Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
* (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (browned)
Filling
* 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-large sweet potatoes)
* Brown butter (from above)
* ½ cup light brown sugar
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 large eggs, room temperature
* ½ cup evaporated milk
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* ½ tsp butter extract (optional but highly recommended)
* 1 tsp ground cinnamon
*½ tsp ground nutmeg
* ½ tsp kosher salt
Crust
* 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Prepare the filling
* Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredient.
3. Fill the crust (prebake for 10 minutes)
* Pour filling into the pie crust.
* Gently tap the pie pan to remove air bubbles.
4. Bake
* Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
* If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foils
5. Let Cool Completely before cutting.
One of the best ways I've found to enhance a traditional sweet potato pie is by incorporating brown butter into the filling. Browning the butter gives it a nutty, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. When making this pie, I recommend roasting your sweet potatoes rather than boiling them. Roasting concentrates their natural sweetness and adds a subtle caramelized depth to the pie. For the crust, a prebake of 10 minutes is crucial to prevent sogginess, especially with the moist filling. Cover the edges with foil if you notice the crust browning too quickly during baking, ensuring a uniformly golden pie shell. The slight jiggle in the pie’s center signals it’s perfectly baked—overbaking can dry out the custard filling. I like to add a dash of butter extract to intensify the buttery aroma without overpowering the natural flavors. Evaporated milk creates a creamy consistency that holds together nicely after cooling. For serving, I suggest letting the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set, then serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. This pie makes a fantastic dessert for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where a cozy, comforting dessert is appreciated. Experimenting with spices can add a personalized touch; for example, a pinch of ground ginger or allspice can bring an extra layer of warmth. Overall, this recipe balances sweet, buttery, and spicy notes harmoniously, making it a favorite in my baking repertoire.
