FAQ
Stepping into the realm of healthy holiday desserts, we uncover a delightful Homemade Sweet Potato Pie recipe. This warm, comforting dish is not only delicious but also brimming with health benefits, making it a perfect addition to any holiday table.
Delving into the Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are far more than just a tasty ingredient. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.
Their rich orange color signifies an abundance of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in our bodies. This nutrient is essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune system.
What’s more, sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
A Culinary Journey through History
Historically, sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cultures’ diets due to their nutritional value and versatility in cooking. From Africa to Asia, to the Americas, this vibrant tuber has found its way into traditional dishes and modern cuisine alike. Today, our focus turns to an American classic: the sweet potato pie, a beloved dessert that has graced holiday tables for generations.
How to Make the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
Imagine biting into a slice of this pie. The soft, velvety texture of the filling contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp crust. The sweet, earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes shines through, complemented by the subtle warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. The natural sweetness of maple syrup enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. It’s a sensory experience like no other.
Creating this pie at home is simpler than one might think. With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can prepare this dessert.
The pie crust, made with whole wheat flour and light butter, is a healthier alternative to traditional crusts. The filling, a blend of sweet potatoes, Greek yogurt, eggs, and spices, is smooth, rich, and flavorful. Baking this pie fills the kitchen with an aroma that is sure to make mouths water in anticipation.
This healthy sweet potato pie recipe is waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Its delicious flavor, comforting texture, and nutritional benefits make it a must-try dessert for the holidays. So why wait? Embark on this culinary journey and discover the wonderful world of sweet potato pie below.
Elevate Your Sweet Potato Pie with These Toppings
While the sweet potato pie is a delight on its own, you can take your dessert to the next level by experimenting with various toppings. Each topping adds a unique twist, enhancing the pie’s flavors and textures. Here are some options to consider:
Toasted Pecans
For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans over your pie. The nuttiness of the pecans pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pie, adding an interesting texture contrast.
Caramel Drizzle
A light drizzle of caramel sauce over your slice can add a decadent touch. You can find healthier versions of caramel sauce made with dates or maple syrup in health food stores. You could also choose a sugar-free option.
Cinnamon Sprinkle
Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. A dusting of cinnamon over the pie enhances its warm, spicy notes.
Marshmallows
Taking a cue from sweet potato casserole, mini marshmallows can be a fun and sweet topping. For a toasted marshmallow effect, you can broil the topped pie for a few minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown.
Whipped Topping
A dollop of light whipped cream on a warm slice of sweet potato pie is a classic choice. You can opt for traditional dairy cream, or try coconut whipped cream for a vegan alternative. If you’re watching your sugar intake, leave the cream unsweetened or use a natural sweetener like stevia.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serving your pie à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be incredibly satisfying, especially when the pie is still warm from the oven. The creamy, melting ice cream against the soft, warm pie creates a delightful combination.
Remember, the best topping for your sweet potato pie is the one that makes your taste buds dance. So, feel free to get creative and find your perfect match.
If you’re on a Nutrisystem plan, you can count each slice of this pie as SmartCarb and three Extras. Keep in mind that we recommend sticking to three Extras per day on Nutrisystem, so choose toppings carefully and consider adding a PowerFuel like nuts. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting add-ins.
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 192
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 3 Extras
Ingredients:
- 4 Tbsp. cold light butter
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 Tbsp. nonfat milk
- 2 tsp. maple syrup
- 2+ Tbsp. ice cold water
- 2 sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup nonfat milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
- Pie Crust
- Using a pastry cutter, a fork or your hands, crumble the butter with the flour mixture until it resembles crumbs.
- Whisk together milk, maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix into the flour mixture. Mix in more water, a little bit at a time, until the mixture forms a dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
- Roll the dough out into a circle and press it into the pie plate. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Sweet Potato Pie Filling
- Cook the sweet potato until soft using your preferred method. (Boil: slice into thick rounds and boil for 20 to 25 minutes, until soft. Oven: Poke several holes in the potato and roast in the oven at 400°F for 40-60 minutes until soft. Microwave: poke several holes in the potato and microwave for 8-10 minutes, until soft.)
- Peel the skin off of the cooked sweet potato. Mash well with a fork, a blender or a food processor.
- Mix the yogurt, eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon into the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the baked pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the center of the pie looks like it is completely set.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
