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**Sweet Potato Pie: The Ultimate Fall Dessert**
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, spiced dessert that fills the house with the cozy scents of fall. **Sweet Potato Pie** is one of those timeless, comforting treats that has been enjoyed for generations, especially during the holidays. With its velvety, spiced filling nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, this dessert is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether served as the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving dinner or as a cozy treat for a chilly evening, **Sweet Potato Pie** never fails to please.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to make this delightful dessert, explore what makes it so special, and offer tips for making the perfect pie every time.
### Why Sweet Potato Pie is So Special
Sweet potato pie is a beloved classic in many Southern kitchens, but its rich, sweet flavor has made it popular across the United States. While pumpkin pie often steals the spotlight during the holidays, sweet potato pie has a richer, earthier flavor that gives it a unique and delicious twist. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creates a comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Additionally, the smooth and creamy texture of sweet potato pie filling is the perfect contrast to the crisp and flaky pie crust. It’s a dessert that brings both visual and culinary appeal to any occasion.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
Sweet potato pie uses simple ingredients that you might already have on hand, but when combined, they create a complex and satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
#### For the Filling:
– **2 medium sweet potatoes** (about 1 ½ pounds)
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **2 tablespoons light brown sugar** (for added richness)
– **3 large eggs**
– **½ cup evaporated milk** (you can also use heavy cream for a richer pie)
– **½ teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
– **½ teaspoon ground nutmeg**
– **¼ teaspoon ground ginger** (optional, for a deeper spice flavor)
– **Pinch of salt** (to balance the sweetness)
– **2 tablespoons butter** (melted)
#### For the Pie Crust:
– **1 pre-made pie crust** (or homemade, depending on your preference)
– If you’d like to make your own pie crust, you’ll need:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
– 4-6 tablespoons ice water
#### For Garnish (Optional):
– **Whipped cream** (for serving)
### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Potato Pie
#### Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into chunks. Place the chunks into a medium pot and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain the water and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until smooth. You should have about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before using them in the filling.
#### Step 2: Make the Pie Crust (If Using Homemade)
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, skip to the next step. For a homemade crust, combine 1 ½ cups of flour and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 4-6 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just begins to come together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently into a ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Once chilled, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the crust in the pie pan, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until smooth and well-combined. Add the melted butter and mix again until the filling is creamy.
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