sweet potato pie with a graham cracker crust

3 min read 23-11-2024

sweet potato pie with a graham cracker crust

Meta Description: Indulge in this irresistible sweet potato pie recipe featuring a buttery graham cracker crust. Our step-by-step guide ensures a perfectly spiced, creamy, and dreamy pie that's the star of any Thanksgiving or holiday gathering. Learn how to make the best sweet potato pie with a delicious twist! (158 characters)

The Allure of Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, and for good reason. Its warm spices, creamy texture, and subtly sweet flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser. But what if we elevated this beloved pie with a delightful twist? Enter the graham cracker crust! This simple change adds a layer of buttery, crunchy goodness that perfectly complements the sweet potato filling.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe yields one 9-inch pie. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup milk or cream
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

1. Crafting the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
Add the melted butter: Gradually pour in the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Don't overmix; you want some texture.
Press into the pie plate: Firmly press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help create a smooth surface.
Blind bake the crust (optional): For a crispier crust, pre-bake it for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.

2. Preparing the Sweet Potato Filling: A Symphony of Spices

Boil the sweet potatoes: Boil the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can easily check for doneness with a fork.
Mash and mix: Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them well. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with both sugars, milk (or cream), eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Stir in nuts if using.

3. Assembling and Baking Your Sweet Potato Pie Masterpiece

Pour the filling: Carefully pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared graham cracker crust.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The edges will likely be set before the center.
Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy slice.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

This sweet potato pie is delicious served warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making a graham cracker crust?

A: Absolutely! A store-bought crust will work perfectly, although the graham cracker crust adds a unique flavor and texture.

Q: How can I tell if my sweet potatoes are done?

A: Easily pierce them with a fork. If the fork goes in smoothly, they're ready.

Q: Can I freeze this pie?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Sweeten Your Holidays with this Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

This sweet potato pie with a graham cracker crust is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. The combination of the crunchy crust and the creamy, spiced filling creates a harmonious flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet rewards!