Sweet Potato Molasses Pie

Sweet potato pie is something that I tend to forget exists. Similar to my pumpkin pie recipe, it is one that I enjoy making when my stores of pumpkin and winter squash have run out. I do not often come into the possession of sweet potatoes, but when I do, this pie tends to make it onto our meal plan. Rich, sweet, and thick it’s a pie everyone definitely has to try. This recipe, however, uses something a bit historical within it that we tend to only use during the holidays: molasses!

True molasses is made from extracted juice of sugarcane. It’s a natural sweetener that was used for almost everything in the days before now. Imported from the West Indies, it was even taxed during the time period of the American Revolutionary War in the British Molasses Act of 1733. Because it was cheaper than refined sugar, molasses was the most commonly used sweetener during this time period. Refined sugar did not become popular until the 1880s. As we all know now, the opposite is true: molasses costs much more than refined sugar. But we also know that refined sugar is not good for your body! Molasses, on the other hand, contains nutrients and antioxidants making it superior over sugar (though it does still contain a lot of sugar, so be weary!).

Sweet Potato Molasses Pie - Under A Tin Roof Blog
Sweet Potato Molasses Pie - Under A Tin Roof Blog

ingredients & recipe:

  • 1 homemade pie crust (I used this spelt one)

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes or about 2 cups worth; peeled, boiled, and mashed

  • 1/2 cup molasses

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/4 tsp ginger

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 cup milk or coconut milk

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 4 tbsp butter or oil, melted

DIRECTIONS:

  • Make your pie crust ahead of time and chill in your pie dish. Blind bake before filling: you can find the instructions here.

  • Preheat your oven to 350.

  • In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

  • Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla. With a spoon or spatula, incorporate the mashed sweet potatoes, molasses, and melted butter or oil.

  • Brush your entire pie crust with an egg wash; this creates a barrier layer which prevents your crust from becoming soggy. Pour in the sweet potato filling.

  • Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.

Sweet Potato Molasses Pie - Under A Tin Roof Blog
Sweet Potato Molasses Pie - Under A Tin Roof Blog
Sweet Potato Molasses Pie - Under A Tin Roof Blog

The molasses hints upon the delicious warm spices in this recipe. I really enjoyed swapping out some of my sugar for it instead. It felt like a more historical way to enjoy a truly iconic pie. Sweet potatoes harvested in the autumn make a truly delicious treat during these harsh winter days. It’s been in the negative temperatures here in Iowa, so I’ll be curled up with baby Dean, an old quilt, and a cup of hot coffee to enjoy my slice of pie. Where will you be?

xoxo Kayla


more posts you may enjoy!

Sweet Potato Molasses Pie - Under A Tin Roof Blog
Kayla Lobermeier

Kayla Lobermeier is an author, blogger, recipe developer, photographer, homesteader, and co-owner of the brand Under A Tin Roof with her mother, Jill Haupt. She lives in rural Iowa with her husband, children, and parents on their multi-generational family farm. Under A Tin Roof is a small flower farm and online lifestyle company focused on sharing the joy of seasonal, slow living with others who enjoy gardening, preserving, and cooking with wholesome ingredients. Kayla has been sharing her family’s journey into a simpler and sustainable lifestyle for almost a decade, and she has been featured in publications such as Willow and Sage Magazine, Where Women Cook, Heirloom Gardener, Folk Magazine, In Her Garden, Beekman 1802 Almanac, and Gardenista. She has taught cooking and gardening lessons through Kirkwood Community College and has hosted farm -to -table suppers at her family farm. You can usually find her sipping on a hot cup of coffee, reading up on the domestic lives of the Victorians, and snuggling with barn cats. Visit Kayla at www.underatinroof.com or on Instagram and YouTube @underatinroof.

Previous
Previous

Little Valentine Herbal Dream Sachet for Babies

Next
Next

Spelt Pie Crust