Recipe Guide:
Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie Recipe – A Cozy Slice of Comfort
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of sweet potatoes baking in the oven, wafting through the house on a chilly afternoon. It instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she used to whip up her famous sweet potato dishes while humming our favorite songs. Today, I want to share her secret with you — it’s a heartwarming Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie. This pie brings together the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the tang of buttermilk, creating an experience that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and easy to make: Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable.
- Comforting homemade flavor: The blend of spices evokes warmth and coziness.
- Made with simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples come together beautifully.
- Great for any occasion: Perfect for holiday tables or a comforting treat at home.
- Always a crowd-pleaser: Friends and family will adore it, and it’s bound to be a new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie:
-
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
(This is your base for a flaky pie crust!) -
1/2 teaspoon salt
(A little salt enhances all the flavors.) -
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
(Cold butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.) -
3-4 tablespoons ice water
(Helps to bring the dough together, so keep it cool!) -
2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
(These provide the pie’s beautiful color and sweetness.) -
1 cup granulated sugar
(For that lovely sweetness that balances all the flavors.) -
1/2 teaspoon salt
(A second touch of salt to enhance the sweetness.) -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(This spice adds warmth and depth.) -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
(Just a hint for those cozy fall vibes.) -
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
(For a spice kick that brightens the flavors.) -
2 large eggs
(They help bind everything together.) -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
(Richness in every bite!) -
1/2 cup buttermilk
(It brings a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness.) -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
(A touch of vanilla lifts the flavors in this Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie.)
How to Make It
Let’s dive into the warm, delightful process of making this Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie together!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Then, add the cold butter and blend with your fingers or use a pastry cutter. You want to achieve a texture that resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain well. When they’re cool enough to handle, mash them until completely smooth.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, gather the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix it up until it’s well combined. Then, add the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy – I could eat this filling by the spoonful!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a circle, about 12 inches wide, on a floured surface. Gently transfer it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into place. Trim any excess edges. Now, pour in that luscious sweet potato filling and smooth out the top.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Slide the pie into the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll want it to be set, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the edges brown too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover them with foil. Once it’s done, let it cool completely on a wire rack — the anticipation makes it all the sweeter!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice up your Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie and serve as-is, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds just the right festive touch.
Kitchen Tips
- Time-saving trick: Use a food processor for the pie crust if you’re short on time.
- Common mistake fix: If your crust shrinks while baking, make sure to let it rest in the fridge long enough before rolling it out.
- Flavor twist: Consider adding a handful of chopped pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch!
Serving Ideas
This Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie shines during family dinners, cozy Sunday brunches, or a simple night in with loved ones. Pair it with a steaming cup of tea or coffee as a comforting end to your day. If you’re feeling festive, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Storing & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to a month.
- Leftover idea: Try crumbling the pie over yogurt for a quick, sweet breakfast!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to adapt it with ingredients you have on hand.
Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: I serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Watch for golden edges, and trust that heavenly aroma — that’s your cue!
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to bring love and warmth into your home, much like how my grandmother did when I was young. Every slice tells a story, and I’m excited for you to create your own memories with it. So, grab those sweet potatoes and let the baking begin — I know it’ll soon become a cherished recipe in your house too!

Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Then, add the cold butter and blend with your fingers or use a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into chunks. Cook them in boiling water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
- Then, add the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a circle, about 12 inches wide, and transfer it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth out the top.
- Bake the pie for about 50-60 minutes. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack.
- Serve as-is or add whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
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