Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe | A Nostalgic Dessert

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe | A Nostalgic Dessert

A Slice of Family History

There’s a magic to Grandma’s kitchen that no recipe book can replicate. It’s the warmth of her hands kneading dough, the sound of her laughter as she stirs the pot, and the aroma of something wonderful baking in the oven. For me, that magic came to life every time she made her famous sweet potato pie.

This wasn’t just a dessert—it was a symbol of family, love, and tradition. Grandma’s sweet potato pie was always the star of every holiday table. With its creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust, it had a way of bringing us all together, one slice at a time.

Today, I’m sharing her cherished recipe with you, so you can recreate this nostalgic dessert in your kitchen. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this sweet potato pie is guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and memories.

What Makes Grandma’s Sweet Potato Pie So Special?

Grandma’s sweet potato pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a connection to the past. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using fresh sweet potatoes and pantry staples, Grandma created magic with minimal fuss.
2. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Unlike pumpkin pie, this dessert isn’t overly sweet. The natural flavor of the sweet potatoes shines through.
3. Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create a cozy, comforting flavor profile.
4. Homemade Touch: From the buttery crust to the creamy filling, every bite feels like a hug from Grandma herself.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is a classic dessert featuring a buttery, flakypie crust filled with creamy, spiced sweet potato filling. To make crust from scratch, it requires cold butter and flour for the perfect texture. its filling combines mashed sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk. Furthermore, it is based also on warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a comforting and flavorful bite.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course lunch

Cuisine Southern American Cuisine

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Ingredients for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet PotatoPie

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¼ cups for a tender flaky crust.
• Butter: ½ cup 1 stick, cold and cut into cubes.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon for balance.
• Ice Water: 3–4 tablespoons to bring the dough together.

Ingridients For the Sweet PotatoFilling:

• Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes about 1 ½ pounds, cooked and mashed.
• Butter: ½ cup 1 stick, melted, for richness.
• Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar for sweetness.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs beaten, to bind the filling.
• Milk: ½ cup evaporated milk or whole milk for creaminess.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for warmth.
• Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon for a hint of spice.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon to enhance the flavors.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

• If making the crust from scratch, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, trim the edges, and crimp as desired.

Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil them in a pot of water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
• Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
• Add the sugar, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Optional: Decorate the edges of the crust with small pie crust cutouts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

• Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
• Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. The filling will continue to set as it cools.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the sweet potato pie as is or with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort.

Keyword grandma`s pie, grandma`s sweet potato pie, old fashioned sweet potato pie

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly cooked sweet potatoes give the filling a better flavor and texture than canned ones.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the filling can introduce air bubbles, causing cracks during baking. Stir just until combined.
3. Chill the Crust: A chilled crust prevents shrinking and ensures a flaky texture.
4. Make It Ahead: Sweet potato pie tastes even better the next day. Make it a day in advance and refrigerate it until serving time.

Why Sweet Potato Pie Is a Southern Classic

Sweet potato pie is a dessert deeply rooted in Southern culinary traditions. Passed down through generations, it has become a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and family. Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a naturally rich flavor and creamy texture that comes from the sweet potatoes themselves.

For many, it’s a dish that evokes memories of holidays spent around the table, surrounded by loved ones. Each slice is a reminder of simpler times, when recipes were shared, stories were told, and every meal ended with something sweet.

Creative Variations for Sweet Potato Pie

1. Add a Streusel Topping: Top the pie with a crumble made of brown sugar, butter, and pecans for added texture.
2. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra spice.
3. Lighten It Up: Substitute coconut milk for evaporated milk and reduce the sugar for a lighter version.
4. Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filling before baking for a decadent twist.

Serving Suggestions

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie pairs beautifully with:

• Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy topping to balance the rich filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Hot Drinks: Pair with spiced apple juice, chai tea, or coffee for a cozy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze sweet potato pie?

Yes! Wrap the baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Absolutely! A pre-made crust saves time and works perfectly with this recipe.

How to Make It Your Own

This sweet potato pie is a classic, but you can easily make it your own with a few tweaks:

1. Add a Citrus Twist

Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice to brighten the flavors.

2. Go Nutty

Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the filling before baking for a crunchy finish.

3. Play with Sweetness

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness with a hint of depth.

These small changes can add a personal touch to Grandma’s classic recipe while keeping the nostalgic charm intact.

Conclusion: A Taste of Home

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of love, tradition, and family. With its creamy filling, warm spices, and flaky crust, this pie is a timeless classic that will bring smiles to everyone around your table.

Try this recipe and share it with your loved ones! Don’t forget to tag your creations with #GrandmasSweetPotatoPie.