Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made Recipe

If you’re looking for cozy comfort and southern charm, look no further than Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made. This classic dessert brings together silky sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a buttery crust for a treat that has graced family tables for generations. Whether served at a festive holiday feast or as a special weekend indulgence, this pie is all about homey nostalgia and pure deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—each one is carefully chosen for a reason. They might be simple, but every component plays a vital role in building the unforgettable flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made.

• Mashed sweet potatoes: The sweet, earthy star of the show; for best flavor, roast them until buttery soft.
• Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness that balances the earthiness of the potatoes.
• Brown sugar: Lends depth and a hint of caramel that elevates each bite.
• Milk: Helps the filling achieve its luscious, creamy consistency.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and that irresistible homemade taste.
• Large eggs: Provide structure, binding everything together for a sliceable, custard-like finish.
• Vanilla extract: Accents the sweetness while adding warmth and complexity.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that quintessential holiday spice aroma you can’t resist.
• Ground nutmeg: A tiny dash goes a long way, infusing the filling with cozy, nostalgic flavor.
• Salt: Just enough to bring balance and enhance the sweetness.
• Unbaked pie crust: The flaky, golden base that cradles all the creamy filling—go homemade or store-bought.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by arranging your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing the dough gently along the bottom and up the sides. A homemade crust gives an extra flaky touch, but a high-quality store-bought crust can save time without sacrificing flavor. Chill the crust while you mix up the filling, to help it bake up beautifully crisp.

Step 2: Mix Sweet Potatoes and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, blend the mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated and brown sugars until silky smooth. This step is crucial for creating that luxurious, creamy filling that’s the heart of Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made. Any stray lumps will dissolve during baking, but a little extra mixing ensures every slice is cloud-soft.

Step 3: Add Dairy, Eggs, and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and melted butter, then crack in the eggs and splash in the vanilla extract. Whisk it together until the mixture is glossy and well-combined. Eggs are the secret to a pie that slices neatly but stays dreamy-creamy on your fork, while milk and butter make every wedge rich and comforting.

Step 4: Stir in the Spices and Salt

Now comes the soulful aroma: stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices aren’t just an accent—they’re the spirit of this recipe. Stir until everything is evenly blended and the mixture takes on a deep, golden-orange hue that promises big flavor.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. Place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. About halfway through, check the crust and cover the edges with foil if they’re browning too quickly—just like Grandma did!

Step 6: Cool Completely and Serve

Patience pays off here—let your Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures the filling sets up perfectly and slices like a dream. Once cool, you’re ready for that celebratory first slice!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made

Garnishes

A big dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is pure heaven. For a festive flourish, sprinkle a touch more cinnamon or grate a little fresh nutmeg right before serving. Some folks love a handful of toasted pecans for extra crunch—try both and see which speaks to your soul.

Side Dishes

Pair your Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made with other southern favorites at holiday gatherings—think collard greens, roast turkey, or a savory macaroni and cheese. On a cozy evening, balance the sweetness with black coffee or a hot spiced tea for a comforting finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic wedge! For parties, cut the pie into petite squares for bite-sized portions. Or, bake mini pies in muffin tins for adorable, individual servings. Garnish each one with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for show-stopping treats guests won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so your Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made might taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store it airtight to keep the crust from softening.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, this pie freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. Freezing works best with whole pies, but you can also freeze presliced wedges for easy treats.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm the whole pie loosely covered with foil in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. A quick reheat makes the spices bloom and the crust tender—just like the day it was baked!

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes (or yams) are a convenient shortcut, just be sure to drain and mash them well. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious, making your Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made easy for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is ready when the center is just set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean or with just a bit of moisture. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, shield them with foil to prevent over-baking while the filling finishes cooking.

What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?

For the smoothest filling, roast the sweet potatoes until tender, then scoop out the flesh and mash thoroughly with a potato masher or blend with a hand mixer. This little extra step gives your Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made a luxuriously creamy texture.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative and use vegan butter. The flavor may change ever-so-slightly, but the results will still be wonderfully rich and warmly spiced.

Should I blind-bake the crust first?

It’s not usually necessary, as the sweet potato filling is fairly thick and bakes perfectly with the crust. If you’re worried about a soggy bottom, you can partially blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before filling it, which will help keep it extra crisp.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts say home like Sweet Potato Pie Just Like Grandma Made. Every bite is brimming with warmth, spice, and sweet memories. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself, this pie is more than a recipe—it’s a warm invitation to gather and celebrate. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with every slice.

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