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The Recipe · No.544 · Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie, and where to source it

Sweet Potato Pie — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Sweet Potato Pie American 5best2buy.com

Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling drives off water and concentrates the flavor, which is the difference between a rich pie and a watery one. Bake the custard only until the center barely jiggles; it sets as it cools.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook1 hr
Makesone 9-inch pie
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 9 servings
Sweet potatoes
Roasting concentrates the sugar and dries the flesh so the custard sets clean.
2 lb
Local / market
Eggs
They set the custard; do not overbake or they curdle and weep.
3
Milk
Evaporated milk or cream gives the custard body and richness.
1 cup
Unrefined sugar
Sweetens and deepens the color; brown sugar works well here.
3/4 cup
Spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla carry the warmth this pie is built on.
2 tsp
Butter
Melted into the filling for richness and used in the crust.
3/4 cup
Baking flour
Low-protein flour for a tender single crust.
1 1/4 cups
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Sheet pan
The Method
  1. Roast the potatoesRoast whole at 400F for 50-60 minutes until collapsing soft, then scoop and mash smooth.
  2. Par-bake the shellLine the crust with parchment and weights, blind-bake at 375F for 15 minutes, then remove weights.
  3. Mix the fillingWhisk mashed potato with eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, and spices until smooth.
  4. Fill and bakePour into the par-baked shell and bake at 350F for 45-55 minutes.
  5. Check donenessPull it when the edge is set but the center still jiggles slightly; it firms as it cools.
  6. CoolCool completely, at least 2 hours, before slicing.
The Toolkit

Pie dish 9-inch · Potato masher · Pie weights · Whisk · Rolling pin · Cooling rack

Straight Answers
Can you make Sweet Potato Pie in an air fryer? — Sometimes

You can, but a custard needs gentle, even heat and usually a water bath the basket can’t give, so the top tends to set before the middle. Bake it in ramekins that fit and watch closely, or use the oven for a foolproof set.

Can you freeze Sweet Potato Pie? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Sweet Potato Pie gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Sweet Potato Pie vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

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