Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
Discover the rich, creamy delight of Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream—a perfectly spiced, silky smooth dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This classic Southern treat is an irresistible blend of sweet potato’s natural sweetness, cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, and a luscious whipped cream topping that adds lightness and balance. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weekend indulgence, this Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream recipe is your new go-to for a memorable, crowd-pleasing dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The warm spices paired with sweet potatoes create a nostalgic taste that feels like a hug on a plate.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes, this dessert is both accessible and wholesome.
- Perfect texture: Smooth, creamy filling meets flaky crust, complemented by light and airy whipped cream.
- Versatile presentation: Delicious served warm or chilled, making it great for any season or occasion.
- Impressive yet easy: A stunning homemade dessert that doesn’t require advanced baking skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream plays a crucial role in crafting its signature taste and texture. Simple yet essential, these components come together to create a balanced and flavorful dessert everyone will love.
- Sweet potatoes: Roasted or boiled until tender, these provide the creamy, naturally sweet base.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that highlights the earthiness of the sweet potatoes without overpowering.
- Evaporated milk: Lends richness and silky texture to the pie filling.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and giving the pie a custard-like consistency.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices bring depth and holiday vibes to the dish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with subtle floral notes.
- Pie crust: A buttery, flaky crust acts as a sturdy yet tender vessel for the luscious filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped freshly to crown the pie with light, fluffy goodness.
- Optional spices: A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add extra dimension if desired.
Variations for Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize ingredients or add your favorite twists to make it uniquely yours. Whether you need dairy-free, gluten-free, or simply want to experiment, these easy variations keep the heart of the dessert intact.
- Dairy-free version: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use a dairy-free crust to accommodate dietary needs.
- Gluten-free crust: Use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or make your own almond flour-based crust.
- Spiced up: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon for a bolder flavor profile.
- Sweetener swap: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness twist.
- Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans on the whipped cream topping for texture and a nutty crunch.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or roast them until they’re fork-tender—roasting helps concentrate the natural sugars for extra flavor. Allow them to cool before mashing to ensure a smooth filling.
Step 2: Make the Pie Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly but gently, ensuring the eggs are evenly incorporated without overbeating.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any edges and crimp to your liking. For a more golden crust, pre-bake it for 7 minutes at 350°F before adding the filling.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 55–65 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
While the pie cools, whip the heavy cream using a chilled bowl and beaters until soft peaks form. Add a teaspoon of sugar or vanilla extract for added sweetness if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Top slices of warm or room-temperature pie with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing take on this classic dessert.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
- Use fresh sweet potatoes: Freshly cooked sweet potatoes yield a much better texture and flavor than canned.
- Don’t overmix the filling: Gently fold ingredients to avoid a tough, rubbery texture.
- Test doneness carefully: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center for perfect creaminess.
- Chill the pie crust: Keep your crust cold before baking to improve flakiness.
- Make whipped cream last minute: Whip cream just before serving to maintain its airy texture.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
Garnishes
Enhance your Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream by sprinkling ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, or a few toasted pecans on top of the whipped cream. A drizzle of maple syrup or a cinnamon stick can also add beautiful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like mixed green salads or fruit salads for contrast. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside intensifies the dessert’s creaminess and adds temperature contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve mini individual pies in ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, create parfait-style servings by layering pie filling, crumbled crust, and whipped cream in clear glasses for a stunning dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream tightly covered in the refrigerator. The pie stays moist and flavorful for 3–4 days. Store whipped cream separately to prevent it from becoming watery.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked pie without the whipped cream by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and add fresh whipped cream after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes. Always add fresh whipped cream after reheating to keep the topping light and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, fresh cooked potatoes offer better texture and a more vibrant flavor for your Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and opt for a vegan pie crust and coconut whipped cream topping.
How long does the whipped cream stay fresh?
Homemade whipped cream is best used within a few hours but can stay fresh up to 24 hours when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare the pie ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Bake the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the whipped cream just before serving for the freshest presentation.
What is the best crust for sweet potato pie?
A traditional buttery, flaky pie crust is ideal, but graham cracker or nut-based crusts can add delightful texture and flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between cozy spice, creamy texture, and sweet comfort, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. Give it a try—you’re just a few steps away from slicing into an unforgettable homemade treat that’s sure to become a favorite.
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PrintSweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream is a classic Southern dessert featuring a smooth, creamy sweet potato filling infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, and topped with light, airy whipped cream. This comforting and versatile pie can be served warm or chilled, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free crust)
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Pie Filling
- 2 to 3 cups roasted or boiled sweet potatoes, mashed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of ground ginger or cloves
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch buttery, flaky pie crust
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional garnish: ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, toasted pecans, maple syrup drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or roast until fork-tender. Allow to cool, then mash until smooth to ensure a creamy pie filling.
- Make the Pie Filling: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix gently and thoroughly to incorporate ingredients without overbeating.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp edges. For a golden crust, optionally pre-bake at 350°F for 7 minutes before adding filling.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 55–65 minutes, or until set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Whip the Cream: While the pie cools, whip the heavy cream using a chilled bowl and beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar or vanilla extract if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top slices of warm or room-temperature pie with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Gently fold filling ingredients to avoid a tough texture.
- The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Keep pie crust chilled before baking for flakier results.
- Whip cream just before serving to retain airiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato Pie, Whipped Cream, Southern Dessert, Holiday Pie, Comfort Food