This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced. The addition of tangy buttermilk gives this pie a unique twist, balancing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes with a subtle tang. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or just because, this pie is sure to become a family favorite!
📋 Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water (more if needed)
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Make the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the flour , sugar , and salt . Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water , one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough—you may need a bit more water, but add it sparingly.
- Chill the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes .
- Roll Out and Fit into Pan:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan . Transfer the dough to the pan, trim any excess, and crimp the edges decoratively.
- Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional):
- If you want a crisper crust, pre-bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes . Let it cool before adding the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Mix Filling Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes , sugar , buttermilk , melted butter , eggs , vanilla extract , cinnamon , nutmeg , ginger , and salt . Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pie Crust:
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes , or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling helps the filling set properly for clean slices.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve:
- Enjoy the Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie as is, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Mash Sweet Potatoes Smoothly: For a silky-smooth filling, use a potato ricer or blender to mash the sweet potatoes until completely lump-free.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling before baking and adjust the sugar to your preference. If you like a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
- Make Ahead: The pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie strikes the perfect balance between creamy, spiced, and tangy flavors. The buttermilk adds a delightful zing that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while the warm spices create a cozy, comforting aroma. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of Southern goodness, this pie delivers. Dive into this creamy, dreamy dessert and let it become a staple in your recipe collection!
⏱ Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
🍽 Servings:
8 servings
🔥 Calories (Approximate):
~300 kcal per slice (varies based on portion size and toppings)
