Let’s dive into our Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie recipe. This is not your typical pie; it’s a fusion of two beloved classics – the rich decadence of red velvet cake and the hearty, comforting essence of sweet potato pie.
Our recipe takes the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, infuses it with the velvety smoothness of cocoa, and adds a touch of vanilla for an enchanting aroma. The result is a pie with a striking red hue that is as visually stunning as it is delectable.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party, create a showstopper for a holiday meal, or simply want to indulge in a unique dessert, this Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie is sure to hit the spot. So, put on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
What is Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie?
Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of two beloved desserts – red velvet cake and sweet potato pie. This fusion creates a unique and visually striking pie that is perfect for any occasion.
First popularized in the southern United States, sweet potato pie has been a staple dish during holidays and family gatherings. Its rich and creamy texture, paired with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, has made it a crowd favorite.
On the other hand, red velvet cake has gained popularity over the years with its vibrant red color and velvety smooth texture. Traditionally made with cocoa powder and buttermilk, this cake is often paired with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
By combining these two desserts, we get the best of both worlds – the smooth and creamy texture of sweet potato pie, with a burst of flavor from cocoa powder and the beautiful red color from red food coloring.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie?
There are many reasons to fall in love with this recipe-
- Unique Flavor Combination: Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie offers a one-of-a-kind flavor that you won’t find in any other dessert. The sweet and earthy flavors of sweet potato, combined with the rich cocoa and vanilla, create a taste sensation that will leave your tastebuds dancing.
- Stunning Visuals: This pie is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The vibrant red color will stand out on any dessert table, making it the perfect showstopper for special occasions.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just looking for an indulgent treat, this Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie is suitable for all occasions.
- Easy to Make: While it may look impressive, this pie is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a mouthwatering dessert ready in no time.
- Versatile Recipe: This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less cocoa powder for a stronger or milder chocolate flavor, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even add in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of flavor.
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Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: This is a key ingredient in baking as it provides the structure for the pie crust. It contains proteins that, when mixed with liquids, turn into gluten, giving the dough its elasticity and strength.
- Packed Brown Sugar and white Sugar: These are sweeteners that add depth of flavor to the recipe. Brown sugar, in particular, has a rich molasses flavor that enhances the sweetness of sweet potatoes.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a complex, sweet, and aromatic flavor to the pie that complements the sweet potatoes and spices.
- Vegetable Oil: Used to rub the potatoes, it helps in roasting them by creating a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents the potatoes from drying out.
- Large Eggs: These act as a binding agent in the pie filling, helping to hold all the ingredients together. They also contribute to the richness of the pie.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: This adds a rich, creamy flavor to the pie. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content of your pie.
- Cacao Powder: This adds a depth of flavor and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the pie.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This contributes to the creamy and smooth texture of the pie filling. It also adds a rich, decadent flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and starchy, making them perfect for a dessert pie. They’re also packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin A.
- Ground Cinnamon and ground Clove Spice: These spices add warmth and depth of flavor to the pie, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes and sugars perfectly.
- Whipped Topping for Garnish: This provides a light, fluffy contrast to the rich pie, both in terms of texture and flavor.
- Unbaked Pie Crusts: These provide a crisp, buttery container for the pie filling. Their savory flavor balances the sweetness of the filling.
- Egg Yolks: These add richness to the pie filling and help to thicken it, creating a custard-like consistency.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the sweet potato pies.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring the pot to a boil over high heat. This process helps to soften the sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Simmer Until Fork-Tender
Reduce the heat to medium and allow the sweet potatoes to simmer for about 20 minutes or until they become fork-tender. This step ensures that the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and ready for the pie filling.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare
Once the sweet potatoes are done, drain them and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool. This cooling step is essential before further preparation.
Step 5: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
After cooling, peel the sweet potatoes and mash them until they achieve a smooth consistency. This mashed sweet potato will be the base of your pie filling.
Step 6: Create the Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, clove spice, cocoa powder, and heavy whipping cream. Thoroughly mix all these ingredients until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Step 7: Fill the Pie Crusts
Pour the pie filling mixture into unbaked pie crusts, spreading it evenly. This filling will be the heart of your sweet potato pies.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pies for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. This baking period ensures that the pies are fully cooked.
Step 9: Cool and Garnish
Allow the pies to cool completely before serving. Once they have cooled, you can top them with whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish, if desired. This step enhances the presentation and flavor of your sweet potato pies.
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought pie crusts instead of making your own.
- Make sure to not overmix the filling or else it may become too dense and take longer to set.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, you can add more cocoa powder to the filling. Alternatively, if you want a milder chocolate taste, reduce the amount of cocoa powder.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to make two pies, perfect for larger gatherings or if you just can’t get enough of this delicious dessert.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor.
- This pie pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and indulgent dessert experience.
- To add some crunch, top with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking.
- For an extra special touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the pie before serving.
What other substitute can I use in Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie?
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier option.
- If you don’t have cacao powder, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different as cacao powder has a stronger and more bitter taste.
- To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust and check the ingredients of your other components to ensure they are also gluten-free.
- For those who can’t consume dairy, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just make sure to adjust the amount accordingly as different substitutes may require different ratios.
Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups, etc.
Ingredients
Pie Filling:
- 4 lbs of velvety sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
- 3 cups of granulated white sugar
- 1 cup of rich brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract
- 12 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil as needed
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cacao powder for a chocolatey twist
- 1 teaspoon of ground clove spice
- 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 4 egg yolks adding a rich texture
Pie Crust and Garnish:
- 4 unbaked pie crusts ready to cradle the luscious filling
- Extra whipped topping for a delightful garnish
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream whipped to perfection
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender.
- Drain, cool, peel, and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, eggs, spices, cocoa, and cream. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into unbaked pie crusts, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow pies to cool, then garnish with whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought pie crusts instead of making your own.
- Make sure to not overmix the filling or else it may become too dense and take longer to set.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, you can add more cocoa powder to the filling. Alternatively, if you want a milder chocolate taste, reduce the amount of cocoa powder.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to make two pies, perfect for larger gatherings or if you just can’t get enough of this delicious dessert.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the pie a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the whipped topping and garnish right before serving.
Q: Can I use canned or frozen sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
A: While using fresh sweet potatoes is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned or frozen sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using and adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may be softer and require less time to cook.
Q: How to make a vegan version?
A: Yes! For a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water. One egg can be replaced with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water.
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! You can use a graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust for added flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time as it may differ from a traditional pie crust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious and unique twist on the classic sweet potato pie. It’s perfect for holidays or any special occasion, but also easy enough to make for a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll have a tasty dessert that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Also, it will be a delight if you share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.