Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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If you’re searching for a dessert that wraps you in cozy warmth and offers a luscious, creamy bite bursting with rich flavor, this Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is the one to try. It’s a charming twist on a Southern classic, where the tangy buttermilk perfectly balances the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes, enhanced by fragrant spices and a hint of citrus zest. This pie is comfort in every forkful, ideal for sharing at family gatherings or simply treating yourself to a slice of homemade happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the pie’s signature taste, texture, and inviting golden color. These simple pantry staples come together to create a pie that’s creamy, subtly spiced, and utterly irresistible.

• 1 cup sweet potato, baked and pureed: Provides a smooth, naturally sweet base that’s heartier and richer than pumpkin.
• Zest of one orange: Adds a bright citrus note that lifts the pie’s flavor beautifully.
• 1 1/2 cups organic sugar: Sweetens the custard while complementing the earthy sweetness of the sweet potato.
• 2 eggs: Essential for binding the filling and giving it a custardy texture.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Gives the pie a tangy richness and tender crumb, replacing cream or milk for a lighter finish.
• 3 tablespoons finely ground cornmeal: Adds subtle texture and helps absorb moisture for a perfect set.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and rounds out the spices.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Contributes richness and a silky mouthfeel.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Offers warm spice that’s classic in sweet potato desserts.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds an aromatic sweetness that’s unmistakably comforting.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle, zesty heat to balance the sweetness.
• 1 unbaked pie shell (shortening-based preferred): Ensures a flaky, tender crust that cradles the filling perfectly.

How to Make Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gentle heat ensures the pie cooks evenly, allowing the filling to set beautifully without cracking. Meanwhile, prepare your 9-inch pie plate with your chosen pie dough, pressing it evenly to create a sturdy yet tender shell that will hold all the delicious filling without sogginess.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together your baked and pureed sweet potato, orange zest, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, cornmeal, vanilla extract, melted butter, and spices. Take your time to fully blend these ingredients until you have a smooth, silky batter. This mixture is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld into the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour your luscious filling into the prepared pie crust. Place the pie on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 80 to 90 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is set with only the slightest wobble remaining in the center. This delicate texture means the pie is perfectly baked—avoid overbaking, as it can cause unsightly cracks and a less creamy finish once cooled.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Once baked, allow your pie to cool at room temperature briefly before transferring to the refrigerator. Chilling the pie helps it set fully, intensifying the flavors while giving it a creamy, sliceable consistency that’s downright irresistible.

How to Serve Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Garnishes

While the pie shines on its own, a few simple garnishes can take it up a notch. Try dolloping freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast. Toasted pecans scattered on top also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced filling.

Side Dishes

This pie is fantastic alongside warm coffees or herbal teas, making it a lovely afternoon treat or after-dinner indulgence. If serving at a meal, consider pairing it with light, fresh fruit salads to balance the richness and add a burst of natural brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, dust the pie surface lightly with cinnamon or cocoa powder using a decorative stencil, adding a whimsical pattern. You can also serve it in mini tart shells for individual portions at gatherings, making your Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe both elegant and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the custardy filling and flaky crust, so each slice tastes just as wonderful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

For warm pie, reheat slices in a low-temperature oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy and alter the lovely texture of the custard.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of baking my own?

While canned sweet potatoes might seem convenient, fresh baked and pureed sweet potatoes provide a superior flavor and texture that really compliment the tangy buttermilk in this pie. If you opt for canned, choose an unsweetened variety and drain it well to avoid watery filling.

What type of pie crust works best for this recipe?

A shortening-based crust tends to be the most reliable for this pie, offering a tender, flaky texture that supports the moist filling without becoming soggy. However, a good homemade or store-bought butter crust will work beautifully if you prefer a richer flavor.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before pouring it into the crust and baking. This step can make your pie assembly faster, especially for busy event days.

Why is cornmeal included in the filling?

The finely ground cornmeal adds a subtle grainy texture that helps balance moisture and prevents the custard from becoming runny while adding a slight rustic quality to the pie.

How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The filling should be mostly firm with just a tiny wobble in the center, similar to a cheesecake. Overbaking causes cracks and a dry texture, so it’s better to err on the side of slight underbaking as the pie will continue to set as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that bring a sense of home and tradition with every bite. Its creamy filling, balanced with tangy buttermilk and warm spices, nestled in a flaky crust, creates a perfect harmony of flavors. I can’t wait for you to make and savor it yourself—you might just find it becoming a favorite for every season to come!

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Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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4.4 from 53 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a smooth, creamy filling made from baked sweet potatoes, buttermilk, and warm spices. The filling is poured into a flaky, unbaked pie crust and baked to perfection, resulting in a custard-like texture with gentle hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, complemented by a touch of orange zest. Perfect for holiday dinners or any time you crave a comforting, sweet treat.

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Ingredients

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Filling

• 1 cup sweet potato, baked and pureed
• Zest of one orange
• 1 1/2 cups organic sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons finely ground cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Crust

• 1 unbaked pie shell (shortening based pie crust suggested)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
2. Prepare Pie Plate: Place your unbaked 9-inch pie dough into a pie plate, trimming any excess and crimping the edges if desired.
3. Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pureed sweet potato, orange zest, organic sugar, eggs, buttermilk, finely ground cornmeal, vanilla extract, melted butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Whisk all ingredients together until the filling is smooth and evenly mixed.
4. Fill Pie Shell: Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 80-90 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is mostly set with only a tiny wobble in the center. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracking during cooling.
6. Chill: After baking, allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.

Notes

• Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 80 minutes.
• If you bake the pie too long, the custard filling may crack as it cools.
• Using finely ground cornmeal helps to thicken the filling and add texture without a grainy feel.
• Make sure the sweet potatoes are well-pureed to achieve a smooth custard.
• For best flavor, chill the pie before serving to allow the custard to fully set.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American