Sweet Potato Pie is one of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts! But being from Kentucky, you know I have to put a fun and boozy kick on it. This Southern Sweet Potato Pie takes this classic up a notch by adding bourbon to the super simple one-bowl pie filling. It's such an easy pie to make from scratch puts the best twist on a traditional classic.
This pie is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert, but also makes a great contribution to a fall potluck or dinner party! If you love sweet potato desserts, you'll also love this Sweet Potato Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and this Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Frosting.
Why this Recipe Works
Bourbon is a sweeter liquor so it works perfectly with the flavor of the super simple pie filling. It adds just enough flavor to complement the sweet potato and adds the slightest kick of booze to warm the soul. It's so cozy and comforting!
Ingredients and Notes
Butter - If the sweet potatoes are not hot (particularly if you're using canned or leftover sweet potatoes) use melted butter instead of cubed since it won't melt if the sweet potatoes aren't hot.
Bourbon - Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking since you only need a little bit and will have plenty leftover to drink. Alternatively, use an airplane bottle or nip as it should be the exact amount needed for this pie filling. I always recommend using a Kentucky Bourbon, but I might be biased!
Substitutions
Pie Crust - I prefer to buy ready-made pie crust from the grocery store, but you can also use a homemade pie crust if you prefer.
Sweet Potatoes - Canned sweet potatoes will work too, just make sure there are no sweeteners or spices added.
Bourbon - I highly recommend using a cherry bourbon (such as Jim Beam's Red Stag or Evan Williams Cherry). A cinnamon or spiced bourbon would also be delicious!
How to make this recipe
Step 1: If using fresh sweet potatoes, peel them and cut into 1" cubes. Drop into a pot of boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes. Strain, place in a mixing bowl, and beat until smooth.
Step 2: Add the cubed butter, let it melt in the hot sweet potatoes, then beat in.
Step 3: Add the remaining pie filling ingredients and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Pour into prepared pie crust. Bake for 30-40 minutes, till the center is slightly jiggly, then cool completely, slice, and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
At least for a little bit. Frozen, store-bought pie crusts should sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before you add the filling and bake. If you're using refrigerated, roll-out pie dough, that also needs to sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before unrolling.
You want to remove the pie from the oven before the filling is full set. The center of the pie should still have a slight jiggle as it will continue to set as it cools.
I would not serve this Southern Sweet Potato Pie to kids. Though it only has a very small amount of bourbon in it and a bit of the alcohol will bake out, it still has a subtle bourbon flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Tip #1: This unique homemade pie is subtly sweet on it's own, and is also delicious when topped with marshmallows, meringue, or whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness. For a marshmallow or meringue topping, it can be toasted with a kitchen torch or in a broiler.
Tip #2: Be sure to put your pie pan directly on the oven rack and not on a baking sheet or it will likely over-bake.
Tip #3: Let the pie cool completely to room temperature. If you choose to store the pie in the refrigerator, ensure the pie is fully cooled before refrigerating. If the pie cools too quickly, it will crack.
Tip #4: If the pie does crack, cover the cracks by adding a delicious topping (see Tip #1).
Storage Tips
Southern Sweet Potato Pie can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for about 5 days.
Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Equipment
- hand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- 9" pie dish
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 sweet potatoes about 2 cups pureed
- ½ stick butter cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal
Instructions
- If using a frozen or ready-made pie crust, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- If using fresh sweet potatoes, peel, cut into 1" cubes, and put in a pot of boiling water to cook for 15 minutes, then strain.
- Beat the boiled sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Add the butter, let melt slightly, then beat in till fully melted.
- Add the remaining ingredients and beat until fully blended and smooth.
- Pour into prepared pie crust and bake for 30-40 minutes.
- When the center of the pie is still slightly jiggly, remove from oven and cool completely.
- Top if desired (see notes), then slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on November 12, 2017, but was republished with new photos, additional information about the recipe, step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and tips and tricks in November of 2023.
[…] Need some recipes? Try this exquisite Balsamic Strawberry & Basil Tart or this mouthwatering Kentucky Sweet Potato Pie. […]