Homemade Sweet Potato Pie with Fresh Citrus Twist

There’s something magical about sweet potato pie, especially when it's homemade and made with love.

It’s a staple in many Southern kitchens, offering a creamy, flavorful filling with the perfect balance of spices and sweetness.

Today, I’m sharing my version of this classic dessert, made extra special with a touch of fresh lemon and orange juice. The citrus twist adds a subtle brightness that complements the richness of the sweet potatoes and spices. Trust me, this is a pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!

 Ingredients:

- 4 large sweet potatoes (baked and mashed)

- 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 cup brown sugar

- 1/2 cup evaporated milk

-1 tablespoon condensed milk

- 3 large eggs

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

- juice from 1/2 of a fresh lemon

- juice from 1/2 of a fresh orange

- 2 unbaked pie crusts

 Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes  

Start by baking the sweet potatoes. Simply wash them, poke a few holes with a fork, and bake them at 400°F for about 45 minutes or until they’re soft. Once baked, allow them to cool before peeling and mashing them in a large bowl. Alternatively you may use a blender or food processor to get rid of the strings.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients  

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until well blended. Next, add the evaporated milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Flavors  

Now for the flavor! Mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Finally, add the fresh lemon juice and orange juice. These citrus additions give the pie a delightful brightness that complements the warm spices and sweet potatoes. Taste, and if you need more seasoning add it now. If not, add your eggs and mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie  

Pour the sweet potato filling into your unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly. The filling will be rich, creamy, and slightly thick, perfect for a smooth, custardy finish after baking.

Pro tip: to keep the pie crust from getting soggy, brush with melted butter and add a thin layer of brown sugar to the bottom. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. It may bubble but do not pop it.

Step 5: Bake  

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the pie for about 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crust should be golden, and the filling should have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve  

Once your sweet potato pie is out of the oven, allow it to cool completely before serving. Refrigerate overnight as this helps the filling set even more, giving you nice clean slices when it’s time to dig in. Serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The combination of brown and white sugars with the fresh lemon and orange juices adds a rich yet refreshing flavor to this classic pie.

2. Velvety Texture: By using baked sweet potatoes and evaporated milk, this pie has a creamy and smooth consistency that melts in your mouth.

3. A Citrus Twist on a Classic: Adding fresh lemon and orange juice is an unexpected but welcome twist. The citrus cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes without overpowering them.

4. Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or a simple weekday dessert, this pie will be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie:

Baking the Sweet Potatoes: Baking instead of boiling sweet potatoes helps keep their natural sweetness and prevents the filling from being watery.

 Use Fresh Citrus: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon and orange juice. Bottled juice won’t provide the same bright flavor and freshness.

Make Ahead: You can bake this pie a day ahead and refrigerate it. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and makes cleaner slices.

There you have it—a sweet potato pie recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious, with a citrusy twist that takes it to the next level. Give it a try and let me know how you liked the fresh lemon and orange addition!