Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie: Naturally Sweet Holiday Classic

Sweet potato pie has long been a beloved dessert in African American and Southern kitchens, with roots tracing back to West African culinary traditions. Enslaved Africans brought both the agricultural knowledge and flavor pairings that eventually shaped the dish we know today. As sweet potatoes became more widely cultivated in the American South, they were used in pies as a naturally sweet, nutrient-rich alternative to pumpkin. Over generations, sweet potato pie became more than just a holiday dessert, it became a symbol of heritage, hospitality, and soul. Today, it remains a cherished staple on many tables, rich in both flavor and history.

Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie

Want a cozy, feel-good dessert that’s both comforting and made with wholesome ingredients?

This Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie has you covered! Made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and maple syrup in a simple oat flour crust, it’s a naturally sweetened treat that’s perfect for holiday tables or everyday indulgence. With a dairy-free and vegan option, it’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to warm hearts with every bite.

Ingredients for Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 3 cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)

• 1/2 cup coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce

• 6 tablespoons cold water

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potato (about 2 large potatoes)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)

• 2 eggs (or flaxseed eggs for vegan option)

How to make Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie

• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Place in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain, let cool slightly, then mash until smooth.

Peeled and cut sweet potatoes simmering until fork-tender.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.

• To prepare the crust, use a bowl to mix the oat flour, coconut oil or applesauce, cold water, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until it forms a dough.

Oat flour, coconut oil, water, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to make the crust.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

Ingredients are mixed together to form the dough for the pie crust.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

• Place the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, then press the dough, spreading it evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick with a fork to prevent bubbling.

The dough is spread evenly in a pie pan and pre-baked for 8-10 minutes.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

• Pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set aside.

• To prepare the filling, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, almond milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Add the eggs and mix until fully combined.

Mashed sweet potatoes, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

The ingredients are mixed together to create the filling.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

• Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pre-baked crust.

• Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.

The sweet potato mixture is poured into the pie crust and smoothed out and prepared to bake.

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

• Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for an additional 1-2 hours before serving. Enjoy!

THE RECIPE

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie

Yield: 8

Author: Veronica Allende

Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 50 MinTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

Sweet potato pie has a delicious history rooted in the Southern United States, where sweet potatoes have been grown since the 17th century. With its rich, creamy filling made from sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices, this dessert became a beloved tradition, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over time, it became a symbol of warmth and comfort, with each family adding their own twist to the recipe. Today, sweet potato pie is cherished as a classic, soulful treat!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 3 cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce
• 6 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potato (about 2 large potatoes)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)
• 2 eggs (or flaxseed eggs for vegan option)

Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Place in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain, let cool slightly, then mash until smooth.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
3. To prepare the crust, use a bowl to mix the oat flour, melted coconut oil or applesauce, cold water, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until it forms a dough.
4. Place the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, then press the dough, spreading it evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick with a fork to prevent bubbling.
5. Pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set aside.
6. To prepare the filling, use a large mixing bowl and mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, almond milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
7. Add the eggs and mix until fully combined.
8. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pre-baked crust.
9. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
10. Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for an additional 1-2 hours before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

166

Fat

6 g

Carbs

24 g

Protein

5 g

Photo Credit: Noemi R.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?

Yes! Canned sweet potato puree works well. Just make sure it’s 100% sweet potato with no added sugar or spices for best results.

Q. What’s the best substitute for eggs to make it vegan?

You can use flaxseed eggs. Combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and use in place of the eggs.

Q. Can I make the crust with something other than oat flour?

Absolutely. Almond flour or whole wheat flour can work, though textures may vary. Just adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

Q. How sweet is this pie? Can I adjust the sweetness?

It’s lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey. If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add an extra tablespoon or two to taste.

Q. How should I store leftovers, and can I make it ahead?

Store the pie in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also bake it a day ahead, just let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Warm, spiced, and naturally sweet, this Wholesome Sweet Potato Pie is the perfect way to end any meal with comfort and joy.

Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,

Founder of HealthWealth

Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.

---

---

Healthy Hundred Cookbook

Healthy Eating Companion Guide