Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

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Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk 🍠🥧✨

Introduction:

Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved dessert in many homes, especially in the Southern United States. With its smooth, creamy filling and a subtly spiced flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the table. Often associated with holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, sweet potato pie has deep cultural roots, making it a symbol of tradition and warmth. But what really makes it a standout treat is its sweet potato filling combined with condensed milk, creating a velvety, indulgent texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer!)
  • Optional: a dash of cinnamon or sugar for sprinkling on the crust edge

🥄 Instructions:

1. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

  • Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash the potatoes until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes once done.

2. Preparing the Pie Filling:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and melted butter.
  • Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix everything together until smooth and well combined. The texture should be creamy and slightly thick.

3. Assembling the Pie:

  • Pour the pie filling into the pre-made pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
  • If you like, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or sugar around the edges of the crust to give it a golden, spiced finish.

4. Baking:

  • Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You can test the filling by inserting a knife into the center — it should come out clean.

5. Cooling and Serving:

  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing, as the filling needs time to firm up.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

📖 History of Sweet Potato Pie:

Sweet potato pie has been a staple of Southern cuisine for centuries. The origins of the dish can be traced back to the indigenous people of North America who cultivated sweet potatoes long before European settlers arrived. These root vegetables were then integrated into many traditional Southern recipes.

In African American cuisine, particularly during the slavery era, sweet potatoes were a common ingredient due to their abundance and versatility. Enslaved people and later their descendants took advantage of the crop’s natural sweetness, creating pies and other dishes to bring comfort and joy to their lives. Over the years, sweet potato pie evolved with various flavor additions and methods, but it always remained a symbol of home-cooked love.

The use of condensed milk, in particular, reflects the influence of the 20th century when canned products became more accessible and popular for their convenience. This ingredient helped make the pie creamier and richer, perfect for a festive occasion.

🏆 Methods & Tips:

  1. Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes:
    • Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth with no soft spots or blemishes. While both orange-fleshed and white-fleshed sweet potatoes can work, the orange variety gives the pie a rich, vibrant color and a sweet, dense texture.
  2. Make it from Scratch or Use a Store-bought Crust:
    • While you can definitely use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, making your own from scratch can elevate the pie to a whole new level. A buttery, flaky crust complements the rich filling beautifully.
  3. Spice It Up:
    • Adjust the spices according to your preference. You can add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of allspice or cloves for a different flavor profile. If you like a deeper flavor, a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar can also add complexity.
  4. Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional):
    • If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent the crust from getting soggy while the pie bakes.

🍴 Conclusion:

Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk is more than just a dessert — it’s a slice of history, culture, and love all baked into one beautiful pie. With its creamy filling, buttery crust, and warm spices, it’s a treat that is sure to bring smiles to your table. Whether you serve it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, this pie is guaranteed to win hearts.

This recipe, like the pie itself, has been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting with time, but always remaining a comforting, delicious tradition. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create something delicious that will not only fill your belly but also your heart. Enjoy! 💖✨

💬 Pie Lovers:

Sweet Potato Pie is a favorite of many pie lovers, often sparking debates over whether it’s better than pumpkin pie. The creamy texture and warm spices have made it a beloved dessert for generations. Whether you are a long-time fan or trying it for the first time, it’s sure to win you over. Share your experience with family, friends, and fellow pie lovers! 🎉

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