The Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is one of those desserts that just feels like home.

If you grew up in the South, you know it’s not Thanksgiving or Christmas without a homemade sweet potato pie cooling on the counter. It’s warm, comforting, and full of old-fashioned flavor that takes you straight back to Mama’s and Grandma’s kitchens.

I’ve made a lot of pies over the years, but this one right here… this is my go-to recipe. It’s silky-smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, a hint of warm spice, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture Southern sweet potato pies are known for.

This is the pie I make every holiday season, and it always gets rave reviews. I walk you through every single step so you can make it with confidence, even if it’s your very first time.

So go ahead and save it, share it, and print it. This pie is a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Silky-smooth, creamy texture
• Perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Easy instructions for beginners
• A true classic Southern flavor. The evaporated milk gives it the delicious, rich old fashioned flavor taste.
• Crowd-pleasing holiday dessert
• Make-ahead and freezer friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)

• Sweet potatoes
• Eggs
• Butter
• White granulated sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Unbaked pie crust

All Simple ingredients. I had everything on hand and spices in my pantry.

How to Make The Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie

1. Cook the sweet potatoes Boil or bake until completely soft. Baking gives a deeper flavor.
2. Mash until very smooth Remove the skins and mash until silky. No lumps!
3. Mix in the butter While the potatoes are warm, add butter so it melts in completely.
4. Add sugar and spices Mix in granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt
5. Whisk in the eggs and evaporated milk This creates that creamy pie texture.
6. Add vanilla extract A must for Southern flavor.

Mix until smooth!

Pour into an unbaked pie crust Smooth the top with a spatula.

Ready for the oven!

7. Bake Bake until the pie is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. About 1 hour
8. Cool completely Sweet potato pie sets fully as it cools.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie

• Bake your sweet potatoes instead of boiling for richer flavor.
• Mash very well, use a mixer if needed.
• Warm potatoes help the butter melt perfectly.
• Don’t overmix after adding eggs.
• Bake until the center barely jiggles.
• Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly.
• Be sure to use evaporated milk for the rich old fashioned flavor.

Tips for Baking Sweet Potatoes (the Southern Way)

Here’s a little trick I learned years ago when my mama was still with me, and I’ve used it ever since. Before you bake your sweet potatoes, rub them generously with solid shortening (or spray them lightly with vegetable spray. That little coat of fat keeps the skins soft and the insides incredibly moist. It also helps them bake a little faster.

I do this whether I’m roasting sweet potatoes for eating, making a sweet potato casserole, or baking them for my sweet potato pie. It makes all the difference.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Keeps 4 days covered tightly.
• Freeze: Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
• Make Ahead: You can bake it 1–2 days before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Homemade whipped cream
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• A drizzle of caramel
• Serve slightly chilled or room temperature

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as me and my family have.

Thank you for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more delicious Southern recipes.

Oh and check these recipes out too. I think you’ll love them.

Southern Pecan PieChocolate Bourbon Pecan PieOld Fashioned Apple CrispMama’s Southern Banana PuddingBread Pudding with Bourbon SauceEasy Old-Fashioned Pineapple Coconut CakeCoca-Cola CakeCaramel Apple Cheesecake BarsStrawberry Pretzel Salad

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipes. I would love to hear from you and if you make it, be sure to use #deliciouslysouthern and let me know how you like it. Lastly, please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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