Craving a slice of heaven? Look no further than a homemade sweet potato pie! It’s the perfect dish to usher in those cozy fall vibes or add a touch of sweetness to any gathering. And guess what? You don't need to be a pro baker to nail this classic. With just a few simple steps and our trusty tips, you'll be whipping up pies that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
The Secret to Sweet Potato Pie Success
Before we dive into the recipe, let's get a few things straight. Making a sweet potato pie isn't rocket science, but a little know-how can go a long way. Here are some golden rules to keep in mind:
- Make-Ahead Magic: Sweet potato pies are fantastic make-ahead treats. Bake them a day or two before your big event and you'll save yourself precious oven space and time on the day. This is key for stress free cooking!
- Storage Savvy: Want to keep your pie fresh? Once it's cooled down, wrap it up nice and tight in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for up to 4 days. And if you're thinking long-term, aluminum pie plates are your best friend for freezing!
The Perfect Timing
Let's talk time! The oven's your stage, and timing is everything. Here’s the lowdown:
| Cooking Procedure | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) | 40-50 minutes |
The Recipe: Let's Get Baking!
Ready for the grand reveal? Here's a fail-proof recipe that'll have you crowned pie champion in no time. If you're someone who likes to freestyle in the kitchen then feel free to create your own custom recipe in the menuistia app. This recipe is a good starting point, though!
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-5 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, diced
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Creation: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, mix until just moistened, form into a ball, and chill for an hour.
- Roll Out: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle, place it in a 9-inch pie pan, and crimp the edges. Chill for another hour or freeze for 15 minutes to make sure it is nice and cool before baking. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Blind Bake: Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights, prick the bottom with a fork, and bake for another 8-12 minutes until lightly golden and dry.
- Sweet Potato Prep: While your crust is chilling, poke your sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap them in foil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let cool for 30 minutes before halving and scooping out the flesh.
- Brown Butter Goodness: In a skillet, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, stirring often until it turns a light brown and nutty. Set aside to cool.
- Mix and Mash: In a large bowl, puree the sweet potatoes. Add the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared crust. Place the pie on a baking sheet, and cover edges of the crust with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, until the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cooling Down: Let the pie cool for 2 hours on a wire rack before refrigerating. Serve with whipped cream or marshmallow fluff, if desired.
The Menuistia Advantage!
For even more cooking inspiration and to create your very own custom healthy recipes why not try the menuistia app. It's a great way to easily organize all your family favorite recipes and create new exciting meals!
There you have it! Your guide to sweet potato pie mastery. So go ahead, put on your apron, and get baking! Don't forget to share your delicious creations, and happy cooking!