Mini Sweet Potato Pies – A Bite-Sized Holiday Classic
Sweet potato pie is a Southern classic that never fails to bring warmth and comfort to the table. These Mini Sweet Potato Pies capture all the cozy flavors of the traditional version but in a perfectly portioned handheld size. With a buttery crust, creamy filling, and fragrant spices, they’re ideal for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet bite of nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini pies are not only adorable but also practical. No messy slicing, no uneven portions—just neat, individual desserts that everyone will love. They bake quicker than a full pie, are easy to serve at parties, and can even be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. Plus, they taste just as rich and comforting as the full-sized version.
Nutritional Benefits
Sweet potatoes are naturally packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They add natural sweetness, reducing the need for too much refined sugar. Combined with eggs for protein and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these mini pies are a dessert that balances indulgence with a touch of wholesome nutrition.
Time Taken
These little pies come together surprisingly quickly. From preparing the filling to baking and cooling, the entire process takes about an hour. Perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients you likely already have at home. From creamy mashed sweet potatoes and eggs to sugar, warm spices, and mini pie crusts, everything works in harmony to deliver that classic sweet potato pie flavor in every bite.
Core Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes (cooked & mashed)
- Mini pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg
- Evaporated milk
Grocery Shopping List
A quick trip to the store is all it takes to gather what you need. From fresh sweet potatoes to mini pie shells and a few pantry staples, the list is short but essential. These accessible ingredients make it easy to bake a dessert that feels special without much effort.
- 2–3 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 pack mini pie shells (or pie dough)
- Eggs (2–3 large)
- Brown sugar (or white sugar + molasses)
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Evaporated milk (or half-and-half)
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt
How to Make Mini Sweet Potato Pies
The process is simple, even for beginner bakers. First, prepare a smooth, spiced filling from mashed sweet potatoes. Then spoon it into mini crusts, bake until set, and let them cool slightly. The result? Beautiful little pies that look bakery-made but taste homemade.
- Prepare the filling – Mash sweet potatoes until smooth, then mix with eggs, sugar, butter, spices, vanilla, and evaporated milk.
- Fill the crusts – Spoon the creamy mixture into mini pie shells, leaving a little space at the top.
- Bake – Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve – Allow to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips to Follow
A few small details can make your pies turn out perfect. Smooth mashed potatoes ensure a creamy filling, while not overfilling the shells keeps things tidy. Brushing the crusts with an egg wash before baking gives them a golden, glossy finish.
- Use very smooth mashed sweet potatoes for the creamiest filling.
- Don’t overfill the mini crusts to avoid spillover.
- Taste your filling before baking—it should be slightly sweet and warmly spiced.
- For extra shine, brush crust edges with an egg wash before baking.
How to Serve
These mini pies are delightful on their own but can be dressed up for extra indulgence. Add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. They make the perfect sweet bite after a hearty holiday meal or as a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store
Store leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve warm, reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap them individually and thaw before enjoying.
Chef’s Special Tips
This recipe is versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Add a little citrus zest for brightness, swap in maple syrup for a deeper sweetness, or try a graham cracker crust for a fun twist. Small tweaks can make these pies your signature dessert.
- For a twist, add a little orange zest to the filling for brightness.
- Swap in maple syrup or honey for part of the sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Make a graham cracker crust base instead of pastry crust for a fun variation.
Conclusion
These Mini Sweet Potato Pies are proof that big flavor can come in small packages. They’re festive, flavorful, and the perfect individual treat for holidays, potlucks, or everyday cravings. Give this recipe a try, share them at your next gathering, and watch how fast they disappear!