**Alt Text:** "A close-up of a slice of Mississippi sweet potato pie on a decorative plate, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar. The rich, golden-orange filling contrasts with the flaky crust. In the softly blurred background, a full pie, a flickering candle, and rustic table decor create a warm and cozy atmosphere."

Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie

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If you love classic Southern desserts, Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie is a must-try! This traditional pie is rich, creamy, and packed with warm spices, making it a comforting treat for any occasion. While it’s often compared to pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a smoother texture, deeper flavor, and a more naturally sweet taste.

A staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings, this pie is simple to make and full of nostalgic flavors. Let’s dive into how you can make the best Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie at home!

What is Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie?

Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie is a Southern classic made from cooked and mashed sweet potatoes blended with butter, sugar, eggs, warm spices, and milk or cream. It’s baked in a flaky pie crust until smooth and custard-like.

Unlike pumpkin pie, which relies on canned pumpkin puree, sweet potato pie is naturally sweeter and creamier, with a rich, buttery taste.

A freshly baked Mississippi sweet potato pie with a golden, flaky crust and a smooth, spiced orange filling, surrounded by baking ingredients on a rustic wooden table. Cinnamon sticks, eggs, sugar, and milk add a cozy, warm ambiance to this classic Southern dessert scene.

Ingredients Needed

For the Pie Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4-5 tablespoons ice water

(Or use a pre-made store-bought pie crust for convenience.)

For the Sweet Potato Filling

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

  • Whipped cream
  • Toasted pecans
  • Caramel drizzle

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

A close-up of a baker's hands sifting flour into a rustic wooden bowl, creating a soft cloud of fine particles. The warm lighting and dark background emphasize the texture of the flour and the movement of the hands, evoking a cozy, traditional baking scene

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Bake, boil, or roast the sweet potatoes until tender.
  2. Peel and mash them until smooth (you can use a fork, potato masher, or blender).

Making the Pie Filling

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
  2. Add in mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and spices.
  3. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Baking the Pie

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
  3. Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set.
  5. Let the pie cool completely before serving.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie

  • Use freshly baked sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the filling—a smooth blend prevents air bubbles.
  • Let the pie cool before slicing for a clean cut.
  • For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk.

Variations and Customization

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

  • Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of evaporated milk.
  • Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil.
  • Replace eggs with flaxseed or cornstarch egg substitutes.

Spicing It Up

  • Add a splash of bourbon or rum for extra depth.
  • Increase cinnamon and nutmeg for a bolder spice profile.

What to Serve with Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie

  • A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • A cup of coffee or spiced chai
  • Candied pecans or caramel drizzle for added sweetness

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Informatio

  • Calories: ~320 per slice
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fats: ~12g
  • Protein: ~5g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

What’s the best way to cook sweet potatoes for pie?

Baking or roasting them brings out their natural sweetness more than boiling.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but drain them well and mash until smooth.

How do I keep my pie from cracking?

Avoid overbaking—take it out when the center is slightly wobbly.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free pie crust.

Conclusion

Mississippi Sweet Potato Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for holidays, family dinners, and special occasions. Its smooth texture, warm spices, and naturally sweet flavor make it a standout treat. Whether you enjoy it warm with whipped cream or chilled with a caramel drizzle, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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