North Carolina Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is A North Carolina Holiday Tradition!

In North Carolina, the holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without a homemade sweet potato pie cooling on the counter. This Southern classic is more than just dessert—it’s a piece of family history baked into a flaky crust. Made with locally grown sweet potatoes, known for their natural sweetness and velvety texture, this pie embodies the warmth and generosity of a Carolina Christmas. The filling is smooth and spiced just right, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla that fill the kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma. Every family seems to have their own version, passed down through generations, and each slice tells a story of comfort, celebration, and home.

Recipe for Classic Sweet Potato Pie 

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 min.

Cook Time: 40 min.

Ingredients

• 1 premade pie crust (or your favorite pie dough recipe)

• 1 large sweet potato, scrubbed clean

• 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425F and place your North Carolina plate on a baking sheet for easy removal from the oven. 

2. Place the sweet potato on a small baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40 minutes or until fork tender. Meanwhile, roll out your pie dough and gently fit it into the NC dish, pressing the edges in a decorative fashion if desired. 

3. Bake the pie crust for 8 to 10 minutes, alongside the sweet potato, then remove to chill. 

4. Once the sweet potato is tender, use a fork to gently remove the flesh from the skin. Discard the skin and place the cooked sweet potato in the cup of a food processor or blender. Add the butter and blend for 2 to 3 seconds. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until very smooth. 

5. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake at 350F for 30 to 40 minutes or until the center is set. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream. 

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