If you’ve ever wondered how to put a luxurious, homey twist on classic Southern comfort food, this Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of rich chocolate sweetness paired with the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a flaky pre-made pie crust. This pie brings warmth, spice, and a velvety texture to your table, making it an instant favorite whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor that sets this Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe apart. From the creamy richness of sweet potatoes to the comforting blend of spices and hints of citrus, every component is essential.
- 1 9-inch pre-made pie crust: A flaky base that saves time without sacrificing buttery flavor.
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the filling.
- 3 large eggs (room temp): Helps bind the ingredients and gives the pie its structure.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a subtle molasses depth.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and chocolate.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and a luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk: Boosts the creamy consistency without extra sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Crucial for balancing sweetness and boosting flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Warms up the pie with a cozy, nutty spice note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that complements both sweet potato and chocolate.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and depth to the flavor profile.
- 3 teaspoons grated orange zest: Brightens the pie with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into the filling for a luscious, gooey chocolate surprise.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Used to create a silky chocolate topping or garnish.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds texture and extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prick whole sweet potatoes all over with a fork and bake for about 40 minutes, or until they are tender to the touch. This step brings out their natural sweetness and makes them soft enough to mash smoothly.
Step 2: Cool and Peel
Once baked, let the sweet potatoes cool enough to handle. After cooling, peel them carefully, removing any dark spots to ensure your pie filling is silky and bright in color for that perfect visual appeal.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl or a standing mixer, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, eggs, both sugars, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and all the spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest. Beat everything together thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that’s fragrant and ready to transform your pie.
Step 4: Add Chocolate
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently, so they melt slightly but still hold some texture in the filling, creating delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the luscious filling evenly into your pre-made pie crust. Make sure to spread the mixture so the surface is smooth and ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Bake your pie in the oven at 400 degrees for 50 minutes, or until the filling is fully set with just a slight jiggle in the center. This ensures a creamy texture without being runny.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. Then, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill it overnight. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and the filling to firm up perfectly for slicing.
How to Serve Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top just before serving for a pretty and delicious garnish. You can also whip up some fresh cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla to dollop on top, adding a creamy contrast to the rich pie.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee or hot cocoa. For brunch or dessert spreads, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a sprinkling of toasted pecans for texture. You can also make mini versions of this pie in tart pans for a charming presentation that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps maintain the filling’s creamy texture and keeps your Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe tasting fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie either whole or in slices by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen pie will stay good for up to two months — just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To warm slices, heat them gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low-temperature oven to revive that fresh-baked feeling without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I make the pie from scratch without a pre-made crust?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust will add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Use your favorite buttery pie dough recipe and blind bake it slightly before adding the filling for best results.
What type of sweet potatoes work best?
Medium to large orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Avoid miniature varieties as they might not mash as smoothly.
Is it possible to make this pie vegan?
To veganize, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use a plant-based butter, and swap milk products for coconut or almond milk alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste will slightly differ but still delicious!
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Definitely! Dark chocolate can add a richer, more intense flavor which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes. Just adjust the sugar levels to your taste if you prefer less sweetness.
Why does the recipe call for both sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk?
Using both adds a wonderful balance of sweetness and creamy texture. The condensed milk brings sweetness and thickness, while evaporated milk smooths out the filling without making it overly sweet.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It combines comfort food charm with a fun twist that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Don’t hesitate to give it a whirl—your kitchen will smell amazing and your friends and family will thank you wholeheartedly!
