A Colorful Twist on a Classic Dessert That Will Brighten Any Table
Looking to impress your guests or add something truly special to your dessert lineup? This Purple Sweet Potato Pie is the eye-catching, flavor-packed treat you’ve been searching for. Simple to make, vibrant in color, and rich in flavor—this pie is guaranteed to be a standout.
Introduction
If you love classic sweet potato pie, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this stunning variation: Purple Sweet Potato Pie. This beautiful dessert delivers all the cozy, spiced sweetness of the traditional version but with an unexpected twist—a vivid purple hue that makes every slice as stunning as it is delicious.
Made with mashed purple sweet potatoes, creamy coconut milk, warm cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, this pie is naturally dairy-free and bursting with flavor. The texture is luxuriously smooth, the flavor is both earthy and sweet, and the look? Absolutely show-stopping.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a weeknight baking adventure, Purple Sweet Potato Pie is as easy to make as it is impressive. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bring this masterpiece to life.
Tools Needed, Number of People, and Cooking Time
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 9-inch pie dish (if not using a pie crust in a tin)
- Oven
Servings:
- Makes 8 slices (1 standard 9-inch pie)
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45–50 minutes
Total Time:
- About 1 hour, plus cooling time
This recipe is ideal for serving a small crowd and can be made ahead for added convenience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create a smooth and flavorful Purple Sweet Potato Pie:
For the Pie Filling:
- 2 cups mashed purple sweet potato (about 2 large or 3 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade, 9-inch size)
How to Make Purple Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Purple Sweet Potatoes
Start by cooking your purple sweet potatoes if you haven’t already. You can bake, boil, or steam them. Once fully tender, peel and mash them until smooth. You’ll need 2 cups of mashed sweet potato for the filling.
To ensure a silky texture, you can use a food processor or hand mixer to eliminate lumps.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the center. Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish if not using a pre-formed shell.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed purple sweet potato, sugar, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Whisk or beat until fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no streaks of egg or unmixed sweet potato for an even bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pre-made pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so the filling is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges may puff slightly and the center should no longer jiggle.
Step 6: Cool
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial as it allows the filling to set fully, making slicing clean and easy.
Once cooled, slice and serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whipped topping for extra indulgence.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Use cooked and cooled sweet potatoes: Hot mashed potatoes can scramble the eggs in the batter. Let them cool to room temperature before mixing.
- Full-fat coconut milk = creamy texture: The richness from full-fat coconut milk mimics dairy and gives the filling a luscious mouthfeel.
- Blend thoroughly: To avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture, blend the filling ingredients well—especially important if mashing by hand.
- Don’t overbake: The pie should be just set, not dry. Check around the 45-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Let it rest: Cooling is essential to allow the pie to firm up and develop its flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- At room temperature or slightly chilled for best flavor.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For a decorative twist, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg before serving.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Make ahead: The pie can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are purple sweet potatoes, and where can I find them?
Purple sweet potatoes are a type of root vegetable with a vibrant purple flesh. They are slightly denser and less sweet than orange sweet potatoes. Look for them at Asian markets, health food stores, or well-stocked supermarkets.
2. Can I substitute orange sweet potatoes?
Yes. If you can’t find purple sweet potatoes, you can use orange sweet potatoes or yams. The flavor will be similar, though the color will change. The texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
3. Is this pie dairy-free?
Yes, this version uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it suitable for those avoiding lactose or dairy. Ensure your pie crust is dairy-free as well if needed.
4. Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely. A homemade buttery or vegan crust can add even more flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s prepped and ready to go before filling.
5. What toppings go well with purple sweet potato pie?
Some great toppings include:
- Whipped cream or coconut cream
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
Conclusion
Purple Sweet Potato Pie is a vibrant and delicious twist on the classic sweet potato dessert. It’s creamy, comforting, and naturally colored—perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something unique and satisfying.
This recipe is easy to make, customizable for dietary needs, and guaranteed to turn heads when you bring it to the table. Whether you’re trying something new for Thanksgiving, spicing up your weekly dessert rotation, or simply celebrating your love of bold colors and flavors, this pie won’t disappoint.
Give this beautiful pie a try and enjoy every colorful, creamy bite!
