Mini Sweet Potato Pies

by

Introduction:
Mini Sweet Potato Pies are adorable and delicious individual-sized desserts that celebrate the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and buttery pastry. These miniature pies are perfect for holiday gatherings, potluck parties, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a sweet and satisfying treat. With their flaky crusts and creamy sweet potato filling, Mini Sweet Potato Pies are sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.

Origin and Popularity:
Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert that has been enjoyed in the United States for generations, especially during the fall and winter months. The exact origin of sweet potato pie is uncertain, but it likely emerged in the American South, where sweet potatoes are a staple crop. Mini Sweet Potato Pies offer a fun twist on this traditional dessert, providing individual portions that are perfect for sharing and enjoying on the go. Their popularity has spread beyond the South, becoming a favorite dessert option for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

  • Whipped cream
  • Chopped pecans
  • Ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
  • Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
  • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  1. Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then prick them with a fork.
  • Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender.
  • Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the skins and mash the flesh with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes for the filling.
  1. Make the Sweet Potato Filling:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  1. Roll Out the Pie Crust and Assemble the Pies:
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Use a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles of dough slightly larger than the openings of your mini pie pans or muffin tin cups.
  • Gently press the dough circles into the bottoms and up the sides of the mini pie pans or muffin tin cups.
  1. Fill and Bake the Pies:
  • Spoon the sweet potato filling into the prepared pie crusts, filling each one almost to the top.
  • Place the filled mini pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
  1. Cool and Serve:
  • Remove the mini sweet potato pies from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes.
  • Carefully remove the pies from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, garnish the mini sweet potato pies with whipped cream, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
  • Serve and enjoy these delightful individual-sized desserts!

Tips:

  • If you don’t have mini pie pans, you can use a standard muffin tin to make mini sweet potato pies. Simply press the dough into the muffin tin cups and adjust the baking time as needed.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the sweet potato filling.
  • Make sure to let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before mashing them to avoid burning yourself.

Conclusion:
Mini Sweet Potato Pies are a charming and delicious dessert option that captures the essence of traditional sweet potato pie in individual-sized portions. With their buttery crusts, creamy sweet potato filling, and warm spices, these mini pies are sure to delight your taste buds and bring a taste of the South to any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a holiday meal or as a special treat any time of year, Mini Sweet Potato Pies are a delightful dessert that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Recommendation:
Serve Mini Sweet Potato Pies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience. These mini pies also make a lovely addition to dessert buffets or potluck gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of homemade goodness in every bite. Share the joy of Mini Sweet Potato Pies with family and friends, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade baking!

Leave a Comment