Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie is a rich, creamy dessert that combines the hearty warmth of sweet potatoes with the tangy, smooth flavor of cheesecake. It’s the perfect indulgence for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering a unique twist on classic desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes and the luscious texture of cheesecake. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, complementing the creamy filling perfectly. This pie is easy to prepare, versatile with optional toppings, and a guaranteed showstopper on any dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Sweet Potato Cheesecake 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
Optional Topping:
Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, I combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Then, I press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes and set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Filling: Using a large bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, I add the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, mixing until well combined. Next, I beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Fill the Crust: I pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. I turn off the oven and let the pie cool inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
Chill: I refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it sets properly.
Serve: Just before serving, I like to add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
Variations
Nutty Crust: Swap the graham cracker crust with a pecan or almond crust for added nuttiness.
Spiced Topping: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of pecan pieces for extra flavor.
Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and substitute some sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use flaxseed eggs in place of regular eggs.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, I freeze the pie (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: While this pie is best served chilled, I like to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
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FAQs
How can I cook the sweet potatoes for the filling?
I prefer baking or steaming the sweet potatoes until they are soft. Once cooked, I mash them until smooth.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well as long as they are drained and mashed thoroughly.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
I recommend using mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Why is my pie cracking?
Overbaking can cause cracks. I keep an eye on the pie and remove it when the center is still slightly jiggly to prevent this.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is even better when made a day ahead, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie is a delightful dessert that combines cozy fall flavors with the decadence of cheesecake. Whether I’m making it for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, it never fails to impress. With its creamy filling, spiced sweetness, and crunchy crust, this pie is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
📖 Recipe:
PrintSweet Potato Cheesecake Pie
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Pie is a creamy, spiced dessert combining the rich flavors of sweet potatoes and cheesecake in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for holidays or fall gatherings, this indulgent pie is a showstopper.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Sweet Potato Cheesecake 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
Optional Topping:
Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan.
- Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into the pie pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar; mix well. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and spices.
- Fill the Crust: Pour filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
Notes
Sweet potatoes can be baked, steamed, or substituted with canned sweet potatoes (drained and mashed).
Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks.
This pie is ideal for making a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices
- Calories: 330 kcal