Potato & Pecan Pie is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional pecan pie. This delightful dessert features a luscious filling made with sweet potatoes and a medley of warm spices, all nestled in a flaky crust. The topping of caramelized pecans adds a delicious crunch and nutty sweetness, making this pie a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Potato & Pecan Pie is a delicious treat that will surely become a favorite for your fall and holiday celebrations.

The origins of Potato & Pecan Pie can be traced back to the southern United States, where pecan pie is a popular and beloved dessert. Pecan pie has been enjoyed for generations, with its roots in the American South and its rich history in traditional southern cuisine.

The addition of sweet potatoes to the classic pecan pie likely arose as a creative variation by cooks looking to enhance the flavor and texture of the pie. Sweet potatoes have long been a staple in southern cooking, and their natural sweetness and creamy texture complement the pecans beautifully.

The combination of sweet potatoes and pecans in a pie creates a harmonious blend of flavors that resonates with the warm and comforting essence of fall. This unique twist on pecan pie quickly gained popularity and has become a cherished dessert for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.

Today, Potato & Pecan Pie continues to be a delightful and distinctive treat, treasured for its taste and the memories it evokes of sharing delicious desserts with loved ones.

INGREDIENTS

FOR CRUST:

• 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (140g) cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons ice water

FOR FILLING:

• 2 eggs
• 2 pounds (900g) sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon bourbon whisky (optional)
• 7 ounces (210ml) sweetened condensed milk

FOR TOPPING:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup (64g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup pecans (110g), half of them roughly chopped, the other half whole

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR PIE DOUGH:

1. In a food processor, pulse together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add half of the cold butter cubes and pulse several times. Add the rest of the butter and pulse until the pieces are no larger than the size of peas.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and pulse, then add a little more if needed until the dough holds together when pinched with your fingers.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

SWEET POTATOES:

1. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork in several places.
2. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until soft and cooked through.
3. Let the sweet potatoes cool.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14-inch round, large enough for a 9-inch pie plate. Place the dough into the pie dish, crimp the edges, and poke the bottom with a fork. Chill in the freezer.

TOPPING:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Cook, stirring, until smooth and bubbling.
2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, and then add the pecans. Stir to coat the pecans with the sugar mixture.
3. Pour the caramelized pecans over the top of the pie and spread them out evenly.

BAKING AND SERVING:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the filling by combining the eggs, baked sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust over the pecan topping.
4. Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
5. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the delightful and flavorful Potato & Pecan Pie, a unique twist on the classic pecan pie that will impress your guests and become a favorite dessert for your holiday feasts!