Heavenly Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a classic buttermilk sweet potato pie recipe hits the table, promising comfort and nostalgia in every slice.

Creamy sweet potatoes blend perfectly with tangy buttermilk, creating a dessert that sings of home-cooked traditions.

The golden-brown crust cradles a silky filling that melts on your tongue with rich, warm spices.

Each forkful carries memories of grandma’s secret recipe and generations of love baked into a single pie.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the smooth custard, promising a dessert that transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Seasonal and soulful, this pie brings people together around the table with its irresistible aroma and deep, comforting flavors.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that captures the heart of southern baking.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

• Pie Crust: A crisp and golden base that provides a delicious foundation for the sweet potato filling.

• Sweet Potatoes: Soft, orange-fleshed root vegetables that create a creamy and rich pie filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sweet potato mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a subtle brightness and helps balance the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the pie.
• Egg Yolks: Help thicken and bind the filling with a luxurious, custard-like consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides additional structure and helps set the pie filling.

• Egg Whites: Whipped to soft peaks to add airiness and lightness to the pie filling.
• Buttermilk: Introduces a tangy flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Baking Steps for Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place whole sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Roast for one hour until tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Allow potatoes to cool completely, then carefully peel off the skin and discard.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Crust

Set oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place pie crust in a pie dish and bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Create Potato Filling

In a large mixing bowl, mash the roasted sweet potatoes until smooth.

• Softened butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with brown and white sugars.

Gradually blend the egg mixture into the sweet potato mixture.

Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Whites

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the sweet potato filling.

Stir in buttermilk until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake Pie

Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes.

The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

Tips for Creamy Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

• Choose firm, uniformly-sized sweet potatoes for consistent baking and smooth filling texture.
• Prevent soggy bottom by pre-baking crust and ensuring it's completely cooled before adding filling.
• Adjust nutmeg and cinnamon quantities to personal taste, but don't overpower the natural sweet potato flavor.
• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and easier soft peak formation.
• Add buttermilk gradually to control filling consistency and prevent over-moistening the pie.

Sweet Potato Pie Flavor Twists

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace eggs with silken tofu and use coconut milk instead of buttermilk. Swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version that's creamy and rich.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Pie: Use almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust instead of traditional pie crust. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spiced Maple Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add warming spices like cardamom and nutmeg. Enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Serving Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

• Festive Flavor Companions: Creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the pie's warm spices and creates a delightful temperature contrast.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Dollop fresh homemade whipped cream on top, sprinkled with cinnamon for an elegant and traditional southern dessert presentation.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Scatter toasted pecans or candied walnuts over each slice to add textural excitement and enhance the sweet potato's rich flavor profile.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Gently pour warm salted caramel sauce over individual pie servings to elevate the dessert with a luxurious, gooey finish.

Storage Advice for Sweet Potato Pie

• Store the cooled sweet potato pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the pie fresh and prevents it from drying out.
• Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Let the pie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to get clean, smooth slices that look picture-perfect when serving.

FAQs

• How do I know if my sweet potatoes are perfectly baked?

Gently pierce with a fork. When it slides in easily without resistance, the sweet potatoes are done. Look for slightly wrinkled skin and soft texture.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk provides a tangy flavor and helps create a tender, rich texture that regular milk cannot replicate. It’s crucial for the pie’s authentic taste.

• Why do I need to fold egg whites into the filling?

Folding egg whites creates a lighter, more airy texture. It helps the pie become fluffy and prevents a dense, heavy filling.

• How ripe should my sweet potatoes be for this recipe?

Choose sweet potatoes that are firm with smooth, unblemished skin. Orange or deep copper-colored varieties work best for maximum sweetness and smooth consistency.

Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Comforting Qualities

• Conquer Comfort Baking: Sweet potato pie offers a delightful baking experience perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, with straightforward steps that build confidence in the kitchen.
• Embrace Seasonal Delight: This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a rich, creamy dessert that captures the warmth and nostalgia of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients and simple techniques allow bakers to personalize the pie with favorite spices or creative toppings, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Sweet potatoes pack a powerful nutritional punch, turning this dessert into a more wholesome treat that feels both decadent and nourishing.

Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato pie lovers will adore this Southern classic Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie that blends creamy, spiced potato filling with tangy buttermilk in a flaky crust. Comfort dessert perfection awaits when you slice into this irresistible holiday favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 refrigerated pie crust

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F and roast sweet potatoes directly on baking sheet until tender and easily pierced, approximately 1 hour. Allow potatoes to cool completely before carefully removing skin.
2. Prepare pie crust by baking at 450F for 10-11 minutes until achieving a golden-brown color. Remove from oven and let cool, then reduce oven temperature to 375F.
3. Thoroughly mash roasted sweet potatoes, then incorporate softened butter, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices until smooth and well-blended.
4. Whisk egg yolks with granulated and brown sugars until pale and creamy. Gradually fold yolk mixture into seasoned potato puree, adding flour to create a consistent texture.
5. Whip egg whites until soft, billowy peaks form. Gently fold whites into potato mixture along with tangy buttermilk, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
6. Transfer filling into prepared pie crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake at 375F for 35-40 minutes until center is set and surface appears slightly puffed and golden.
7. Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely on wire rack, permitting filling to stabilize and develop rich, complex flavors before serving.

Notes

• Roast sweet potatoes until they caramelize slightly for deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing of filling components.
• Prevent pie crust edges from burning by covering with aluminum foil during last 15 minutes of baking.
• Whip egg whites carefully to create light, airy texture that prevents dense pie consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg