If you’ve been searching for a dessert that perfectly balances cozy autumn flavors with a rich, creamy texture, you’re going to absolutely love this Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe. It marries the natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes with the indulgent silkiness of cheesecake, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite is a delightful harmony of spices and sweetness, making it a standout treat for any occasion, especially during the holidays or chilly evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this pie’s irresistible flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the crumbly crust to the spiced filling that’s smooth and slightly tangy.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the filling without overpowering it.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds a rich buttery flavor.
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes: The star ingredient offering natural sweetness, a gorgeous orange hue, and velvety texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Delivers that classic cheesecake creaminess and tang.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing the spices and cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deeper molasses-like sweetness for warmth and complexity.
- 3 large eggs: Helps set the filling and gives it a custard-like richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its fragrant floral notes.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice that highlights the sweet potato beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth balanced perfectly with the cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger: Introduces just a hint of zing to round out the spicing.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
- Whipped cream: For topping, adding lightness and creaminess in every forkful.
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish: A lovely finishing touch that makes each slice look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9-inch pie pan. This step ensures your pie bakes evenly and comes out perfectly, ready for all that delicious filling.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly along the bottom and up the sides of the greased pie pan. Bake it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s just set and fragrant, then let it cool completely to make sure it stays crisp under the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth with no lumps—this is key for that luscious texture. Next, add the mashed sweet potatoes, remaining granulated sugar, and the brown sugar, blending until well combined. One by one, beat in the eggs; they add that necessary structure but keep the filling tender. Stir in vanilla extract and all the warming spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This spiced mixture is where the soul of the Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe truly shines.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling into your cooled crust, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still wobbles gently when you nudge the pan—this slight jiggle means creamy perfection inside.
Step 5: Cool and Chill the Pie
Once baked, let the pie cool in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour—this gradual cooling helps prevent cracks. Afterward, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or, better yet, overnight. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to fully set into that heavenly cheesecake consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, add a generous cloud of whipped cream atop each slice and dust with a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s the little touches that elevate the Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe into a luxurious finale for any meal.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is the classic match, adding lightness and a rich, creamy counterpoint to the spiced, dense filling. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top brings an inviting aroma and finishes the look beautifully. For a festive twist, a drizzle of caramel sauce or pecan pieces adds texture and visual appeal without overwhelming the flavors.
Side Dishes
This pie stands tall on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If you want to add something more substantial, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries offers a fresh contrast, brightening the richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve individual slices with a dollop of homemade dulce de leche or a cinnamon-infused whipped cream piped elegantly on top. You can also layer small cubes of the pie with whipped cream and toasted nuts in glass parfait cups for a modern, fun presentation that’s as lovely to look at as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the first slice, wrap the remaining Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. To maintain its freshness, keep it refrigerated, where it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days.
Freezing
If you want to make this pie ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it keeps well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Since this pie is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is usually unnecessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, place individual slices in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can change the texture of the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute, just be sure to drain them well and mash until smooth. The flavor and texture will remain delicious and work wonderfully in this Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe.
What kind of pie crust works best with this recipe?
The graham cracker crust used here is ideal because it offers a sweet, slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. However, if you prefer, a traditional pastry crust or even a gingersnap crust can be excellent alternatives.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just make sure your other ingredients, like cream cheese and spices, are gluten-free to keep everything safe.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
You want the edges to be set firm with a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can dry out the pie, so aim for that creamy center that still moves slightly for the perfect texture.
Can I add other flavors or toppings?
Definitely. Swirling in some maple syrup, adding toasted pecans on top, or incorporating a dash of allspice can add extra flavor layers. Just keep in mind the spices already in the recipe to maintain balance with the Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe’s signature taste.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the secrets, it’s time to bring this Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe to your kitchen. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, elegant, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a special occasion, every slice promises smile-worthy moments that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Print
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potato and spices. Featuring a graham cracker crust and a smooth, spiced filling, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie pan to ensure the crust doesn’t stick.
- Make crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pie pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add mashed sweet potatoes along with granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Finally, blend in vanilla extract and the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Assemble pie: Pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust, smoothing out the top for an even surface.
- Bake the pie: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly, indicating it’s perfectly baked. Then, cool the pie inside the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and develop flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg for added aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake the pie to keep the creamy texture intact.
- The pie tastes even better after chilling overnight as flavors meld together.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs.
- Use fresh sweet potatoes boiled or roasted until tender for the best flavor.
