Name: Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies: A Southern Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6–8 tablespoons ice water

Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies are a sweet, spiced Southern classic wrapped in flaky crust. These handheld pies feature creamy roasted sweet potato filling with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply indulging in a comforting treat, these mini pies will surely become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Mini Sweet Potato

There are countless reasons to adore these Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing anyone to whip up a batch for family gatherings or casual dinners. Second, the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a warm, inviting flavor that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Third, they are ideal for portion control — perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging. Additionally, these pies can be prepared ahead of time and stored, making them a convenient option for busy schedules. Furthermore, they are vegetarian-friendly, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences. Finally, these mini pies are perfect for sharing, making them a great choice for holiday gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients for Traditional Mini Sweet Potato

Gather these items:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6–8 tablespoons ice water

How to Make Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl or food processor, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and blend until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Divide, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Step 2: While the dough chills, mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl. Add sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, butter, vanilla, and spices. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment.
Step 4: Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch rounds and press into muffin cups. Prick bottoms with a fork.
Step 5: Spoon filling into each shell, about 3/4 full.
Step 6: Bake for 22–28 minutes, until filling is set and crust is golden.
Step 7: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 8: Cool completely before serving. Optional: top with whipped cream or cinnamon.

Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies: A Southern Delight - Traditional Mini Sweet Potato - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Traditional Mini Sweet Potato

Keep these in mind:

These pies are perfect for holiday dessert tables.
They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
For a flaky crust, be sure to keep your butter cold.

Best Ways to Serve Traditional Mini Sweet Potato

Consider these serving suggestions: top your pies with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between warm and cold textures. These mini pies can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or served alongside a variety of small sweet potato dishes. For more ideas, check out this recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Traditional Mini Sweet Potato

To store your Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through. This method helps maintain the flaky crust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Mini Sweet Potato

What’s the secret to perfect Traditional Mini Sweet Potato?

The secret lies in using freshly roasted sweet potatoes, which enhances the flavor. Also, chilling the dough properly prevents it from shrinking while baking.

Can I make Traditional Mini Sweet Potato ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time, then assemble and bake them just before serving, making them an easy dessert option for gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Traditional Mini Sweet Potato?

Ensure that your butter is cold when making the crust for the best texture. Avoid overmixing the filling to keep it creamy and smooth.

Variations of Traditional Mini Sweet Potato You Can Try

Get creative with your Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies by trying these variations: add a touch of maple syrup for a sweeter filling, incorporate nuts like pecans for added crunch, or experiment with different spices such as allspice or cardamom. You can also create a mini sweet potato casserole recipe by layering the filling and topping with marshmallows. For more variations, visit this page.

Traditional Mini Sweet Potato Pies: A Southern Delight - Traditional Mini Sweet Potato - additional detail

For additional tips on cooking with sweet potatoes, you can check out this resource.