Classic Sweet Potato & Buttermilk Pie – A Southern Holiday Favorite
Imagine the cozy, nostalgic flavor of classic sweet potato pie — now make it richer, creamier, and smoother with a gentle tang that elevates every bite. That’s the magic of buttermilk. This Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie blends the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the velvety brightness of buttermilk, all wrapped inside a golden, flaky pie crust.
Unlike pumpkin pie, this version brings deeper caramel notes, warm spices, and an irresistibly silky custard that practically melts on your tongue. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with warmth and the heart with joy.
Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas gatherings, Sunday dinner, or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this pie offers comfort and Southern charm in every slice.
🥧 Why This Pie Is Special
- Ultra-creamy texture thanks to buttermilk
- Warm, rich flavor from roasted sweet potatoes
- Easy to prepare — no boiling or complicated steps
- Perfect for holidays or everyday treats
🧾 Ingredients for Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie
For the Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust – homemade or store-bought
Tip: Blind bake your crust for 10 minutes if your recipe requires it.
For the Filling
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium), roasted and peeled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Roasting Tip
Bake whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender. After cooling, scoop out the flesh — you’ll need about 2 cups mashed sweet potato.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 45–60 minutes until soft. Let them cool slightly, remove the skins, and mash until completely smooth.
2. Prepare the Pie Filling
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Add the mashed sweet potatoes to a blender or food processor along with:
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Melted butter
- All the spices
- Vanilla extract
Blend until silky smooth. The mixture should be creamy with no grainy or fibrous bits.
No blender? Use a hand mixer and pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for a luxurious texture.
3. Assemble & Bake
Pour the filling into your unbaked (or partially baked) pie crust. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a gentle jiggle — like soft Jell-O.
If the crust starts to brown too fast, tent it loosely with foil.
4. Cool the Pie
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 3–4 hours. Overnight is even better, as the flavors deepen and the custard firms perfectly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Top with whipped cream
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Serve with pecans for a nutty crunch
- Enjoy chilled or at room temperature
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use roasted—not boiled—sweet potatoes for deeper flavor.
- A glass pie dish helps prevent soggy bottoms.
- Do not overbake; the center should still slightly wobble.
- Full-fat buttermilk gives the best results.
📦 Storage
Keep the pie refrigerated, covered, for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Classic Sweet Potato & Buttermilk Pie captures everything we love about Southern baking — warmth, comfort, and irresistible flavor in every slice. Simple to prepare and stunning on any holiday table, it’s sure to become a treasured family recipe for years to come.






