We’ve always been huge fans of sweet potato pie and Bruce’s take on it brings a comforting twist to this classic Southern favorite. With its velvety texture and warm spices it’s perfect for holidays or cozy evenings making every bite feel like a hug from the past.
Our recipe draws from simple ingredients that deliver big flavor so you’ll create a pie that’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Join us as we explore why Bruce’s version has become a staple in our kitchen.
Ingredients
In our exploration of Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe, we start by assembling the key ingredients that bring this Southern classic to life. These simple yet flavorful components create a velvety texture and warm spice profile perfect for holiday gatherings.
We’ll list the ingredients in the order they’re used, with prep notes for clarity:
- Sweet potatoes: 2 large (about 1.5 pounds), baked until soft and mashed to form the creamy base that defines our pie’s comforting heart.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted to blend seamlessly and add rich depth as we mix the filling.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetening the mixture and balancing the earthy notes of the sweet potatoes.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, to introduce a subtle caramel undertone that enhances the pie’s cozy flavor.
- Large eggs: 3, beaten to bind the ingredients and create that signature smooth consistency.
- Evaporated milk: 1 can (12 ounces), for adding creaminess without overpowering the natural sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, to infuse warm spice that evokes the essence of Bruce’s cherished recipe.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly grated if possible, for a nutty accent that elevates the pie’s aromatic appeal.
- Ground ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, to add a gentle kick and tie together the spice blend.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure, to enhance the overall flavor harmony.
- Pie crust: 1 pre-made 9-inch, unbaked, as the foundational shell that holds our filling together.
This selection ensures our pie remains easy to prepare while delivering maximum taste—key to why Bruce’s version has become a kitchen staple for us.
Equipment Needed
To bring Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie to life, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and a flawless result. These items help us handle the baking and mixing processes efficiently, building on the ingredients we’ve already gathered.
Here’s a breakdown of the key equipment we’ll need, listed in the order they are typically used:
- Baking sheet: We start with a sturdy baking sheet to roast the large sweet potatoes evenly, preventing any mess in the oven and allowing for that perfect, tender texture.
- Fork or potato masher: Next, a simple fork or masher is indispensable for mashing the baked sweet potatoes into a smooth puree, ensuring our pie filling achieves its signature velvety consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial, so we use these precise tools to portion out ingredients like sugars, spices, and milk without guesswork.
- Large mixing bowl: We mix everything together in a spacious mixing bowl, which gives us room to blend the mashed sweet potatoes with butter, eggs, and spices thoroughly.
- Electric mixer or whisk: For achieving a lump-free filling, we opt for an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to incorporate the evaporated milk and eggs seamlessly.
- Pie dish (9-inch): This is the heart of our pie, a 9-inch pie dish where we pour in the filling and bake it to golden perfection in the pre-made crust.
- Oven thermometer: To guarantee even baking, we recommend an oven thermometer, helping us maintain the ideal temperature for that warm, spiced aroma to shine through.
- Spatula or rubber scraper: Finally, a spatula helps us scrape every bit of the mixture into the pie dish, minimizing waste and ensuring our pie is packed with flavor.
With this equipment on hand, we’re set to transition smoothly from mixing to baking, making Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie a straightforward delight in our kitchen.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through creating Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie with simple, precise steps that deliver its signature velvety texture and warm, spicy aroma.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
First, preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure even roasting. Wash and prick 4 large sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast them for 45 to 60 minutes until they are fork-tender and emit a sweet, earthy scent that fills your kitchen. Once cooled slightly, peel the skins and mash the flesh in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth and lump-free, setting the stage for our pie’s creamy base.
Make the Pie Filling
In the same mixing bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) and beat it in with an electric mixer on medium speed until fully incorporated and creamy. Next, stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar for a balanced sweetness, followed by 2 large eggs, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Mix thoroughly until the filling achieves a smooth, silky consistency with hints of warm spice that promise a comforting, flavorful bite in every slice of Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie.
Prepare the Crust
Take your pre-made 9-inch pie crust from the refrigerator and gently press it into a pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly without any tears. Use your fingers to crimp the edges for a decorative finish, creating a sturdy base that will hold the rich filling and enhance the overall structure of Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie during baking.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the prepared pie filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. Bake the pie in your preheated oven at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggles like a gentle wave—watch for a golden-brown top that releases an irresistible aroma of spices and sweetness. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect, firm yet tender texture that makes Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie a holiday favorite.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As we wrap up the preparation of Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie, we know that convenience is key to enjoying this velvety, spice-kissed dessert anytime. Let’s dive into practical strategies for making it ahead and storing it to preserve its comforting flavors and smooth texture.
Make-Ahead Strategies
We love how Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie lets us plan ahead without sacrificing taste. Prepare components in advance to streamline your baking day and ensure the pie’s warm spices and creamy filling shine through.
- Roast and Mash Sweet Potatoes Early: Bake the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance. After roasting, let them cool completely, then mash them into a smooth puree and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the natural sweetness intact and makes assembly effortless.
- Mix the Filling Ahead: Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, and spices up to 24 hours before baking. Transfer the mixture to a sealed bowl and refrigerate. Pro tip: Give it a quick stir before pouring into the pie crust to maintain that lump-free consistency.
- Assemble the Pie: For maximum convenience, fill the pre-made pie crust with the prepared mixture and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the unbaked pie for up to 1 day. When ready, bake as directed in our step-by-step instructions to achieve that golden, aromatic finish.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage helps us keep Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie fresh and flavorful, extending its shelf life while preserving the pie’s rich, earthy notes and tender crumb.
To make storage simple, we recommend cooling the baked pie completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before proceeding. This step locks in the pie’s signature texture and prevents sogginess.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator. This maintains the pie’s moist, velvety interior—reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore warmth and spice aroma. |
| Freezing (Whole Pie) | Up to 3 months | Let the pie cool fully, then wrap it securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze on a flat surface to avoid deformation—thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes for optimal texture. |
| Freezing (Slices) | Up to 2 months | Cut the cooled pie into individual slices, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. This allows us to enjoy a single serving of that comforting, cinnamon-flecked delight without thawing the entire pie—reheat each slice at 350°F for 10 minutes. |
By following these tips, we ensure Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie remains a hassle-free favorite for holidays or everyday treats.
Conclusion
We’ve shared Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie Recipe because it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings us together.
This simple yet flavorful creation has earned its spot in our holiday traditions, offering comfort and joy with every bite.
Try it yourself and see why it’ll become your go-to favorite too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie?
Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert with a unique twist, featuring a velvety texture and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings, using simple ingredients for big flavor. This recipe has become a kitchen staple for its comforting taste and ease of preparation.
What are the key ingredients for Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie?
The main ingredients include baked sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. They’re combined in a pre-made pie crust for maximum taste with minimal effort. This selection ensures a delicious, straightforward recipe.
What equipment do I need to make Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie?
You’ll need a baking sheet for roasting sweet potatoes, a fork or masher for pureeing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer or whisk, a 9-inch pie dish, an oven thermometer, and a spatula. These tools make the process smooth and efficient for home bakers.
How do I prepare Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie?
Start by roasting and mashing sweet potatoes. Mix with butter, sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, and spices until smooth. Pour into a pre-made pie crust and bake at 350°F until set, about 45-55 minutes. Cool completely for the best texture. It’s a simple, step-by-step process for a holiday favorite.
Can I make Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast and mash sweet potatoes up to two days in advance, or prepare the filling 24 hours ahead. This makes it convenient for busy schedules. Just store components in the fridge until ready to bake, ensuring fresh results for special occasions or everyday treats.
How should I store Bruce’s Sweet Potato Pie?
Store the baked pie in the refrigerator for up to four days, covered tightly. For longer storage, freeze the whole pie for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before serving. Proper storage keeps it fresh and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy anytime.