Patti LaBelle's Sweet Potato Pie: A Heavenly Recipe for Thanksgiving and Beyond
Are you ready to experience the legendary taste of Patti LaBelle's sweet potato pie? This recipe isn't just a pie; it's an experience, a tradition, a slice of heaven on a plate. Known for its incredibly smooth, creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness and spice, this pie is guaranteed to become a family favorite, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Let's dive into the recipe that has garnered so much love and acclaim!
Ingredients for the Sweet Potato Filling:
This recipe emphasizes using high-quality ingredients for the best possible flavor. Don't skimp on the spices – they're what makes this pie truly special.
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes: Choose firm, well-shaped sweet potatoes for optimal flavor and texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adjust to your preference, but don't be afraid of a little sweetness!
- 1 cup evaporated milk: This adds richness and creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream: For an extra luxurious texture.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter enhances the richness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling and add to its texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice for sweet potato pie.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A subtle hint of spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Complements the other spices beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Ingredients for the Pie Crust:
While you can use store-bought crust, making your own is surprisingly easy and elevates the entire pie experience.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust.
- ½ cup ice water: Gradually add this to achieve the right consistency.
Instructions:
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
- Wash and bake: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until tender (about 1 hour). You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
- Cool and peel: Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before peeling and mashing them well. You want a smooth, lump-free filling.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, heavy cream, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it's completely smooth and well combined.
Making the Pie Crust (If Making from Scratch):
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie plate.
- Transfer to pie plate: Carefully transfer the dough to your pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Pour in filling: Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy pie.
Serving and Storage:
Serve your Patti LaBelle-inspired sweet potato pie warm or at room temperature. It's delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe is a wonderful starting point. Feel free to experiment with different spices or add a touch of orange zest for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!
