Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 20 mins

Servings:

8

You've never seen sweet potato pie like this before. Made with naturally purple sweet potatoes—no food coloring needed!—this classic dessert has a whole new look but the same great taste of the original.

Purple sweet potatoes (look for North Carolina-grown Stokes Purple) are a bit starchier and a little less sweet than regular sweet potatoes, which makes for a creamier, more subtle filling. We also added coconut milk to the filling for even more delicate sweetness. Top the sweet potato pie with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes for a pretty presentation.

What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?

If you happen upon purple sweet potatoes at the market, don't hesitate about grabbing them to use in casseroles, stews, soups, and of course, pies. The purple color is natural and thanks to anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid that gives these potatoes, and also cherries and grapes, their vibrant color. They have a slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture, and can be used interchangeably with standard sweet potatoes, although they may need additional cooking time.

What Is the Difference Between Ube and Purple Sweet Potatoes?

While ube might look like a purple sweet potato—they both sport purple flesh—there are a few key differences. First off, ube is actually a yam. Yams have rough, bark-like skin, compared to the thin, smooth skin of sweet potatoes.

The flesh of ube can also vary in color from light violent to dark lavender, while purple sweet potatoes are typically a deep purple. Ube is nuttier in flavor, and more moist in texture than purple sweet potatoes when cooked, making it excellent for baking applications.

Ingredients for Purple Sweet Potato Pie

To make this pie, you'll need:

Refrigerated piecrust: A shortcut option, or make your own.
Purple sweet potatoes: Cooked and mashed.
Coconut milk: Adds a subtly sweet, creamy texture to the pie.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
Salted butter: Adds richness.
Large eggs: Binds the filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice that complements the sweet potato.
Table salt: Highlights the sweet potato and coconut flavors.
Sweetened whipped cream: A light and airy topping.
Large flaked coconut: Adds a subtle crunch and pretty presentation.

How To Make Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Wrap unpeeled sweet potatoes individually in aluminum foil. Arrange on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 1 hour. Let cool 15 minutes. Remove and discard sweet potato skins. Process sweet potato flesh in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute.

How To Make Purple Sweet Potato Pie

This pie comes together in no time at all for a unique dessert your guests won't soon forget. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Fit piecrust inside a 9-inch pie plate and crimp. Fill with pie weights; bake 12 minutes on bottom rack. Remove weights and bake another 5 minutes. Remove from oven; reduce temperature to 350°F.
Step 2. Whisk together sweet potatoes, coconut milk, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt; pour into crust. Bake until just set, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3. Dollop center with whipped cream; sprinkle with coconut.

Variations for Purple Sweet Potato Pie

If you're looking to change up this pie to suit your tastes, consider these alternatives:

Swap the whipped cream: Try topping with a torched meringue, marshmallows, or this ginger-honey whip for a flavorful twist.
Sprinkle with nuts: Sprinkle the top with candied pecans, granola, or sugared pecans and pepitas for a crunchy accent.
Add spice or zest: When it comes to sweet potato, there's no better time to break out the spices. Ginger, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, clove, and more are all great pairings for purple sweet potato. Want to add a little citrus? Mix in orange zest for a bright touch.

How To Store Purple Sweet Potato Pie

The pie can be baked ahead and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then top with whipped cream and coconut fresh before serving.

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to two days. If stored separately from the whipped cream, it may last longer. You can also freeze leftover pie in an airtight container for up to two months.

More Sweet Potato Pie Recipes You'll Love

Sweet potato brings a subtle sweetness to desserts of all kinds:

Ingredients

1/2 (14.1-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts
2 cups mashed cooked purple sweet potatoes (such as Stokes Purple) (from about 1 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes)
1 cup well-shaken and stirred coconut milk (from 1 [13.66-oz.] can)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
3 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. table salt
1/2 cup sweetened whipped cream
1/4 cup unsweetened large flaked coconut (such as Bob's Red Mill), toasted

Directions

Prepare piecrust:

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in bottom position. Fit piecrust inside a 9-inch pie plate; fold edges under, and crimp. Fill crust with pie weights. Bake in preheated oven on bottom rack for 12 minutes. Remove pie weights. Continue baking until surface is just dry, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven; reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Make pie filling:

Whisk together sweet potatoes, coconut milk, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl; pour into prepared crust.
Bake pie:

Bake at 350°F until just set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
Add whipped cream and coconut:

Dollop center of cooled pie with whipped cream; sprinkle with coconut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do purple sweet potatoes taste different than orange sweet potatoes?

Purple varieties of sweet potatoes are slightly less sweet and a bit more starchy (they may take longer to cook) than their orange counterparts. Typically the two types can be used interchangeably.
What is the difference between Okinawan sweet potatoes and Stokes' sweet potatoes

Okinawan sweet potatoes have white exteriors and purple interiors, while Stokes sweet potatoes are purple throughout.
Can you eat the skin of purple sweet potatoes?

Yes, as with any color of sweet potato, the skin is edible, but may need to be removed for the smoothest texture when blended or mashed.
Are purple sweet potatoes healthier than orange sweet potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, which provide their vivid color, and also help improve heart health, reduce disease risks, and boost cognitive function.