Well hey there friends, it’s Darian from County Mama Cooking! I’ve got an extra special dessert to share with y’all today – my homemade sweet potato pie with a butter pecan topping. This is classic Southern comfort food at its finest!
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a busy mama of three adorable kiddos – Zoey, Scarlette, and Dain. They keep me on my toes but also inspire me daily. And my loving, supportive husband is always my taste tester extraordinaire.
Cooking and baking are my creative outlets. I find such joy in making tasty treats for my family and friends to enjoy. This sweet potato pie is one of my absolute favorites that I make every holiday season. The creamy, spiced filling paired with the crunchy pecan topping is simply heavenly!
Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping
Equipment
- oven
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 Single pie crust
Filling
- 3 medium Sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup Butter
- 2 large Eggs
- ¾ cup Evaporated milk
- ½ cup Brown sugar packed
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Pinch of ginger
Topping
- ½ cup Butter salted
- ½ cup Brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp Maple syrup
- 1 cup Pecans
Instructions
- Chop your sweet potatoes and bring them to a boil over medium heat. Cook until tender.
- Once the potatoes are done, drain them and mash them up with 1/4 cup of butter.
- Pre-heat oven to 350F.
- While the sweet potatoes are boiling, go ahead and get your pie crust ready. If you’re making a pie crust from scratch, check out how to make a pie crust from scratch here. If using a store-bought one, get it into your pie pan and ready.
- When the sweet potatoes are all mashed and ready, let them cool for a couple minutes before adding in the rest of the ingredients.
- After a few minutes of cooling, add in 2 eggs, 3/4 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar – packed, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger. Stir until well combined.
- Pour filling into the pie shell and bake in oven at 350F for 55 minutes. Baking time may vary with different appliances.
- Once the pie is cooked, remove from oven and let cool.
- While the pie is cooling, you can begin making the butter pecan topping.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Stirring constantly so nothing burns.
- When it’s all mixed together, toss in the pecans. You can use whole pecans, halves or pieces. I personally like using pieces. Once pecans are added, keeping stirring over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- After about 5 minutes pour the butter pecan topping on top of the pie.
- Let everything completely cool before cutting and serving – roughly 4-6 hours.
Video
Why This Sweet Potato Pie is Worth the Effort
Baking a from-scratch pie crust and simmering the filling does take some time, but let me tell you why it’s so worth it:
- Flavor Can’t Be Beat: The homemade filling is far superior to anything from a can. It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly spiced.
- Fun Twist on Pumpkin Pie: Offer your guests something different but still familiar. Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping has that same cozy, spice-filled vibe.
- Showstopping Presentation: With its beautiful layered look, this pie always gets oohs and aahs when I bring it to the table. The pecan topping adds extra fancy flair.
- Satisfyingly Sweet and Savory: The sweet potato filling provides warmth while the crunchy, salty pecans on top provide contrast. It’s a match made in heaven!
- Wonderful Leftovers: Slices of this pie hold up beautifully in the fridge for several days. The flavors even improve as they meld together.
Tips for Sweet Potato Perfection
After making Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping a number of times, I’ve picked up some tips along the way:
- Roast the sweet potatoes first to caramelize the sugars and concentrate the flavor
- Allow the filling to chill thoroughly before baking for the firmest slice
- Grease the pie dish well or even line it with parchment to prevent sticking
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to give the filling time to set
- Toast the pecans first to really amplify their crunch and nuttiness
- Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the pecans for an extra salty-sweet pop
FAQs about Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping
I know you guys will have some great questions, so here are some common FAQs about Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping recipe:
What kind of sweet potatoes work best?
I prefer jewel or garnet yams for their creamy texture and sweet flavor once baked.
Can I use canned or frozen Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping?
Fresh baked sweet potatoes make all the difference. The flavor of canned isn’t nearly as good.
What if my filling seems too runny?
Simmer it for 5-10 minutes longer to reduce excess moisture before baking the pie.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the pie for at least 4 hours first. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water between slices.
Can I make Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it, let it cool completely, and store covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? I like to reheat individual slices in the microwave just until warm, about 30 seconds. But what if you don’t have a microwave or prefer not to use one?
If you’re looking for alternative methods, I’ve got you covered. Check out my guide on ‘How To Reheat Food Without A Microwave‘. It’s packed with tips and techniques that will help you reheat your food while preserving its flavor and texture. Click here to learn more and discover how to make your leftovers taste just as good as when they were freshly cooked!”
Conclution
Well folks, I hope this post has inspired you to give this Southern classic a try this holiday season! It does take some time and effort, but the end result is so very worth it. The smooth, creamy sweet potato filling has the most wonderful blend of spices that reminds me of the holidays. And the crunchy, salty pecan topping takes it over the top. Every bite is pure bliss!
Let me know if you give this Sweet Potato Pie with a Butter Pecan Topping recipe a try. I always love seeing your beautiful creations. And if you have any extra special add-ins or tweaks, make sure to share! I’m all about customizing recipes to suit your family’s tastes.
Speaking of customization, have you ever tried making Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes? They’re a fantastic way to use up those holiday leftovers and add a delicious twist to your breakfast or brunch. Click here to check out the recipe and let me know what you think!
Now if y’all will excuse me, I see a slice of this sweet potato pie calling my name! Until next time, stay cozy out there