If you’re craving that classic cozy dessert with a vegan twist, this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how rich and creamy it turns out, yet it’s completely plant-based and super approachable. When I first tried making sweet potato pie without eggs or dairy, I kind of braced myself for disappointment, but this recipe exceeded every expectation. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my favorite tips to make sure your pie comes out perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: No eggs or dairy means it’s perfect for many dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Comfort Food Classic: Captures that warm, nostalgic Southern pie taste you crave during the holidays.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes, so you don’t have to hunt down anything weird.
- Reliable & Creamy Texture: The cornstarch thickens it just right, and the coconut milk adds moisture and richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients blend beautifully to create a smooth, fragrant, and satisfying filling. When choosing sweet potatoes, look for firm ones without bruises — their natural sweetness really shines through. Full-fat coconut milk gives the pie that luscious creaminess, and I always recommend using fresh spices if you can for the best aroma.
- Vegan pie crust: Homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s chilled before filling to hold its shape well.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show; cook until tender for creamy mash.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Adds richness so the pie isn’t dry or crumbly.
- Unsalted vegan butter: A small amount balances the flavors without overpowering.
- Brown sugar: Gives caramel undertones and pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens and rounds out the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves: Classic warm spices that make the pie smell like fall in a slice.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the spices.
- Cornstarch: This is your thickening hero, ensuring the filling isn’t runny.
Variations
I love that this vegan sweet potato pie recipe is super adaptable — you can easily tweak the spices or crust to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Gluten-Free Crust: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free pie crust with great success, and my family never noticed a difference.
- Maple Syrup Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a different kind of natural sweetness that’s less processed.
- Nutty Crunch: Adding chopped pecans on top before baking adds texture I adore, especially for fall gatherings.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer less spice, feel free to cut back the pumpkin spice or cloves. I usually keep it balanced to keep that classic vibe.
How to Make Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into even pieces — this helps them cook evenly. Place them in a big pot of water, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. You’ll want them tender enough to mash easily, which usually takes about 20 minutes. I always test a piece with a fork to make sure it’s soft all the way through.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Filling
Drain your potatoes well and transfer to a large bowl. Mash them until they’re silky smooth — no lumps here! This part is crucial because a smooth filling makes for a silky pie texture that’s just irresistible. Once mashed, add the coconut milk, vegan butter, brown sugar, vanilla, spices, salt, and cornstarch. Mix everything together for about 2 minutes until you get a perfect creamy consistency. I like to use a hand mixer for this step to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust and Bake
Make sure your vegan pie crust is chilled — this helps keep it from getting soggy. Pour the filling in slowly and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. It’s done when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles just a bit — that jiggle means it will set as it cools so you don’t get a dry pie. I always keep an eye on it around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 4: Let It Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, patience is key — let your pie cool for at least two hours. This step helps the filling firm up and flavors to meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! I find that slicing it too soon makes the pie fall apart, so I always resist the urge to dig in immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Choose Uniform Sweet Potato Pieces: Cutting your sweet potatoes into similar sizes ensures even cooking and smooth texture.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret weapon that helps the pie hold together without eggs.
- Chill Your Crust Well: A cold pie crust prevents sogginess and keeps that perfect flakiness.
- Watch the Baking Time: Overbaking can dry out the filling, so pull it out when the center still jiggles slightly.
How to Serve Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple: a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top adds just the right amount of lightness and creaminess. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for a little crunch and nuttiness. For festive occasions, a dusting of cinnamon on the whipped cream always gets compliments!
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a dessert after cozy meals, so I love pairing it with hearty vegan mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. It also holds its own at holiday feasts alongside mashed cauliflower or a savory lentil loaf if you’re doing a full plant-based menu.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea is to serve mini vegan sweet potato pies in ramekins during small get-togethers. Personalizing each with different nut toppings or a drizzle of maple syrup looks charming on a dessert table. For larger gatherings, I sometimes add a swirl of vegan caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. It keeps well for up to 4 days without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, I recommend wrapping the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently warm it, the texture holds up beautifully with almost no difference from fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual slices in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crust a bit soggy. The oven method keeps that crisp crust intact and the filling creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe?
While canned sweet potatoes might be a tempting shortcut, I recommend using fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Freshly cooked potatoes mash up creamier and provide that authentic, homemade feel this pie is known for.
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What can I substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great alternatives and work similarly for thickening. Just use the same amount as cornstarch. Avoid flour since it can make the filling a bit grainy.
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How can I make the crust extra flaky?
For a flaky crust, keep your butter and crust as cold as possible before baking. Also, don’t overwork the dough when making it homemade. Pre-baking the crust slightly before adding the filling can help, but with this vegan sweet potato pie recipe, a good chilled crust works beautifully as is.
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Can I make this pie nut-free?
Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t include nuts, so it’s naturally nut-free. Just skip any optional nut toppings and double-check your crust ingredients to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s my go-to for holidays and whenever we crave something sweet and comforting without dairy or eggs. It’s easy to make, darn delicious, and makes everyone at the table happy, vegan or not. I hope you’ll give it a try and savor every creamy, warmly spiced bite just like I do. Trust me, once you master this pie, you’ll have a new favorite to share with friends and family year after year.
PrintVegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious, dairy-free and egg-free twist on the traditional Southern classic. Made with tender sweet potatoes, full-fat coconut milk, and warming spices, it offers a creamy, flavorful dessert perfect for holidays or any cozy occasion. The pie uses a vegan crust and wholesome ingredients to create a rich, satisfying treat that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 homemade or store-bought vegan pie crust
Filling
- 2 pounds of sweet potatoes
- 1 cup of full fat coconut milk (from a can)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted vegan butter
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
- ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Have the vegan pie crust ready and chilled in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming soggy during baking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks, then place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash them thoroughly until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the pie filling.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Add the full fat coconut milk, unsalted vegan butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, and cornstarch to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything together using a hand mixer or whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the sweet potato filling slowly into the prepared vegan pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken gently.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This rich and creamy vegan sweet potato pie captures the traditional Southern flavor without using dairy, eggs, or gluten (if using gluten-free crust).
- The combination of coconut milk and vegan butter creates a luscious texture and subtle sweetness.
- It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumnal celebration where a comforting dessert is desired.
- Allowing the pie to cool fully is essential for the filling to firm up properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 339 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 69 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg