Sweet potato pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of Black American cuisine. This iconic pie, born in the Southern United States, has become a staple on holiday tables across the country. With its creamy, subtly sweet filling and flaky crust, it’s a perfect blend of flavors that evoke warmth and comfort. The sweet potato, a staple in many African and indigenous American diets, was brought to the Americas through the Transatlantic Slave Trade and transformed into a beloved dessert through Black food ingenuity. Each bite of this pie is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black American cooks who turned adversity into culinary gold.
Ingredients
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For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter, diced or shredded
- 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ice water
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For the Filling:
- 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
Instructions
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Make the Pie Crust:
- Combine flour, salt, sugar, vanilla extract, cold butter, and butter-flavored shortening in a stand mixer. Mix until well combined into a dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge until ready to roll out.
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Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Cook the sweet potatoes by your preferred method (steaming or baking). Allow them to cool completely.
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Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whip the cooled sweet potatoes until they’re fluffy and creamy.
- Add eggs (at room temperature), sugar, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), vanilla extract, evaporated milk, and softened butter. Mix until well combined and the mixture is almost fluffy.
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Roll Out the Pie Dough:
- Remove the chilled pie dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
- Place the dough into the pie plate and trim any excess dough from the edges.
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Blind-Bake the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Blind-bake the pie crust for 7-10 minutes to set it.
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
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Fill and Bake the Pie:
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust.
- Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes or until the filling is mostly set and the center is no longer liquid. It’s okay if the center has a slight jiggle when you shake the pan.
Top Tips
- Use High-Quality Sweet Potatoes: Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the sweet potato filling to maintain its fluffy texture.
- Chill the Crust: Chilling the pie dough ensures it holds its shape and bakes evenly.
- Blind-Bake First: Blind-baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when filled with the sweet potato mixture.
- Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let it Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before serving to ensure the filling sets properly.
Variations
- Spiced Sweet Potato Pie: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the sweet potato filling for an extra layer of spice.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the sweet potato filling for added texture and flavor.
- Creamy Filling: Use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk for a richer, creamier filling.
- Gingered Filling: Increase the amount of ground ginger in the filling for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Top the pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
|—————————————| |
| Servings | 8-10 |
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45g |
| Protein | 5-6g |
Additional Nutritional Notes:
Sweet potato pie is rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber from the sweet potatoes, making it a satisfying dessert. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to the high sugar content, it’s best to consume this pie in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
