Purple Sweet Potato Pie: A Vibrant, Creamy, and Irresistible Dessert

Purple sweet potato pie is a stunning, naturally colorful twist on the classic sweet potato pie. With its velvety smooth texture, warm spices, and deep earthy sweetness, this pie is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The naturally vibrant purple hue makes it a standout on any dessert table, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something unique and delicious.

This pie isn’t just beautiful; it’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the antioxidant-rich purple sweet potatoes. The filling is creamy, slightly nutty, and infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s an unforgettable dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 cups mashed purple sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2–4 tablespoons ice water

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Caramel drizzle
• Chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Purple Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and scrub the purple sweet potatoes, then pierce them a few times with a fork.
3. Roast for about 45–50 minutes until fork-tender. Alternatively, you can boil them for about 25–30 minutes until soft.
4. Let them cool slightly before peeling off the skins, then mash until smooth. You should have about 2 cups.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed purple sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
2. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
3. Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, caramel, or toasted coconut flakes.

Notes

• If you prefer a shortcut, you can use a store-bought pie crust.
• To enhance the flavor, try roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Roasting intensifies their natural sweetness.
• If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to taste.

Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: Purple sweet potato pie, sweet potato dessert, holiday pie, easy pie recipe

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Making a homemade purple sweet potato pie is easier than you think, but a few extra tips can take it from good to absolutely unforgettable. Follow these expert tricks to ensure a silky-smooth filling, a perfectly baked crust, and a pie that will wow everyone at the table.

1. Roast, Don’t Boil, for the Best Flavor

While boiling works, roasting purple sweet potatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and keeps them from getting too watery. Simply bake them whole at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes until tender. This keeps the filling creamy and rich instead of runny.

2. Smooth Out the Sweet Potatoes Completely

Lumps in the filling? No, thank you! For the silkiest pie texture, use a food processor or a hand mixer to blend the mashed sweet potatoes with the other ingredients. If you’re mashing by hand, press the potatoes through a fine-mesh sieve or use a potato ricer to eliminate any chunks.

3. Keep the Pie Crust from Getting Soggy

Nobody wants a soggy bottom! To prevent this, pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. You can also brush the inside of the crust with a beaten egg white before baking—it creates a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.

4. Don’t Overmix the Filling

Overmixing adds too much air to the filling, which can cause cracks as the pie bakes. Whisk the ingredients gently until just combined to keep the texture smooth and creamy.

5. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold eggs and dairy can cause the filling to bake unevenly. Let your eggs, butter, and cream come to room temperature before mixing for the best consistency.

6. Check for Doneness Without Overbaking

The center of the pie should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan—it will set as it cools. If you overbake, the pie can become dry or crack on top.

7. Let the Pie Cool Completely Before Slicing

This is the hardest part, but it’s worth it! Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavors.

8. Add Extra Flavor Twists

Want to take it up a notch? Try these fun variations:

• Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for a subtle boozy kick.
• Mix in a little orange zest for a fresh citrusy note.
• Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a bolder fall flavor.

9. Store It the Right Way

If you’re not serving the pie right away, keep it fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage (more on that below!).

10. The Best Toppings for Extra Flair

Purple sweet potato pie is already beautiful, but a few toppings can make it even more indulgent:

• Whipped cream (classic and simple)
• Toasted coconut flakes (for a tropical touch)
• Drizzle of caramel or honey (for added sweetness)
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (for a little crunch)

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your purple sweet potato pie stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or saving leftovers, here’s how to store it correctly.

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)

• Let the pie cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the crust soggy.
• Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you prefer, you can store individual slices in airtight containers.
• Keep the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Long-Term Storage (Freezer)

• If you plan to freeze the pie, allow it to cool completely first.
• Wrap the whole pie tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. If freezing slices, wrap each piece separately before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the pie with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• From the Refrigerator: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or place the entire pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• From the Freezer: Let the pie thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as described above. Avoid microwaving frozen pie directly, as this can cause uneven heating.

Can You Store It at Room Temperature?

Since this pie contains eggs and dairy, it’s best to refrigerate it within 2 hours of baking. Leaving it out for too long can lead to bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does purple sweet potato pie taste like?

It has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, with a creamier texture than regular sweet potato pie. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance its comforting taste.

2. Can I use orange sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, but you’ll lose the vibrant purple color. The taste will still be delicious, but slightly different in depth and richness.

3. Where can I find purple sweet potatoes?

They’re available at Asian markets, health food stores, and some larger grocery chains. Look for varieties like Okinawan or Stokes purple sweet potatoes.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better.

5. Why is my pie filling too runny?

It may need more baking time, or the sweet potatoes contained too much moisture. Make sure to mash them well and drain excess water if boiling them.

Conclusion

Purple sweet potato pie is not just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its stunning color, smooth texture, and perfectly spiced flavor make it a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this pie is guaranteed to impress.

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