Velvety Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Heavenly Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for Fall Joy

Comfort arrives in a golden slice of buttermilk sweet potato pie that whispers memories of southern kitchens and warm gatherings.

Creamy potatoes blend seamlessly with rich dairy, creating a dessert that dances between rustic charm and elegant sophistication.

Silky smooth textures melt across your palate with each decadent bite.

The sweet potato’s natural earthiness mingles perfectly with tangy buttermilk, producing a harmonious flavor profile.

Delicate spices weave through the filling, adding depth and warmth to every forkful.

Flaky pastry cradles this luscious custard, promising a dessert that transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Dive into this recipe and unleash a symphony of comfort that beckons you to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 296 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s In Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

For Pie Crust:
  • Unbaked Pie Crust: Serves as the delicate foundation, providing a crispy and buttery base that cradles the sweet potato filling perfectly.
For Sweet Potato Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Roasted and mashed for a creamy, vibrant orange base that delivers natural sweetness and rich, earthy flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture in the filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces a deep, caramel-like richness and helps enhance the sweet potato's natural warmth.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness, moisture, and helps bind the ingredients together seamlessly.
For Liquid and Spice Blend:
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent, creating a luxurious, silky custard-like consistency.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, tenderness, and helps create a light, airy texture in the pie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that complements the sweet potato's natural sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Delivers a warming, classic spice that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
  • Nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty undertone that enhances the pie's complexity.
  • Ginger: Provides a gentle, slightly spicy kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and amplifies all the other ingredients, creating a more rounded taste.

Kitchen Must-Haves For Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sweet potato mixture smoothly and easily.
  • 9-inch pie dish: Essential for holding and shaping the pie crust perfectly.
  • Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and smoothly across the pie crust.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Great for blending ingredients until creamy and well-combined.
  • Knife: Needed to check pie doneness and later slice the pie.
  • Cooling rack: Allows pie to cool evenly without condensation.

Easy Prep Guide For Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a cozy temperature of 350°F. Gently place the pie crust into a welcoming 9-inch pie dish, letting it rest while you create magic.

  • Sweet Potato Fusion

Mash those vibrant sweet potatoes into a silky smooth landscape. Invite sugars and melted butter to join the party, blending them into a dreamy mixture that whispers comfort.

  • Liquid Harmony

Crack open some eggs and pour in buttermilk with a splash of vanilla. Stir until the mixture becomes a golden, velvety symphony that promises deliciousness.

  • Spice Awakening

Sprinkle in warm spices that dance together – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Swirl everything until the colors and aromas become one delightful conversation.

  • Baking Journey

Transfer the luscious filling into the waiting pie crust. Smooth the top with gentle strokes, creating a canvas of sweet potential.

  • Golden Transformation

Slide the pie into the oven and let it bake for about an hour. Watch for a golden crown and a center that’s set and beckoning.

  • Celebration

Let the pie cool completely, allowing flavors to settle and mingle. Serve with a cloud of whipped cream if your heart desires, and savor every delectable bite.

Ways To Add Flavor To Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie

  • Perfect Pie Prep: Gently roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling to concentrate their natural sweetness and enhance flavor depth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie filling a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing spices to meld and develop richer taste profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pie crust with a nut-based or gluten-free graham cracker crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and use plant-based butter for a delicious vegan-friendly version of this classic dessert.

Plating Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Beautifully

  • Sweet Cream Cloud Topping: Whip fresh heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a luxurious, fluffy complement that melts beautifully over warm pie slices.
  • Spiced Caramel Drizzle: Create a warm caramel sauce infused with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to elegantly cascade over each slice, adding rich depth and warmth.
  • Festive Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle toasted, chopped pecans around the pie's edges or directly on top for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor that enhances the sweet potato's creamy profile.
  • Holiday Memory Maker: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream during family gatherings, transforming this dessert into a cherished seasonal tradition that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.

Saving Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie For Later

  • Slice and Chill Strategy: Refrigerate leftover pie slices in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping the texture and flavor perfectly intact.
  • Freezing Fresh Goodness: Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for 2-3 months without losing taste quality.
  • Cooling Countdown: Let the pie rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours after baking to stabilize its structure and enhance the rich, creamy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sweet potato mixture one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying your baking process.
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Velvety Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Velvety Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Grandma’s buttermilk sweet potato pie delivers Southern comfort in each creamy slice. Rustic ingredients blend seamless flavor profiles with traditional homestyle baking techniques. You’ll savor each comforting bite of this classic dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml/12 oz) cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) buttermilk
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 0.25 cup (50 g/1.8 oz) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.125 tsp salt
  • 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-made or homemade), unbaked

Instructions

  1. Pie Crust Preparation: Drape the pie crust smoothly into a 9-inch pie dish, carefully crimping the edges. Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350F (175C).
  2. Sweet Potato Transformation: Mash cooked sweet potatoes into a silky, chunk-free puree using a fork or potato masher, ensuring a completely smooth texture.
  3. Sugar Integration: Whisk granulated and brown sugars into the sweet potato puree, creating a luscious, caramel-like mixture that eliminates any sugar graininess.
  4. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Combine melted butter, beaten eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, stirring with deliberate motions to create a harmonious, glossy base.
  5. Spice Infusion: Gently fold ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of aromatic spices throughout the filling.
  6. Filling and Baking: Pour the spiced mixture into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration.
  7. Doneness and Cooling: Check pie’s readiness by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out clean with minimal moisture. The surface should appear slightly puffed and golden.
  8. Serving Presentation: Allow the pie to rest at room temperature, letting the filling stabilize and develop a perfect, creamy consistency. Garnish with a delicate dollop of freshly whipped cream before serving.

Notes

  • Master Smooth Puree: Ensure sweet potatoes are completely mashed without lumps, using a fine-mesh strainer or food processor for ultra-creamy texture.
  • Prevent Crust Sogginess: Pre-bake pie crust for 10 minutes and dust bottom with thin cornstarch layer to create barrier against moisture and maintain crisp foundation.
  • Balanced Spice Technique: Toast ground spices briefly in dry pan before adding to mixture, enhancing their depth and releasing more complex, richer aromatics.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing, which helps create smoother filling and ensures even, consistent baking results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 296
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 59 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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