Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Praline Crunch is a decadent take on the beloved Southern dessert. Creamy, spiced sweet potato filling is nestled in a buttery pie crust and topped with a caramelized pecan praline layer that adds irresistible crunch. The combination of silky custard-like filling with a sweet, nutty topping makes this pie perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday suppers, or whenever you crave a comforting dessert with a touch of elegance. It’s the best of both worlds—sweet potato pie meets pecan pie—and it’s guaranteed to impress guests at any table.
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Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Praline Crunch
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy sweet potato pie topped with a buttery pecan praline crunch, creating the perfect balance of smooth filling and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust (9-inch)
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together sweet potatoes, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Pour filling into prepared pie crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle pecan praline topping evenly over pie filling.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until center is set and topping is golden brown.
- Cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- For a stronger spice flavor, add ground ginger or cloves to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert, Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie crust (homemade or store-bought) – The buttery base that holds the pie together.
Sweet potatoes – Roasted or boiled, they provide natural sweetness and a creamy filling.
Butter – Adds richness to the pie filling and praline topping.
Brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness with a caramel note.
Granulated sugar – Balances the flavor of the filling.
Eggs – Bind the pie filling and give it structure.
Evaporated milk or heavy cream – Makes the filling smooth and custard-like.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
Ground cinnamon – Classic warm spice for sweet potato pie.
Nutmeg – Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Chopped pecans – The star of the praline topping, providing crunch.
Corn syrup or maple syrup – Helps bind the praline topping and adds gloss.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
For the filling: Mash cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until creamy and well blended. Pour into prepared crust.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Meanwhile, prepare the praline topping. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir in pecans and cook until bubbly and slightly thickened.
Remove pie from oven, spoon praline mixture evenly over the top, and return to oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the topping is caramelized and golden. Cool completely before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8–10 servings. Preparation takes 20 minutes, baking requires 55–60 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. The pie can also be frozen (without the topping) for up to 2 months—add the praline layer after thawing and reheat gently.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Pecan Topping – Swap corn syrup for maple syrup in the praline.
Spiced Version – Add cloves or ginger for more warmth.
Nut-Free Option – Omit pecans and replace with a crumbly brown sugar streusel.
Bourbon Twist – Stir a tablespoon of bourbon into the filling or topping for depth.
Mini Pies – Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Coconut-Pecan Crunch – Add shredded coconut to the praline topping.
Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free crust to make the pie accessible to all.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Do I need to blind-bake the crust?
Not necessary, but pre-baking for 10 minutes helps prevent sogginess.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, bake a day in advance and store in the fridge.
How do I know when the filling is set?
It should jiggle slightly in the center but not look liquid.
Can I substitute pumpkin for sweet potato?
Yes, but it will taste more like pumpkin pie than sweet potato pie.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, honey works well but gives a different flavor.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
Roasting gives the sweetest flavor, but boiling works too.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, replace with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
Can I freeze the entire pie?
Yes, but freeze without the praline topping for best results.
How do I cut neat slices?
Chill the pie before slicing and use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Praline Crunch is a rich, flavorful dessert that blends creamy custard with a caramelized nut topping. Perfect for holidays and gatherings, this pie combines the best elements of two Southern classics into one unforgettable dish. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite centerpiece dessert.
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