Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is a staple dessert in the Southern United States, known for its rich, creamy filling and delicious homemade crust. This traditional pie has made its way to holiday tables and family gatherings for generations, making it an all-time favorite in the culinary world. Let’s dive into the delightful world of sweet potato pie and learn how to make this Southern classic at home!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture together using an electric mixer or by hand until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Continue beating the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread the filling out evenly, ensuring that it reaches the edges of the crust.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. If the pie begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning.
- Once the pie is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Serve the pie at room temperature or chilled, according to your preference.
History and Curiosities
The history of Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie dates back to the colonial times. The Europeans introduced sweet potatoes to the African slaves in the Southern United States. The slaves, who were well-versed in working with ingredients that were readily available, soon adapted the sweet potato into their culinary repertoire.
Sweet potato pie soon gained popularity in the Southern states, particularly during the holidays. Sweet potatoes were often grown as a replacement for pumpkin and squash, which were more common in the Northern states. This eventually led to sweet potatoes becoming a key ingredient in this traditional dessert.
Today, the Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is not only a symbol of Southern cuisine but also an important part of African American culture, as it represents a culinary tradition passed down through generations. This timeless dessert continues to grace the tables of families across the Southern United States, making it a true testament to its delicious flavors, history, and cultural significance. So, with each bite of this scrumptious pie, you indulge in a piece of history, making your dessert experience even more memorable!
