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Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe

Sweet Potato Custard Pie: A Spud-tacular Slice of Comfort

A Slice of Sweet Potato Heaven—No Fork Needed (But You’ll Want One)

Looking for a dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and just a little spud-tacular? This Sweet Potato Custard Pie takes the classic Southern favorite and gives it a velvety upgrade. Imagine mashed sweet potatoes whisked into a silky custard, kissed with orange zest, and warmed by a whisper of ginger. It’s the kind of pie that makes you want to skip the turkey and head straight for dessert.

Sweet potatoes may be the unsung heroes of fall, but here they step into the spotlight. Forget the casserole—this pie is proof that sweet potatoes are made for celebration. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday supper, or just craving a slice of autumn comfort, this custard pie delivers nostalgia with a twist. And yes, it pairs beautifully with gingered whipped cream, toasted pecans, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Sweet Potato Custard Pie in a glass dish with crimped crust, set on a plaid cloth with festive fall elements like pecans, pumpkin, and eucalyptus leaves.
Sweet Potato Custard Pie – A Slice of Holiday Heaven

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Custard Pie

  • Velvety smooth custard with natural sweetness from sweet potatoes.
  • A hint of orange zest and ginger adds a sophisticated flavor twist.
  • Classic Southern dessert perfect for holidays or family dinners.
  • Pairs beautifully with gingered whipped cream or toasted pecans.

This pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a conversation starter. Serve it alongside other sweet potato favorites like Sweet Potato Bundt Cake or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch for a themed spread that will wow your guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240g) mashed, cooked sweet potato
  • 1-1/2 cups (300g) sugar
  • 1-2/3 cups (400ml) milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh orange rind
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch (23cm) pastry shell (homemade or store-bought)

Expanded Ingredient Insights

  • Sweet Potato: Provides natural sweetness and creamy texture.
  • Sugar: Balances earthy flavor and ensures custard consistency.
  • Milk & Eggs: Create creaminess and structure for a silky custard.
  • Salt & Ginger: Flavor enhancers that deepen taste complexity.
  • Orange Rind: Adds bright, citrusy notes for balance.
  • Pastry Shell: Flaky base that contrasts custard’s smoothness.
Easy and delicious sweet potato pie

How to Make Sweet Potato Custard Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, sugar, milk, eggs, salt, ground ginger, and orange rind until smooth.
  3. Pour the custard mixture into the prepared 9-inch pastry shell.
  4. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow pie to cool before serving, optionally topping with gingered whipped cream or toasted pecans.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Custard Pie

  • For extra creamy custard, mash sweet potatoes thoroughly and strain if needed.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for deeper fall flavor.
  • Blind-bake the pastry shell 5–7 minutes to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
  • Pair with whipped cream mixed with ¼ cup brandy for indulgence.

Variations & Creative Twists

  • Use sweet potato casserole topping for a crunchy finish.
  • Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup or brown sugar for deeper flavor.
  • Add candied ginger or toasted pecans into the custard for texture.
  • Try a graham cracker crust for a rustic, cozy vibe.
Forget the sweet potato casserole this Thanksgiving and bake a Sweet Potato Custard Pie instead.
Sweet Potato Custard Pie That’s More Than Just a Mash Hit

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, prepare a day in advance and refrigerate. Warm slightly before serving.
  • Can I use canned sweet potato puree? Fresh mashed sweet potatoes are ideal, but canned puree works in a pinch.
  • Is there a substitute for fresh orange rind? Use orange zest as an easy alternative.
  • Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Sweet Potato Custard Pie with golden crust and whipped cream topping, styled on a rustic table with holiday decor and warm lighting.
Sweet Potato Custard Pie – Creamy, Cozy, and Spud-tacular

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Custard Pie blends tradition with a modern twist, offering creamy, spiced sweetness in every slice. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or a cozy fall evening. Don’t forget to crown it with gingered whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

If you’re looking for more sweet potato inspiration, check out Sweet Potato Bundt Cake or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch.

 
Forget the sweet potato casserole this Thanksgiving and bake a Sweet Potato Custard Pie instead. Trust me, your family and guests will love you and insist you bring it again next year!
Yield: 8 servings

Sweet Potato Custard Pie: A Spud-tacular Slice of Comfort

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes

This Sweet Potato Custard Pie is creamy, spiced, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy fall evenings. Mashed sweet potatoes are blended into a silky custard, enhanced with a hint of orange zest and ginger, and baked in a flaky pastry shell. Serve with gingered whipped cream, toasted pecans, or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Pair it with other sweet potato favorites like Sweet Potato Bundt Cake or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch for a festive spread that will impress guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240g) mashed, cooked sweet potato
  • 1-1/2 cups (300g) sugar
  • 1-2/3 cups (400ml) milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh orange rind
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch (23cm) pastry shell

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, sugar, milk, eggs, salt, ground ginger, and orange rind until smooth.
  3. Pour the custard into the prepared 9-inch pastry shell.
  4. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the pie to cool before serving. Optional: top with gingered whipped cream or toasted pecans.

Notes

Expert Tips:

  • For extra creamy custard, mash sweet potatoes thoroughly and strain if necessary.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to deepen fall flavors.
  • Blind-bake the pastry shell for 5–7 minutes to prevent a soggy bottom.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Mix whipped cream with ¼ cup brandy for a decadent topping. Or Try it with our Maple Whipped Cream.

Variations & Creative Twists:

  • Use the sweet potato casserole topping for a crunchy texture.
  • Replace sugar with maple syrup or brown sugar for richer flavor.
  • Fold candied ginger or toasted pecans into the custard.
  • Try a graham cracker crust for a rustic feel.

Serving Suggestions:

FAQs:

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, prepare a day in advance and refrigerate. Warm slightly before serving.
  • Can I use canned sweet potato puree? Fresh mashed sweet potatoes are ideal, but canned puree works.
  • Is there a substitute for fresh orange rind? Use orange zest.
  • Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Recipe Ideas:

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 166mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 4g

Nutritional Information may not be accurate

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This recipe was originally published November 21, 2023, and updated November 17, 2025, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.

About Julee Morrison

Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.

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