Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie

Photo of author
Author: Catherine
Published:

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie

When you think of the perfect dessert to warm the heart and satisfy the soul, Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie stands out as an extraordinary choice. This recipe combines the creamy, nutty goodness of sweet potatoes with the intoxicating aroma of brown butter, creating a symphony of flavors that evokes nostalgic memories of family gatherings and cozy autumn evenings. Not only is it a delightful treat, but its easy preparation makes it a go-to option for busy households.

With each bite, you’ll experience the smooth blend of sweet spices, creating a comforting sensation that makes this pie utterly crave-worthy. Whether it’s a celebratory holiday feast or a casual weeknight dessert, Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie is the indulgence you deserve.

What Flavors Make You Weak in the Knees?

Are you ready to drift off into a blissful state with spoonfuls of velvety pie? There’s something profoundly magical about the aroma of sweet potatoes and butter wafting through the kitchen. Can you picture gathering around the table, sharing slices of this rich and creamy pie, all while exchanging laughter and stories?

What if I told you that this seductive pie could become a new family tradition filled with love and flavor? It’s the perfect treat to share with friends or enjoy during those quiet moments when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie is absolutely irresistible for several reasons:

  • Easy Preparation: The ingredients come together quickly, and even novice bakers can handle this recipe with ease.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich taste and creamy consistency, your guests will be raving about this pie long after the last slice is gone.
  • Minimal Ingredients: A handful of pantry staples transform into a decadent dessert you’ll be proud to serve.
  • Nostalgic Comfort: With deep-rooted flavors reminiscent of comforting family traditions, this pie brings warmth to every occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie:

  • 2 pie crusts (store bought or homemade)
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup salted butter (cut into cubes or slices)
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3 large)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)

Imagine the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes mingling with the buttery richness as you prepare to bake, igniting a sense of home and warmth that will envelop your kitchen.

Timing

This pie offers the perfect balance of fast indulgence and luxurious slow crafting. Within just a couple of hours, you can go from raw ingredients to a beautifully baked pie cooling on your counter.

If you prefer a more leisurely baking experience, take your time savoring each step, letting the aromas fill your home, and crafting this delightful dessert at your own pace.

Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. If using homemade pie crust, roll it into the pan and crimp the sides. Chill in the fridge or freezer for at least 1 hour. Brush melted butter into each pie crust, sprinkle with dark brown sugar, and bake for 15 minutes.

  2. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for 60-70 minutes, until tender. Let them cool.

  3. In a light-colored sauté pan, add cubed butter and heat over medium, whisking constantly until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Pour into a heatproof container and let cool.

  4. Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Scoop the cooled sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl and puree until smooth. Mix in the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and flour until combined. Taste and adjust flavors as needed. Whisk in eggs until the mixture is smooth.

  5. Pour the filling into prepared pie crusts and smooth the tops. Bake on the middle rack for about an hour, until the center jiggles slightly. Let cool at room temperature before refrigerating. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

With each step, you’ll be mesmerized by the transformation of humble ingredients into a decadent delight that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Nutritional Information

One slice of this luscious pie contains approximately 280 calories. While indulgence is part of the allure, enjoying this decadent dessert as an occasional treat allows you to savor every delicious bite while balancing your diet.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor, consider the following swaps:

  • Low-sugar option: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce sweetness.
  • Dairy-free alternatives: Replace butter with coconut oil and evaporated milk with almond milk for a dairy-free dessert.

These healthier alternatives still yield a memorable pie that everyone can enjoy without compromising dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

This Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie shines best when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, melted against the sweet, spiced filling. It’s a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy evenings by the fire.

Don’t hesitate to elevate it further with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of candied pecans on top for added texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes

Here are a few common errors to watch for when making your pie:

  • Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pie to avoid a dry texture; it should only jiggle slightly in the center when done.
  • Texture issues: Ensure that sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked and pureed well to achieve a creamy filling.
  • Pie crust messes: Use a pie shield to prevent crusts from burning while the filling bakes, ensuring a perfect, golden pie.

Learning from these missteps will help you perfect your dessert-making skills!

Storing Tips

To keep your delicious pie fresh, here are some tips:

  • Freezing Portions: Slice the pie into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in an airtight container to freeze.
  • Reheating Instructions: To enjoy warm slices, thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

With proper care, you can savor this indulgent treat for days to come!

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

The irresistible aroma of Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie calls you into the kitchen. This recipe combines nostalgia and indulgence in a way that absolutely delights the senses. With easy prep that yields such luscious results, there’s no reason to wait! Gather your ingredients, invite your family to join you, and create memories that sweeten the soul.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can, but be sure to drain them and adjust the sugars since canned varieties tend to be sweeter.

  2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
    Absolutely! The pie can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before serving.

  3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
    You can substitute brown sugar with a mixture of granulated sugar and a little molasses.

  4. Is this pie gluten-free?
    You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust and ensuring the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  5. Can I add other flavors?
    Feel free to experiment! Add spices like ginger or clove for an extra kick or consider mixing in some chocolate chips for a delightful surprise.


Now, it’s your turn to create this enchanting Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie. Let the delightful flavors wrap around you like a warm hug, bringing comfort and joy with every bite. Happy baking!

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie

A rich and creamy pie combining the nutty flavor of brown butter with sweet potatoes, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Traditional
Servings 8 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pie Crust

  • 2 pieces pie crusts (store bought or homemade)

Filling

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted) For brushing the crust
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup salted butter (cut into cubes or slices) For browning
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 large) To be baked and pureed
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. If using homemade pie crust, roll it into the pan and crimp the sides. Chill in the fridge or freezer for at least 1 hour.
  • Brush melted butter into each pie crust, sprinkle with dark brown sugar, and bake for 15 minutes.

Sweet Potatoes

  • Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for 60-70 minutes, until tender.
  • Let them cool.

Brown Butter

  • In a light-colored sauté pan, add cubed butter and heat over medium, whisking constantly until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
  • Pour into a heatproof container and let cool.

Filling

  • Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Scoop the cooled sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl and puree until smooth.
  • Mix in the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and flour until combined. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
  • Whisk in eggs until the mixture is smooth.

Baking

  • Pour the filling into prepared pie crusts and smooth the tops.
  • Bake on the middle rack for about an hour, until the center jiggles slightly.
  • Let cool at room temperature before refrigerating. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For serving, pair with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for added delight. Store leftovers properly.
Keyword Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie, Comfort Food, Dessert Recipe, Fall Desserts, Sweet Potato Pie

Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest recipes and my top tips straight into your inbox!



    You Might Also Like...

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken Recipe

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken Recipe

    Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

    Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

    EASY CHICKEN ALFREDO LASAGNA

    EASY CHICKEN ALFREDO LASAGNA

    Halloween Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Halloween Chocolate Covered Strawberries