If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and a delightful citrus twist to your table, look no further than this beautiful Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of velvety sweet potatoes combined with bright orange notes, all wrapped inside a flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re aiming to impress at holiday meals or simply craving a rich, satisfying treat, this pie balances tradition and a fresh burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that truly shine together. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect custard texture, classic sweetness, and that irresistible orange aroma and flavor.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the buttery, flaky foundation that holds the luscious custard filling.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, giving richness and natural sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the earthiness of the sweet potatoes with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the silky custard.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the pie’s richness and velvety texture.
- 2 large eggs: Act as the natural binder, making the filling set perfectly.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Brings the bright, citrusy pop that elevates the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Offers a fresh, aromatic lift with every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a cozy spice note that pairs wonderfully with orange and sweet potato.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the autumnal spices and rounds out the pie’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enriches all other flavors.
How to Make Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F to warm up while you mix. Having the oven ready ensures the pie bakes evenly and develops that signature golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, milk, heavy cream, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. This step is key to achieving that creamy, custard-like texture with hints of bright orange flavor shining through.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour this luscious filling into your unbaked pie crust, and gently smooth the top for even baking. This step sets the stage for a beautiful baked pie with an inviting golden surface.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is fully set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. This ensures the custard is cooked through but still deliciously silky.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack, then chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the custard to fully firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.
How to Serve Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon or an extra hint of orange zest elevates each slice. These simple garnishes add creaminess and a pop of color that make the pie stand out on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with hot beverages like spiced tea or rich coffee, especially during chilly weather. For a festive gathering, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the custard’s warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini versions in tart shells for a charming party treat. Alternatively, decorate the pie surface with candied orange slices or lightly toasted pecans to add texture and a dazzling look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage keeps it fresh and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
This pie freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare it well in advance. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh by warming slightly before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture of the custard; reheating slowly preserves its silky smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this pie?
While fresh cooked sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just ensure they’re mashed smoothly and drained well before mixing.
What is the best way to cook sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Roasting the sweet potatoes before mashing enhances their natural sweetness and adds a deeper, caramelized flavor, making the Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe even more irresistible.
Can I make this pie vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond milk, and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor can still be delightful.
Why does the pie need to chill before serving?
Chilling allows the custard filling to set completely, which makes slicing cleaner and the texture wonderfully firm yet creamy. It also lets the flavors meld beautifully.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The best indicator is when the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The pie should feel firm but still have a slight wobble in the center when gently shaken.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. Its blend of cozy spices and bright citrus notes wrapped in a delicate custard will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try and let this delicious pie become your new go-to comfort food for celebrations or simply to brighten your day.
Print
Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Sweet Potato Custard Pie is a delightful twist on the classic sweet potato pie, infused with bright citrus notes from fresh orange juice and zest. Encased in a flaky unbaked pie crust, the smooth custard filling combines mashed sweet potatoes, cream, eggs, and warming spices, creating a luscious dessert perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare it for baking the pie.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the custard filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set. Check doneness by inserting a knife near the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Down: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the custard to firm up.
Notes
- For a richer taste, try roasting the sweet potatoes before mashing instead of boiling.
- Serve garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra orange zest for added flavor and presentation.
- This pie can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
