A Creamy Southern Twist on Classic Sweet Potato Pie
This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie is a silky, custardy dessert that blends the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the tangy richness of buttermilk. With a flaky pie crust, warm spices, and a hint of caramelized flavor from brown sugar—it’s a comforting, creamy pie that’s perfect for holiday dinners, weekend baking, or anytime you crave a taste of Southern comfort.
A soft, melt-in-your-mouth pie that’s easy to love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍐 Buttermilk Magic: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the filling silky and smooth.
- 🧁 Sweet Potato Perfection: Natural sweetness and vibrant color come from real mashed potatoes.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Just mix, pour, and bake—no special tools needed.
- 🥣 Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
- ❄️ Make-Ahead Marvel: Tastes even better after resting overnight—ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients (Makes 1 9-inch pie):
For the Filling:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes , cooked and mashed (about 1½ cups)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for a lighter version)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (adds depth and caramel notes)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for balanced sweetness and structure)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature works best for smooth blending)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade – see note below)
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Extra cinnamon or nutmeg
- Toasted pecan garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Place a pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish .
Crimp the edges if desired and set aside while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Blend the Filling Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Buttermilk
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Beat until smooth and fully incorporated—use a whisk or electric mixer for best results.
Pro Tip: For ultra-smooth texture, blend the sweet potatoes and buttermilk first before adding other ingredients.
Step 3: Pour Into Crust
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
If the crust edges brown too quickly, wrap them in aluminum foil during baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes , or until the center is set and firm to the touch.
A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Let cool completely before slicing—this helps the pie firm up.
Step 5: Serve & Savor the Southern Comfort
Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled —both ways are delicious!
Top with:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A sprinkle of fresh nutmeg
- Or enjoy it plain for pure, unadulterated pie bliss
Each bite brings together:
- Silky, spiced sweet potato filling
- Buttery, flaky pie crust
- And that warm, sweet Southern charm
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Room-Temp Eggs & Butter: Ensures smooth blending and no lumps.
- 🥣 Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
- 🥄 Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined—this prevents air bubbles and cracking.
- 🧂 Sugar Swap Option: Use all brown sugar for deeper flavor, or all granulated for a lighter finish.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: This pie improves in flavor after sitting—refrigerate overnight for best results.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners.
- Great with coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Ideal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet-savory twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, makes 8 servings – approximate):
(With regular crust and full-fat dairy – per slice)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~18g
This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie proves that a few simple ingredients can create something deeply comforting. With its creamy texture, warm spices, and rich custard-like finish—it’s a must-bake for lovers of Southern desserts and holiday classics.
