Ultimate Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie

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There’s just something deeply nostalgic about a slice of sweet potato pie—warm, spiced, and velvety smooth. This Ultimate Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie takes everything you love about the classic and elevates it with rich, molasses-kissed brown sugar. The flavor is deeper, the texture silkier, and every bite feels like a cozy hug from fall.

Perfect for holidays or whenever you’re craving a down-home dessert, this pie celebrates the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while giving them a luxurious upgrade. With a buttery, flaky crust and the bold taste of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, this pie never fails to win hearts at the table.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): For combining the mashed sweet potatoes with your wet and dry ingredients. A deep bowl helps prevent splatters during mixing.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: To achieve a silky, lump-free filling texture. While hand mixing is possible, electric tools make it effortless.
• Potato Masher or Food Processor: Softens the sweet potatoes into a perfectly smooth base. A food processor yields a particularly velvety consistency.
• 9-Inch Pie Dish: The right size for even baking and proper filling distribution.
• Baking Sheet: Placing your pie dish on a sheet helps catch spills and promotes even heat circulation.
• Aluminum Foil or Pie Crust Shield: To protect the edges of the crust from over-browning.
• Cooling Rack: Crucial for setting the pie properly after baking to avoid sogginess.

With these essentials, the process becomes smooth and enjoyable. Now that you’re prepped, let’s move on to the soul of this dessert—the ingredients and steps!

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Ingredients for the Ultimate Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the pie, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture. Roasted or boiled, they form the luscious base of the filling.
• Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, caramel-like depth that white sugar just can’t match. Dark brown sugar intensifies the flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter brings smoothness and richness, enhancing both flavor and mouthfeel.
• Eggs: These bind the pie together and give it a custard-like consistency.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess without watering down the filling. It’s the secret to that velvety bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the sweet potatoes and rounds out the spices.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential warm spices that complement the sweet potato’s earthy notes.
• Salt: A small pinch that sharpens every other flavor and keeps the sweetness in balance.
• Unbaked Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade, this buttery shell is the vessel for all that creamy goodness.

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How To Make the Ultimate Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube your sweet potatoes, then boil or roast them until tender. Once soft, mash them thoroughly or use a food processor for a smoother filling.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined and silky.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor Boosters

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Pie Shell

Place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges if desired. Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Use foil or a crust shield if the edges brown too quickly.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Place the pie on a cooling rack and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and enhances flavor.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Your Sweet Potato Pie

For the best flavor and texture, serve your Ultimate Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie at room temperature or slightly chilled. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup takes it over the top. For extra decadence, pair it with vanilla bean ice cream or sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top.

To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, the baked pie can be frozen for up to 2 months—just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Always store it flat to prevent the filling from cracking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my sweet potato pie is done?

The pie is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. Insert a toothpick or knife—it should come out mostly clean with just a bit of moisture.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes or yams in a pinch. Just make sure they are drained well and mashed thoroughly to achieve the right consistency.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making the day before a big event. Just bake, cool, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best pie crust to use?

A homemade buttery crust is always a win, but a high-quality store-bought crust works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s unbaked when you pour in the filling.

Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or deep. Brown sugar brings that molasses touch that sets this recipe apart.

How do I avoid cracks on top of the pie?

Don’t overbake it! Also, cooling it gradually helps prevent cracks. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack at room temperature before chilling.

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Want More Pie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Ultimate Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie, you might also enjoy these delicious pies and sweet treats from Life With Olivia:

• Old-Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler Recipe for a rustic, juicy dessert.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake when you want easy and indulgent.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake for lovers of nutty, rich flavors.
• Apple Enchiladas – A Sweet and Comforting Treat if you’re craving something warm and cinnamony.
• Indulgent Kentucky Butter Cake with melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Explore even more of my daily dessert recipes over on Pinterest: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you keep it classic or give it a twist? Did you go for homemade crust or store-bought?

I love hearing how others bring their own flair to this Southern favorite. Drop your tips, swaps, or sweet success stories below!

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