Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk – A Rich & Creamy Southern Classic

There’s nothing quite like homemade sweet potato pie, and this version—made with sweetened condensed milk—is ultra-smooth, perfectly spiced, and incredibly rich. It’s a Southern favorite that’s easy to make and packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla flavors.

This pie is silky, custard-like, and naturally sweet from roasted sweet potatoes, balanced with the creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich & Creamy Texture – Sweetened condensed milk makes it ultra-smooth.
✔ Simple & Foolproof – No complicated steps, just mix and bake!
✔ Perfectly Spiced – Warm cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the best flavors.
✔ Classic Southern Comfort Food – A must-have at holiday tables.
✔ Great for Make-Ahead – The flavor deepens after chilling!

What Does This Pie Taste Like?

This Sweet Potato Pie has a buttery, flaky crust and a silky-smooth, custard-like filling. The roasted sweet potatoes add natural caramel notes, while the sweetened condensed milk gives it a rich, almost creamy texture. The warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla round out the flavors, making each bite pure comfort food.

Benefits of This Recipe

Easier Than Pumpkin Pie – No canned puree needed—just fresh sweet potatoes!
Naturally Sweet & Flavorful – Roasting sweet potatoes enhances their flavor.
Fewer Ingredients, Big Flavor – Sweetened condensed milk replaces sugar & cream.
Perfect for the Holidays – A Southern staple for Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after a day in the fridge!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp melted butter

For the Pie Crust: (or use store-bought)

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2-4 tbsp ice water

Necessary Tools

✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Hand mixer or whisk
✔ Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
✔ 9-inch pie pan
✔ Fork or toothpick (for testing doneness)

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions for Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

This classic Southern sweet potato pie is versatile and customizable! Whether you need a dairy-free version, want a deeper flavor, or simply want to experiment with new twists, here are some great ingredient swaps and additions to try.

1. Dairy-Free & Vegan Substitutions

• Condensed Milk Alternative: Use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter Substitute: Swap vegan butter or coconut oil for the melted butter.
• Egg Replacement:
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (for a similar custard texture).
  • Flax Egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a plant-based option.

2. Crust Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust or swap the crust for a nut-based crust (almond flour + butter).
• Graham Cracker Crust: For a sweeter, crunchier crust, use crushed graham crackers mixed with butter.
• Oat Crust: A mix of oats, coconut oil, and honey makes a hearty alternative.
• No Crust: Simply bake the filling in a greased dish for a crustless sweet potato pie!

3. Extra Spices for a Richer Flavor

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice.
• Ginger (¼ tsp) – Adds a slight warmth and depth.
• Allspice (¼ tsp) – Gives a bolder, more aromatic spice profile.
• Cloves (⅛ tsp) – A little goes a long way for a deeper holiday flavor.

4. Sweetener Alternatives

• Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: For a deeper caramel flavor, add 1 tbsp brown sugar or swap ¼ cup condensed milk for maple syrup.
• Monk Fruit or Stevia: Use for a lower-sugar or keto-friendly version.

5. Flavor Enhancements

• Vanilla Bean Paste (instead of vanilla extract) – Adds an even richer vanilla aroma.
• Bourbon (1 tbsp) – A classic Southern addition that enhances depth of flavor.
• Maple Extract (½ tsp) – Gives a warm, natural sweetness.
• Orange Zest (½ tsp) – Adds brightness and freshness.

6. Toppings & Garnishes (For a More Indulgent Pie!)

• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts – Adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
• Coconut Flakes – Lightly toasted for an extra layer of texture.
• Whipped Cream – Classic and creamy (or use coconut whipped cream for dairy-free!).
• Caramel Drizzle – Enhances the pie’s natural sweetness.
• Candied Pecans – A delicious topping for extra crunch and sweetness.

7. Creative Twists on Sweet Potato Pie

• Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie: Swirl in a cream cheese layer before baking.
• Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
• Sweet Potato Pecan Pie: Add a thin layer of pecan filling on top for a combo of two classics!

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let cool, then peel and mash.

Shortcut: You can boil peeled and cubed sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, but roasting enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust (Skip if Using Store-Bought)

1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough holds together.
4. Roll out the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges.
5. Chill for 15 minutes before filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Pour into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.
2. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie

✔ Whipped Cream – Classic & fluffy.
✔ Vanilla Ice Cream – Melts beautifully over warm pie.
✔ Pecan Praline Topping – Adds crunch and caramel notes.
✔ Caramel Drizzle – For an extra indulgent twist.

Helpful Tips for Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

1. Use Roasted Sweet Potatoes for the Best Flavor

• Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars, making the pie sweeter and richer.
• If boiling, drain well to remove excess moisture that can make the filling watery.

2. Blend for a Super-Smooth Filling

• Use a hand mixer, food processor, or blender to ensure a silky, lump-free texture.
• If mashing by hand, use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any stringy bits.

3. Don’t Overbake

• The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly—it will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Overbaking can cause cracks in the surface.

4. Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing

• Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, then refrigerate for the best texture.
• Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.

5. Avoid a Soggy Crust

• Brush the crust with a light egg white wash before pouring in the filling.
• Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes at 375°F if you prefer a crispier texture.

6. Make It Ahead for the Best Flavor

• This pie tastes even better the next day! Refrigerate overnight and serve chilled or slightly warmed.

7. Enhance the Flavor with Extra Spices

• Add ¼ tsp ginger, cloves, or allspice for a deeper, spiced flavor.
• A dash of bourbon or maple extract adds a subtle richness.

8. Prevent Cracks on the Surface

• Don’t overmix the eggs—they help the filling set but too much air can cause cracks.
• Bake at a lower temperature (350°F) and cool gradually to avoid sudden temperature changes.

9. Serve with the Perfect Toppings

• Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy contrast.
• Toasted Pecans – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
• Caramel Drizzle – Extra indulgent and sweet.

10. Freeze for Easy Holiday Prep

• Bake ahead and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Storage Instructions for Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Refrigerator (Best for Freshness)

• Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Freezer (Best for Long-Term Storage)

• Freeze the whole pie or individual slices for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Thawing Instructions

• Overnight in the fridge (Best Method): Let thaw in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours.
• Room Temperature (Faster Method): Let sit out for 1-2 hours before serving.

Reheating Tips (If You Prefer Warm Pie!)

• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until slightly heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices in 20-30 second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but drain and mash them well. Fresh roasted sweet potatoes give the best flavor.

2. What if my pie cracks?

A slight crack is fine! To prevent cracking, don’t overbake—remove when the center is slightly jiggly.

3. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Absolutely! Use 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon and nutmeg.

4. How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

Brush the crust with beaten egg white before adding the filling, or blind bake for 10 minutes.

5. Can I make this pie without eggs?

Yes! Replace eggs with 2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk is rich, creamy, and packed with warm spices, making it a must-have for the holidays or any time you crave comfort food. The sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and balances the natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes, while the buttery crust holds it all together beautifully.

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