Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie
Introduction
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of sweet potatoes. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any cozy night at home. When you take a bite, you’ll experience a sweet and creamy mix that warms your heart. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great choice for bakers of all levels.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie. First, it satisfies your sweet tooth with its rich and creamy texture. Second, it’s a fun and unique twist on both the classic cheesecake and traditional sweet potato pie. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to add a seasonal ingredient, sweet potatoes, into your dessert menu. This pie is perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it can also be enjoyed any time of the year. When my family first tried this pie, we were hooked! Now, it’s a beloved staple in our home.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie
Making Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie is a simple and enjoyable process. Just follow these easy steps and gather the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 large egg
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crumbled graham crackers for topping
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lets your oven get nice and hot, which is important for baking.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Once baked, set it aside to cool.
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Now, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Once everything is smooth, pour this mixture into your cooled crust.
-
In another bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Then, add one egg and mix until fully combined. Gently spread this sweet potato mixture over the cream cheese layer in the pie dish.
-
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is fully set. A knife should come out clean when inserted. After baking, allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better!
-
Before serving, top your cheesecake pie with whipped cream and sprinkle some crumbled graham crackers on top for added texture.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie
Serve your Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie chilled for the best flavor. It’s great on its own, but feel free to add whip cream and some extra crumbled graham crackers for decoration. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or a hot cup of tea to complement the sweet flavors. This pie is always a hit at gatherings!
How to Store Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie
To store left-over pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to tightly wrap it in freezer-safe material. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This helps achieve a smooth texture.
- You can bake sweet potatoes ahead of time and mash them for added convenience.
- For those wanting to cut down on sugar, you can substitute some of it with a sweetener of your choice.
- Mix the sweet potato mixture well to ensure even flavor.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top or a swirl of caramel before serving. You can also add chopped nuts or toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain them well and mash them before adding to the recipe.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this pie?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust to make this pie gluten-free.
3. How long will the pie last in the fridge?
The Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly. Just make sure to cover it.
This Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie is a wonderful addition to any dessert table, and I hope you and your family enjoy making and savoring it as much as we do!