Southern Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Pecan Crust

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Southern Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Pecan Crust is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, nutty topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Pecan Crust

Sweet potatoes are the star of the show, providing a creamy texture and natural sweetness. Unsalted butter adds richness and binds the filling together. The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives depth to the sweetness, while whole milk ensures the filling is smooth and velvety. Eggs help set the filling, and vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, while a pinch of salt balances all the flavors. The pre-made 9-inch pie crust is a convenient base, and the chopped pecans combined with maple syrup create a sweet, nutty topping that's irresistibly crunchy.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure the sweet potatoes are completely smooth before adding other ingredients to ensure a silky filling.
  • Don’t rush the cooling process; it helps the pie set properly and makes slicing easier.
  • For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pie slightly warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai tea or a smooth bourbon for a cozy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but make sure to drain them thoroughly and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Pecan Crust Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Boil them in a large pot of water until they're fork-tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth, making sure there are no lumps left.

Next, add the unsalted butter to the warm sweet potatoes; the heat will help melt it. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until they dissolve completely. Now, pour in the whole milk and crack in the eggs. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a uniform, creamy filling.

Pour this sweet potato mixture into the pre-made pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. In a small bowl, toss the chopped pecans with the maple syrup, ensuring each piece is coated. Sprinkle this pecan mixture over the top of your pie.

Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You'll know it's done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This cooling step is crucial for the filling to set properly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The maple pecan crust adds a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
  • It's a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, thanks to cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Using pre-made pie crust saves time without sacrificing taste.
  • It's a crowd-pleaser that works for both casual dinners and festive occasions.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds of sweet potatoes
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Drain and mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Mix in butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
6. In a small bowl, mix pecans with maple syrup and sprinkle over the pie filling.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!