual mini pies using ramekins or tart pans and top each with a swirl of marshmallow fluff toasted under the broiler. It makes serving fun and feels extra special. You could also create a pie sampler platter with this sweet potato pie alongside pecan and pumpkin pies for a festive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it’s cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. I usually find the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and I honestly look forward to second-day bites almost as much as the first.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It freezes for up to 2 months. When I thaw mine, I do so overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain the best texture.

Reheating

I like to warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving too long or the pie can get soggy. A slow, gentle warming refreshes the flavors and makes the whipped cream topping even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of baking them?

While canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, baking your own whole sweet potatoes is what really makes this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe stand out. Baking enhances their natural flavor and texture, resulting in a richer, more authentic pie.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle – it will firm up as it cools. Use a gentle shake test to check for doneness, avoiding overbaking which can crack the surface.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie actually tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pie?

Reheat slices gently in a low oven (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps preserve the texture better than the microwave.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to this recipe?

Yes! Adding a teaspoon of your favorite warm spices can personalize this Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe and make it even cozier, especially during the fall season.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart – it’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helping requests. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or just a weekend treat, sharing this pie feels like passing down a piece of Southern tradition, right from my kitchen to yours. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s been beloved for generations!