Cajun & Creole Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Two Southern icons in one — a layer of velvety spiced sweet potato beneath a rich, sticky pecan filling in a buttery shell, perfect for the holiday table.
Contains common allergens
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Instructions
6 steps- 1
Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C) and fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges.
- 2
Whisk together the mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, eggs, cream, and cinnamon until smooth, then pour into the crust.
- 3
Bake for 20 minutes to set the sweet potato layer.
- 4
Meanwhile, whisk the corn syrup with a pinch of salt and stir in the pecan halves.
- 5
Carefully spread the pecan mixture over the partially baked sweet potato layer.
- 6
Return to the oven and bake until the pecan topping is set and golden, another 25 to 30 minutes; cool completely before slicing.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
71/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving235
Calories
3 g
Protein
38 g
Carbs
9 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Sweet potato pecan pie merges two distinct Southern pie traditions into one dish, layering a spiced sweet potato custard beneath a syrup-bound pecan topping rather than choosing between them. Both fillings draw on ingredients that grow well across the American South, which is likely why the combination took hold in home kitchens rather than staying two separate pies.
Listahan note
This version bakes the sweet potato layer partway before adding the pecan topping, since pouring both mixtures in raw together at once can leave the bottom layer underset by the time the top finishes.
Technique cues
- Mashing the sweet potato filling until completely smooth prevents fibrous strands from showing up in the finished custard layer.
- A partial bake of the sweet potato layer firms it enough to support the pecan topping without the two layers blending together.
- The corn syrup or similar binder in the pecan layer needs to reach a near-set consistency in the oven, not just a warm liquid state, or the topping stays loose when sliced.
- Toasting the pecans before folding them into the topping brings out more flavor than adding them raw.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- While Sweet Potato Pecan Pie is in the oven, measure out any garnish or topping — like the corn syrup — so it's ready the moment the bake finishes cooling.
- Make-ahead
- Sweet Potato Pecan Pie's dough or batter (built around corn syrup) can usually be made a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh — many doughs actually improve with an overnight rest.
- Leftover move
- Leftover Sweet Potato Pecan Pie freezes well — wrap individual portions tightly and thaw at room temperature, or crumble it over ice cream for a quick second life. This one leans on the corn syrup. Plan around the bake; that's the slow part.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Soak the mixing bowl and beaters for Sweet Potato Pecan Pie right away — sugar and butter residue hardens fast once it cools. This one leans on the corn syrup. Plan around the bake; that's the slow part.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Pie crust
Flavor support
Purpose: Pie crust supports the balance of Sweet Potato Pecan Pie and should taste integrated.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use the closest fresh equivalent and expect a modest shift in flavor or texture.
sweet potatoes
Structural base
Purpose: sweet potatoes defines the shape and texture of the dish.
Handling: Wash, trim, and cut evenly so the pieces cook at the same pace.
Adaptation: Use the closest fresh equivalent and expect a modest shift in flavor or texture.
pecans
Flavor support
Purpose: pecans supports the balance of Sweet Potato Pecan Pie and should taste integrated.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use verified safe seeds or omit the crunch when peanut or tree-nut safety matters.
syrup
Sweetness and aroma
Purpose: syrup adds aroma, sweetness, or warmth without needing extra garnish.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use the closest fresh equivalent and expect a modest shift in flavor or texture.
Technique notes
- Cool the pie fully, ideally overnight, before slicing, since the pecan layer needs time to firm up completely.
- A blind-baked crust holds up better under two custard layers than one baked simultaneously with the filling.
- Whipped cream on the side rather than on top keeps the pecan layer's texture from getting lost under a heavy topping.
Ingredient swaps
- Nut-aware direction
- Omit the nuts here; a seed garnish keeps the texture without the tree-nut or peanut concern. This one leans on the corn syrup.
- Lower-sodium direction
- Season lighter on salt than the recipe calls for, then adjust right before serving — it's easier to add more than to fix an oversalted batch. This one leans on the corn syrup.
- Weeknight shortcut
- Mix and chill the batter or mix-ins up to a day ahead so the night-of step is just baking, not mixing. This one leans on the corn syrup.
Serve alongside
- Fresh berries
- Citrus fruit salad
- Mint leaves
- Black coffee
- Hot tea
- Sparkling water with lemon
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Store covered for 3 to 4 days, refrigerated when dairy, eggs, custard, or fresh fruit are involved.
- Reheat gently only when warmth improves the texture.
- Freeze sturdy baked portions up to 2 months; avoid freezing delicate fresh toppings.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish or pan
- Cooling rack
Make this household-aware
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