Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Pie is a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Featuring a smooth sweet potato filling, warm spices, and a flaky homemade crust, this pie is a comforting treat that brings a touch of elegance to your table. Serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert.

What is Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie?

Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern-inspired dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a buttery crust. It’s similar to pumpkin pie but with the natural sweetness and creaminess of sweet potatoes, making it a favorite during Thanksgiving and festive gatherings.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

Classic holiday dessert: A must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Rich and flavorful: The sweet potatoes and spices create a perfectly balanced filling.
Homemade touch: Ina’s attention to detail ensures a flaky crust and creamy filling.
Versatile: Pair it with different toppings for a customized treat.
Crowd-pleaser: Loved by all ages, this pie is always a hit at the dessert table.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

For the Pie Crust:

All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold and diced.
Ice water: 3-5 tablespoons.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.

For the Filling:

Sweet potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cooked until tender.
Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup.
Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted.
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup.
Eggs: 2 large.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt to combine. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough comes together.
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp as desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling

Mash the cooked sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy touch.
Vanilla ice cream: Serve warm pie with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle over the top for extra indulgence.
Candied pecans: Sprinkle on top for a crunchy contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

Cook sweet potatoes properly: Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until very tender for a smooth filling.
Chill the crust: Keep the crust cold before baking to ensure it stays flaky.
Avoid overmixing: Mix the filling until just combined to maintain a light texture.
Protect the crust: Use foil or a pie shield to prevent the edges from over-browning.
Cool completely: Allow the pie to cool before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

Spiced crust: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie crust for an extra layer of flavor.
Marshmallow topping: Add mini marshmallows on top and broil until golden.
Pecan topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans mixed with brown sugar and butter over the filling before baking.
Coconut twist: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Maple flavor: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Room temperature: Leave at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pie a day in advance. After baking, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

How do I ensure a smooth filling for sweet potato pie?

To achieve a smooth filling, mash the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly or use a food processor. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated without overmixing.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this pie?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. Drain them well and mash before mixing with the other filling ingredients.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, blind-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding the filling. Using an egg wash on the crust can also create a barrier to keep it crisp.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Pie is a timeless dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. With its creamy filling, flaky crust, and warm spices, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and winter.

Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering, and enjoy a slice of homemade perfection!

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