buttermilk sweet potato pie recipe

Classic Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

This Sweet Potato Pie is a smooth, creamy, and warmly spiced dessert that embodies the comforting flavors of fall. Made with baked sweet potatoes, rich buttermilk, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, this pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a comforting dessert. Follow this step-by-step guide to make an easy, delicious sweet potato pie with a perfectly flaky crust.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, separated
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup buttermilk

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

1. Baking the Sweet Potatoes
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet to catch any drips, as they may ooze while baking. Bake for 1 hour or until they are soft when pierced with a fork. Let the sweet potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, then peel the skins off.
2. Mashing the Sweet Potatoes
   Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them until smooth. Measure out 1¼ cups of the mashed sweet potatoes for the pie filling. For a smoother texture, use a hand-held mixer to achieve a creamy consistency.

Preparing the Pie Crust

1. Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Crust
   Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Unroll the refrigerated pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it gently to fit the shape of the plate. Crimp the edges for a decorative look, and prick the bottom and sides with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
2. Baking the Crust
   Bake the crust for 9-11 minutes, or until it just begins to turn golden. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for baking the pie.

Making the Sweet Potato Pie Filling

1. Combining the Sweet Potato and Spices
   In a medium bowl, combine the measured sweet potato mash with the melted butter, lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the spices are well incorporated.
2. Whisking the Egg Yolks and Sugars
   In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they turn thick and pale in color. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then whisk for an additional minute until the sugars are fully incorporated.
3. Blending the Sweet Potato and Egg Mixtures
   Add the spiced sweet potato mixture to the bowl with the egg yolk mixture. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Adding Flour and Buttermilk
   Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, one teaspoon at a time, to thicken the filling slightly. Pour in the buttermilk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Beating the Egg Whites
   In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the sweet potato mixture, being careful not to deflate them. This will add a light, airy texture to the filling.

Assembling and Baking the Pie

1. Pouring the Filling
   Pour the prepared filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
2. Baking the Pie
   Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The pie should be firm but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
3. Cooling the Pie
   Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling will help the pie firm up for slicing. Once cool, the pie is ready to serve or can be chilled for a firmer texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness and presentation.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes
   For the best texture and flavor, use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Jewel. They provide a creamy texture and natural sweetness that works beautifully in this pie.
2. Use Buttermilk for Richness
   Buttermilk adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the pie. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Make-Ahead Option
   You can bake the sweet potatoes up to 48 hours in advance and store the mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day you assemble the pie.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
   Feel free to adjust the amount of nutmeg and cinnamon based on your preference. Some people enjoy a bolder spice flavor, while others prefer a milder taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes or yams can be used, but fresh sweet potatoes tend to have a better flavor and texture. If you use canned sweet potatoes, drain and mash them before measuring.

How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the filling is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. As it cools, it will firm up. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier.

How should I store leftovers?
Leftover sweet potato pie should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie for up to 2 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Classic Sweet Potato Pie is a holiday favorite with its warm spices, creamy filling, and flaky crust. It’s a delightful dessert that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a pie that captures the heart of traditional Southern baking. Enjoy each slice with family and friends, and savor the classic flavors that make this pie a beloved tradition.