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Bourbon Potato Pie

Featured in Tasty Vegetarian Meals Made Simple.

This flavorful sweet potato pie features a smooth, spiced filling with hints of bourbon. Both the pie and whipped cream include bourbon, making it a standout dessert with a flaky homemade crust and fresh potatoes.

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Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:48 GMT
Slice of sweet potato pie with creamy topping and cinnamon, served on a plate. Whole pie and festive drinks in the back. Pin it
Slice of sweet potato pie with creamy topping and cinnamon, served on a plate. Whole pie and festive drinks in the back. | thefamilycooks.com

This sweet potato pie whisks me right back to grandma's cooking space. That smooth, airy center with its cozy spices works wonders with each mouthful. While many folks go for pumpkin, this down-home favorite always sits front and center at my festive gatherings. Top it with some whiskey-spiked cream and you've got something truly out of this world.

Why This Pie Stands Out

The magic of this dessert comes from its remarkably fluffy consistency and built-in sweetness. The sweet potatoes deliver such a subtle taste that my friends who swear by pumpkin pie always ask for another piece. It brings me such happiness watching company try it initially, especially as they notice how it differs from typical holiday treats.

Must-Have Components

  • 3 large sweet potatoes: Go for ones with orange insides and coppery skin for better taste and that lovely hue.
  • 1 buttery pie crust: I love using my own recipe but grabbing one from the store works fine when you're busy.
  • Your favorite spices: My mix includes 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and a dash of real vanilla.
  • 3 large eggs and 1 can evaporated milk: This combo makes that velvety filling everybody loves.
  • Bourbon whipped cream: Adding just a tiny bit to your cream turns this dessert into something spectacular.

Cooking Your Dessert

Begin With Sweet Potatoes
Stick those sweet potatoes in the microwave for quick cooking, usually about 10 minutes does the trick. Microwaving keeps them from soaking up too much water.
Prep Your Crust
Put parchment in your cold crust, throw in some weights and give it a short bake until it looks a bit golden.
Mix Your Filling
Combine your cooked potatoes with eggs, milk, butter and all those tasty spices until everything looks perfectly smooth.
Into The Oven
Empty that beautiful mixture into your crust and cook until it firms up nicely. Cool it for a couple hours before cutting.

My Kitchen Tricks

Using your microwave works wonders for cooking sweet potatoes fast without them turning soggy. Don't forget to partly bake your crust first for that nice crisp bottom. Make sure the pie cools all the way before putting it away - this keeps the texture just how you want it.

Staying Delicious

This treat will remain tasty in your fridge for around four days if you wrap it up good. Enjoy it chilled or at room temp - whatever suits your taste buds. Adding that bourbon-infused cream really takes it up a notch.

Homestyle Comfort Dessert

Adding this pie brings real charm to your holiday sweet table. Its light custard center and toasty spices pack comfort in every forkful. After one taste, you'll get why this classic Southern dessert has shown up at family celebrations for so many years.

A freshly baked pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon, with one slice removed. Pin it
A freshly baked pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon, with one slice removed. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook potatoes in the microwave?

Microwaves only need about 10 minutes, much quicker than baking. The potatoes turn out tender enough for pureeing and hold nutrients better compared to boiling.

→ What if I skip the bourbon?

If you leave out the bourbon, the pie's texture stays the same. Replace it with extra vanilla for rich flavor. Regular whipped cream can sub for the bourbon version too.

→ Why bake the pie crust partially first?

Partially baking or 'blind baking' keeps the crust crisp by stopping the filling's moisture from soaking through. It ensures a firm bottom crust ready for slicing.

→ How do I know it’s ready to come out of the oven?

Look for firm edges and a slightly wobbly center—think gelatin. When gently shaken, the middle moves as a unit. Let it cool for about two hours to fully set.

→ Can I prep it a day or two early?

You can make the pie up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge, though the crust might lose a bit of crunch. Whip the cream fresh for serving to keep it airy.

Potato Pie

An indulgent sweet potato pie blended with bourbon and cozy spices. Finished off with bourbon-laced whipped cream for a bold twist.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pie)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pre-made, full-fat pie crust.
02 1 and a half pounds of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
03 2 tbsp softened, unsalted butter.
04 One small 5-ounce can of evaporated milk.
05 3 large-sized eggs.
06 Two big egg yolks.
07 2 tbsp of optional bourbon.
08 2 tsp of vanilla.
09 Half a cup of brown sugar, packed.
10 Half a cup of standard white sugar.
11 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
12 1/2 tsp ground ginger.
13 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder.
14 1/4 tsp of spice mix (allspice).
15 1/4 tsp of coarse kosher salt.
16 1 c heavy cream for whipping.
17 1/4 c powdered sugar.
18 A splash of bourbon (1 or 2 tbsp).
19 1/2 tsp of plain vanilla.

Instructions

Step 01

Roll out dough to about 13 inches round. Press it into a 9-inch pan and pop it in the fridge for an hour. Bake using pie weights for 18-22 minutes, take them out, then bake 10-12 minutes more. Cool completely.

Step 02

Microwave sweet potatoes for 10 minutes after poking holes in them. Scoop the insides into a blender or processor, add butter, and puree until smooth. Throw in milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, spices, and optional bourbon, blending it all together.

Step 03

Pour the creamy filling into your cooled crust. Place in the oven for about 45-55 minutes, checking that the edges are firm. Set it aside to cool for two hours.

Step 04

In a mixer, beat the cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Scoop on top when serving.

Notes

  1. You can skip the bourbon if you'd like.
  2. Make it up to 2 days early.
  3. Strain potato puree if you want it extra smooth.
  4. Keep an eye on the edges while pre-baking.
  5. Great centerpiece for festive gatherings.
  6. Store in the fridge when done.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pie dish, 9 inches.
  • Blender or food processor.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Pie weights or beans.
  • Non-stick parchment paper.
  • Fine strainer or sieve.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream).
  • Made with wheat (pie crust).
  • Includes eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 6 g