Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Introduction

Purple Sweet Potato Pie is a beautiful twist on the classic sweet potato pie, featuring a naturally vibrant violet hue and a smooth, custard-like filling that’s rich, comforting, and lightly spiced. Made with purple sweet potatoes, this pie delivers a subtly nutty, vanilla-forward sweetness that’s less sugary than traditional orange sweet potato pie—yet just as indulgent.

What makes this pie truly special is its color and flavor profile. Purple sweet potatoes (often labeled as purple yams or ube-type varieties in some markets) bring an earthy sweetness and striking color without artificial dyes. When baked into a pie, the filling turns silky and luxurious, with warm spices enhancing rather than overpowering the potato’s natural taste.

This dessert is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, and celebrations when you want something familiar yet unexpected. It slices cleanly, presents beautifully, and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or coconut cream. Whether you’re honoring tradition with a new spin or introducing guests to purple sweet potatoes for the first time, this pie is guaranteed to impress.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks, Purple Sweet Potato Pie is a must-bake recipe.

Ingredients
Pie Crust

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Purple Sweet Potato Filling

2 cups mashed purple sweet potatoes (about 2–3 medium potatoes, cooked and peeled)

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup evaporated milk or coconut milk

2 large eggs, room temperature

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Purple Sweet Potatoes

Wash and scrub the purple sweet potatoes. Boil or steam until fork-tender, about 25–30 minutes. Peel while warm and mash until completely smooth. Measure out 2 cups and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together mashed purple sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 4: Fill the Pie

Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Gently tap the dish on the counter to release air bubbles and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Variations

Coconut Purple Sweet Potato Pie: Use coconut milk and add shredded coconut.

Ube-Style Pie: Add a few drops of ube extract for deeper flavor and color.

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter.

Spiced Holiday Pie: Add cloves or allspice for deeper warmth.

No-Crust Version: Bake filling in a greased pie dish for a crustless dessert.

Cooking Notes

Mash potatoes thoroughly for a silky filling—use a blender if needed.

Purple sweet potatoes vary in sweetness; adjust sugar to taste.

Avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy.

Color deepens slightly as the pie cools.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Purple Sweet Potato Pie at room temperature or chilled. Top with whipped cream, coconut whipped topping, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Tips

Steam instead of boil to preserve color and flavor.

Let the pie cool fully for clean slices.

Store covered to prevent drying.

Flavor improves after resting overnight.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cooking Time

55 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

Calories: 360

Protein: 6g

Sodium: 280mg

FAQs

Are purple sweet potatoes the same as ube?
They’re similar but not identical; both work well in this recipe.

Can I use frozen purple sweet potatoes?
Yes, thaw and drain excess moisture before mashing.

Why is my pie not very purple?
Color varies by variety—some are more vibrant than others.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Conclusion

Purple Sweet Potato Pie is a creamy, elegant dessert that puts a vibrant, modern spin on a beloved classic. With its naturally stunning color, smooth texture, and gently spiced flavor, this pie is perfect for holidays and special occasions when you want to surprise and delight. Easy to prepare and unforgettable on the table, it’s a dessert that proves comfort food can also be beautifully bold.

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