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Sweet potato pie is a Southern classic that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to the table. This version combines creamy sweet potatoes, rich vanilla extract, and just the right amount of sugar and butter to highlight the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Baked in a large baking dish and topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan crumble, this sweet potato pie is versatile – it can be served as a Thanksgiving side dish, a holiday dessert, or even as a family favorite weeknight treat. Using simple ingredients like fresh sweet potatoes, cream, and butter, this easy sweet potato casserole recipe delivers a creamy sweet potato filling that’s golden brown on top with the perfect crunch.

A scoop of sweet potato casserole with pecan topping sits on a white plate, with a baking dish and spoon behind it.

This dish could be called a Southern sweet potato pie recipe or even an easy sweet potato pie from scratch. Some enjoy it as a creamy sweet potato pie, while others treat it like a holiday yam casserole or sweet potato dessert casserole. It’s also a no-crust sweet potato pie. With its old-fashioned sweet potato pie flavors and rich, creamy mashed yam filling, this traditional sweet potato bake is one of the best sweet potato recipes for the holidays.

The Chemistry of Sweet Potato Pie

The success of sweet potato pie depends on striking a balance between moisture and structure. Fresh sweet potatoes, once baked until soft and mashed with a potato masher, create a naturally creamy sweet potato puree. Adding eggs helps the mixture set into a custard-like sweet potato layer, while butter and heavy cream ensure a rich, creamy texture. Sugar caramelizes during baking, resulting in a better flavor and a golden brown appearance. The pecan topping bakes into a crunchy pecan streusel, providing contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes underneath. Overmixing at high speed with an electric mixer can make the filling airy instead of smooth; therefore, it’s best to mix at low to medium speed for optimal results.

Recipe Troubleshooting

One of the biggest challenges is cooking the sweet potatoes properly. If they’re undercooked, the sweet potato mixture can become stringy and lumpy; if overcooked, they may retain too much moisture, leading to a watery filling. Baking time can vary depending on the size of peeled sweet potatoes, so test for doneness before mashing.

A lumpy texture can occur if the sweet potatoes aren’t mashed thoroughly with a potato masher or food processor.

An overly sweet or bland flavor can result from not balancing the sugar and spices with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. Using pumpkin pie spice or a splash of orange juice can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh? Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes usually offer better flavor.

How do I know when sweet potatoes are fully cooked? They should pierce easily with a fork and slip from the skins.

Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time? Absolutely, bake a day before Thanksgiving dinner and cover tightly with plastic wrap once cooled.

What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie? Sweet potato pie is typically creamier and has more natural sweetness, while pumpkin pie tends to be spicier.

What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream? Whole milk, sour cream, or even vegan butter with a cup of milk alternative can work for a lighter or dairy-free option.

If your pie came out too mushy and didn’t set, this often means the sweet potatoes were too watery, or not enough eggs were used to bind the filling.

The best way to revive leftovers is to reheat them gently in the oven.

If the topping burns or becomes too crunchy, to prevent this, tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

A glass bowl with pie fixings sits on the counter, plus bowls of pecans, coconut flakes, and extra butter all around.

Serving Suggestions

This pie shines during fall comfort food season, especially around Thanksgiving dinner. It fits perfectly under Thanksgiving dessert ideas or as a make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish. Holiday pie recipes often feature a sweet potato pie with a pecan topping, a classic Southern holiday treat. Social media has even made the viral TikTok sweet potato pie a trend, while Christmas sweet potato casserole remains a family favorite.

For a side serve with oven-baked turkey breast, holiday smashed potatoes, soft and fluffy Hawaiian rolls, and a Southern-style Caesar salad.

As dessert, serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For garnish, sprinkle with toasted pecans, drizzle with real maple syrup, or dust with pumpkin pie spice. Pair with some drinking chocolate after your Thanksgiving dinner alongside some apple pie.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container covered with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days for optimal sweet potato casserole results. Gently reheat in the oven to restore creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping.

Freezer– Bake, cool completely, and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warmed through. This works for the whole casserole or individual slices.

Making Ahead – This pie is ideal for make-ahead preparation. Cook sweet potatoes, prepare the sweet potato mixture, and assemble in a baking dish a day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before serving, bake until golden brown. This saves prep time on busy holidays and ensures better flavor from resting overnight.

A glass dish of sweet potato casserole with golden pecan topping, a scoop missing shows off the bright orange filling underneath.

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Sweet Potato Pie with Brown Sugar Crunch

This sweet potato pie is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy sweet potatoes with buttery pecan streusel and nostalgic holiday flavors. Whether it’s your first time making it or part of your favorite pie recipes collection, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect side dish at Thanksgiving dinner, delicious enough to rival apple pie and versatile enough for special occasions year-round. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a classic sweet potato casserole that’s golden brown, rich in flavor, and loved by everyone at the table.

A slice of sweet potato pie casserole with pecans is on a white plate, with the baking dish and spoon in the background.

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A slice of sweet potato casserole with pecan streusel sits on a white plate, the rest still in its glass dish behind it.

Sweet Potato Pie with Coconut Pecan Topping

5 from 3 votes
Author: Madison Reid
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 20
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Learn how to make this rich and creamy sweet potato pie, topped with a buttery coconut pecan crumble for the perfect blend of smooth and crunchy. A holiday favorite made easy!

Ingredients 

  • 3 sweet potatoes (or orange yams)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 eggs

Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
  • Wash and cut each sweet potatoes in half horizontally. Place open side down on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes until soft
  • When the sweet potatoes are soft and done cooking, the skin will come right off. Remove the skins and mash the sweet potatoes.
  • Mix the mashed yams with sugar, vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, butter and eggs
  • Pour the yam mixture into a greased 9×13 pan
  • In a mixing bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients
  • Sprinkle the topping on the yam mixture
  • Turn the oven down to 325 degrees, place the pie in the oven and bake for 60 minutes
  • Remove and allow to cool for 15 minutes before enjoying

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal Carbohydrates: 35g Protein: 2g Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 29mg Sodium: 40mg Potassium: 560mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 15g Vitamin A: 271IU Vitamin C: 11mg Calcium: 27mg Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert, Side Dish

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