Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie: A Southern Classic with a Delicious Twist
There’s nothing quite like sweet potato pie to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Whether it’s during the holidays or simply as a special treat, Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie is a rich, creamy dessert with smooth sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a flaky crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The addition of sour cream in this recipe elevates the traditional sweet potato pie, adding an extra layer of creaminess and tang that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners, this pie is easy to make and combines the best of Southern flavors. For more Southern-inspired dessert ideas, check out the Just A Pinch Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe.
Why Sweet Potato Pie is a Southern Staple
Sweet potato pie is a dessert deeply rooted in Southern tradition, particularly in African-American cuisine. Its rich, custard-like filling is made from cooked sweet potatoes that are mashed and blended with ingredients like butter, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Unlike the more well-known pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor, making it a unique addition to any dessert table.
- A Dessert with History: Sweet potato pie has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. It became especially popular in African-American communities as a holiday favorite, passed down through generations with family recipes.
- The Contrast with Pumpkin Pie: While pumpkin pie is often associated with the fall season, sweet potato pie is favored in the South, particularly for its smooth texture and sweeter, more flavorful filling.
For more information on the origins and cultural significance of sweet potato pie, visit The Spruce Eats Southern Sweet Potato Pie.
Key Ingredients for Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie
To create this rich and flavorful pie, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a smooth texture. Freshly cooked sweet potatoes work best.
- Sour Cream: A unique addition that adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the pie filling.
- Eggs: These provide structure, helping the filling set during baking.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warmth and depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery crust—store-bought or homemade—serves as the base, complementing the smooth filling.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Start by boiling or baking 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. If boiling, it should take about 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, peel the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
- If using a store-bought pie crust, roll it out into a 9-inch pie dish. For a homemade option, prepare your favorite recipe and blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 375°F to prevent sogginess later.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of allspice. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Stir everything together until well blended.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Sour Cream
- Beat 2 large eggs and add them to the sweet potato mixture. Stir in ½ cup of sour cream, blending until smooth. This step ensures a creamy, custard-like filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the pie at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing. For the best flavor, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a finishing touch.
Recipe Variations for Sweet Potato Pie
While Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie is delicious as-is, here are a few variations you can try to customize the pie to your liking:
- Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie
- For a more traditional version, skip the sour cream and use evaporated milk instead. This classic approach allows the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine.
- Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping
- For a fun twist, add mini marshmallows to the top of the pie during the last 5 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will toast lightly, creating a sweet, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pie
- Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless version by baking the filling in a greased pie dish. This variation is perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Pecan Streusel Sweet Potato Pie
- Add a crunchy pecan streusel topping made from butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. This variation adds a nutty, caramelized layer that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Pie
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie:
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes are preferable to canned ones for this recipe. They provide a smoother texture and richer flavor.
- Pre-Bake the Pie Crust: Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes helps prevent a soggy bottom. This step ensures the crust stays crisp, even with the rich filling.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the filling gently to avoid incorporating too much air. Overmixing can cause cracks in the filling as it bakes.
- Let the Pie Cool Completely: Cooling the pie for at least 2 hours allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions for Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie
There are several ways to serve Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie to enhance its rich flavors:
- With Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light contrast to the dense, sweet filling.
- Sprinkled with Cinnamon Sugar: For a touch of extra sweetness, sprinkle the pie with cinnamon sugar just before serving.
- Paired with Coffee: The warm spices in the pie pair perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of spiced cider, making it a great choice for dessert or a mid-afternoon treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie up to two days in advance. Once baked and cooled, store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. Bring the pie to room temperature or serve chilled.
2. What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?
While both pies use similar spices, sweet potato pie tends to be slightly sweeter and creamier than pumpkin pie. Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness and a silkier texture that distinguishes this pie from its pumpkin counterpart.
3. Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Absolutely! Sweet potato pie freezes well. Once the pie has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes for the pie?
For the smoothest filling, mash the sweet potatoes by hand with a potato masher, or use a hand mixer for a lump-free texture. You want the filling to be completely smooth for the best results.
5. Can I substitute yams for sweet potatoes?
Yes, yams can be substituted for sweet potatoes in this recipe, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Sweet potatoes tend to be creamier and sweeter, which gives the pie its signature taste.
Conclusion: A Timeless Southern Dessert
Angel’s Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special holiday gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this pie is sure to become a favorite. The creamy filling, enhanced with a touch of sour cream, offers a unique twist on the traditional recipe, making it a standout dessert that everyone will love.
For more delicious dessert ideas and variations on sweet potato pie, check out Taste of Home Sweet Potato Pie Recipe.
