Here’s a Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie recipe, including crust and filling instructions, tips for best texture, and variations.
🥧 Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
A creamy, tangy twist on a Southern classic, combining sweet potatoes and buttermilk for a silky, rich filling with a slight tang.
📋 Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (or use store-bought):
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp sugar
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
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3–4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
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1 1/2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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3/4 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
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1/4 tsp salt
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, adds brightness)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
If using store-bought, skip to Step 2.
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
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Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until pea-sized bits form.
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Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough holds together (don’t overmix).
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Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
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Roll out to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Trim, tuck, and crimp the edges. Chill while making the filling.
2. Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes
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Boil or roast 2 medium sweet potatoes until tender (roasting enhances sweetness).
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Peel and mash until smooth—avoid stringy bits. Let cool before mixing into filling.
3. Make the Filling
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In a large bowl, whisk mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter until combined.
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Add both sugars and mix well.
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Beat in eggs one at a time.
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Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, spices, salt, and lemon zest (if using).
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Mix until smooth and creamy—don’t overmix.
4. Assemble and Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Pour filling into the prepared pie shell. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until center is set but jiggles slightly when shaken.
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A knife inserted 1 inch from the edge should come out clean.
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Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
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Serve at room temperature or chilled.
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Top with whipped cream or crème fraîche.
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Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with caramel for extra flair.
💡 Tips for Success
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Roast, don’t boil: Roasting sweet potatoes brings out natural sweetness and reduces water content.
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Don’t skip the buttermilk: It adds tang and richness that balances the pie’s sweetness.
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Use fresh spices: Freshly ground nutmeg and cinnamon make a huge flavor difference.
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Make ahead: Pie improves with time. Bake it a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
🧁 Variations
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Bourbon Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie: Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon to the filling.
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Maple Version: Replace some or all of the granulated sugar with maple syrup (reduce buttermilk slightly).
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Graham Cracker Crust: Use for a nuttier, crunchier twist.
Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free or vegan version, or if you want to turn this into mini pies or bars!