Eagle Brand Sweet Potato Pie: A Classic Recipe with a Creamy Twist

Sweet potato pie is a beloved dessert, especially during the fall and holiday season. Its warm, comforting flavors and smooth, creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe elevates the traditional sweet potato pie by incorporating Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, creating an even richer and more decadent experience. Get ready to bake a slice of heaven!

Why Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk adds a unique creaminess and sweetness to sweet potato pie. Unlike regular milk or cream, sweetened condensed milk has had water removed and sugar added, resulting in a thick, syrupy consistency. This concentrated sweetness and richness contribute to a pie that is both intensely flavorful and incredibly smooth. It also helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a stable filling that sets beautifully. Using Eagle Brand ensures a consistent and reliable result every time you bake.

The Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Crust: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Before diving into the filling, you’ll need a pie crust. You have two options: homemade or store-bought. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Homemade Pie Crust:

* **Pros:**
* Superior flavor and texture.
* You control the ingredients.
* Impressive presentation.
* **Cons:**
* More time-consuming.
* Requires some baking experience.
* Can be tricky to get right.

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to create a truly exceptional pie, a homemade crust is the way to go. Here’s a simple recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
* 1/4-1/2 cup ice water

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
6. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.

Store-Bought Pie Crust:

* **Pros:**
* Convenient and time-saving.
* Consistent results.
* Good option for beginner bakers.
* **Cons:**
* Can lack flavor compared to homemade.
* May contain preservatives.
* Texture may not be as flaky.

For a quick and easy option, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly well. Simply thaw it according to the package directions and place it in your pie plate.

Eagle Brand Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious sweet potato pie that everyone will love.

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (9-inch) pie crust, homemade or store-bought
* 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
* 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
* 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

**Equipment:**

* 9-inch pie plate
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Potato masher or electric mixer

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pie Crust:** If using a homemade crust, prepare it according to the instructions above. If using a store-bought crust, thaw it according to the package directions and place it in your pie plate. Crimp the edges of the crust for a decorative touch.
2. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. **Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:** Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. You can bake them, boil them, or microwave them until they are soft. Baking generally results in a more flavorful sweet potato.
* **Baking:** Wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces them. Let them cool slightly before peeling and mashing.
* **Boiling:** Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil them in water until they are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash.
* **Microwaving:** Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until they are soft. Let them cool slightly before peeling and mashing.
4. **Mash the Sweet Potatoes:** Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and cooled slightly, peel them and mash them with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
5. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, milk or half-and-half, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. **Pour into the Crust:** Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly.
7. **Bake the Pie:** Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
8. **Cool Completely:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools. Cooling completely, ideally for a few hours or even overnight, will give you the best sliceable texture.
9. **Serve:** Once the pie is cooled, you can slice and serve it. Top each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Eagle Brand Sweet Potato Pie

* **Use high-quality sweet potatoes:** The flavor of your sweet potatoes will directly impact the flavor of your pie. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can cause the filling to crack and become dry. Bake the pie just until the filling is set and the center is only slightly jiggly.
* **Let it cool completely:** As mentioned before, cooling is crucial for the filling to set properly. Be patient and allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
* **Add a touch of citrus:** A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten up the flavor of the pie.
* **Experiment with spices:** Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
* **Blind bake the crust:** If you’re concerned about the crust becoming soggy, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
* **Make it ahead:** Sweet potato pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

* **Pecan Sweet Potato Pie:** Sprinkle a layer of chopped pecans over the sweet potato filling before baking for a crunchy and nutty twist.
* **Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie:** Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the filling for a warm and boozy flavor.
* **Coconut Sweet Potato Pie:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
* **Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie:** Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey indulgence. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pie.
* **Ginger Snap Crust:** Instead of a traditional pie crust, use a crushed ginger snap cookie crust for a spicy and flavorful base. To make a ginger snap crust, crush about 2 cups of ginger snap cookies and mix them with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie plate and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato pie is delicious on its own, but it can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions:

* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic topping for sweet potato pie.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and creamy texture of the pie.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and decadence.
* **Pecan Praline Topping:** Make a simple pecan praline topping by combining chopped pecans, butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is melted and the mixture is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before spooning it over the pie.
* **Spiced Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped spiced nuts over the pie for added texture and flavor.

Storing Leftover Sweet Potato Pie

Leftover sweet potato pie should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze sweet potato pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Sweet Potato Pie Problems

* **Cracked Filling:** Cracked filling is usually caused by overbaking. Make sure to bake the pie just until the filling is set and the center is only slightly jiggly. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes, such as taking the pie directly from the oven to a cold surface.
* **Soggy Crust:** A soggy crust can be caused by the filling being too wet or by not baking the crust long enough. To prevent a soggy crust, blind bake the crust before adding the filling. You can also brush the bottom of the crust with melted chocolate or egg wash before adding the filling to create a barrier.
* **Lumpy Filling:** A lumpy filling is usually caused by not mashing the sweet potatoes thoroughly enough. Make sure to mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. You can also use an electric mixer to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
* **Pie Not Setting:** If your pie isn’t setting, it could be due to underbaking or not using enough eggs. Make sure to bake the pie until the filling is set and the center is only slightly jiggly. You can also add an extra egg to the filling to help it set.

Sweet Potato Pie: A Delicious and Versatile Dessert

Eagle Brand Sweet Potato Pie is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its warm, comforting flavors and creamy texture, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy fall evening, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a slice of heaven!

Enjoy the process and the delicious results! This Eagle Brand Sweet Potato Pie recipe is a surefire way to create a memorable dessert that will be enjoyed by all. Happy baking!