Description
This Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie is a delightful twist on traditional sweet potato pie, blending the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with bright, fresh orange juice and zest. The creamy custard filling is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked in a flaky pie crust, making it an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion. Garnished with whipped cream and extra orange zest, this pie offers a refreshing citrus note balanced with classic Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Base
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pie once the filling is prepared.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This layers the base flavors for the custard filling.
- Add the eggs: Crack in the eggs and beat the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth, ensuring the custard will have a consistent texture.
- Incorporate liquids: Stir in the evaporated milk, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until the filling is fully combined and smooth. The orange flavor will brighten the sweetness of the pie.
- Fill the pie crust: Pour the prepared custard filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface evenly, preparing it for baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The pie is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step helps the custard to set properly.
- Chill before serving: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the pie for several hours or overnight before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra orange zest if desired, adding a lovely creamy contrast and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a richer and creamier filling, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream in place of evaporated milk.
- This pie can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated, which also enhances the flavors.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly for the best custard texture.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest to maximize the citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
