Forget the same old chocolates and roses this Valentine’s Day! Imagine a dessert as vibrant and unique as your love: The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie. This isn’t your grandma’s sweet potato pie – the stunning purple hue and rich, creamy filling will make it the star of your romantic celebration. We’ll explore variations from the classic to no-bake and even vegan options, ensuring there’s a perfect slice for everyone.
Ready to impress your sweetheart with a truly unforgettable treat? This article dives into everything you need to know about The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie, from the essential ingredients and the best purple sweet potato pie recipe (including variations like the great purple sweet potato pie with condensed milk, purple sweet potato pie with coconut milk, and even a no-bake option!) to tips for achieving that perfect texture and vibrant color. Whether you’re looking for a traditional purple sweet potato pie recipe or a vegan purple sweet potato pie, you’ll find inspiration and guidance here to create a Valentine’s Day dessert that’s as special as your relationship.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold vegan butter, cut into cubes
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 medium purple sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed (about 2 cups)
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Prep Time: 30 minutes (including chilling the crust)
Cook Time: 1 hour (including pre-baking the crust)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size: 8 servings
Estimated Cost (US Market): $11 – $17 (USD)
Important Cost Notes:
- Purple Sweet Potatoes: These can be pricier than regular sweet potatoes. If you can’t find them, regular sweet potatoes will work, but the color will be different. This is the biggest cost factor.
- Vegan Butter: Vegan butter can be more expensive than dairy butter.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is generally more expensive than other sweeteners.
- Bulk Buying: Buying some ingredients in bulk (like flour or spices) can reduce the overall cost.
- Sales and Coupons: Look for sales and use coupons to save money on your grocery bill.
This cost estimate is just a guide. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. It’s always a good idea to check prices at your local grocery store before you start cooking.
Step 1: Making the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold vegan butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
While the crust chills, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the mashed purple sweet potatoes, coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Baking the Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges of the crust. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 4: Filling and Baking the Pie
Pour the sweet potato filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly puffed. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the pie plate tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftover slices to an airtight container. This prevents the pie from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
When stored properly, leftover purple sweet potato pie will generally last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. After this time, the texture might start to change, and the flavor may diminish. It’s always best to use your best judgment – if it smells or looks off, discard it.
For the best taste and texture, here are a couple of recommended reheating methods:
Oven Reheating (Recommended): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of pie on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the crust from browning too quickly. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is warm. This method helps to crisp up the crust again.
Microwave Reheating (Quick Option): For a faster option, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. However, the microwave can make the crust a bit soft, so this method is best if you’re short on time and don’t mind a slightly less crispy crust.
Important Note: Reheating the pie multiple times can affect its texture and flavor. It’s generally best to reheat only the amount you plan to eat at that time.
Freezing (Not Recommended): Freezing this type of pie is generally not recommended. The texture of the filling, especially with the coconut milk base, can change significantly after freezing and thawing, becoming watery or grainy. The crust may also lose its crispness. While it might be possible to freeze individual slices if absolutely necessary, the quality will likely be compromised.
Nutrition Facts
It’s important to understand that providing precise nutritional information for a recipe like this is difficult. The nutritional content can vary based on several factors:
- Specific Ingredients: The brand of coconut milk, the type of vegan butter, and even the size of the sweet potatoes will impact the final nutritional values.
- Serving Size: How large a slice you consider a “serving” drastically changes the calculations.
- Ingredient Variations: If you add extra spices, a different sweetener, or adjust any of the ingredient amounts, the nutrition will change.
Therefore, the following table provides estimated nutritional information. It’s best used as a general guide. For precise data, you’d need to use a nutritional calculator and input the exact details of the ingredients you used.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Assumes 1/8th of the pie)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) | % Daily Value* (Approximate) |
| Calories | 250-350 | 13-18% |
| Total Fat | 12-18g | 18-28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8-12g | 40-60% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 150-250mg | 6-10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35-45g | 12-15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5g | 12-20% |
| Total Sugars | 15-25g | – |
| Added Sugars | 10-15g | 20-30% |
| Protein | 4-6g | 8-12% |
| Vitamin A | High | High |
| Vitamin C | Moderate | Moderate |
| Potassium | Moderate | Moderate |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Important Considerations:
- High in Saturated Fat: Due to the coconut milk and vegan butter, this pie is likely high in saturated fat. Enjoy in moderation.
- Sugar Content: Maple syrup contributes to the sugar content. Be mindful of portion sizes.
- Nutrient Density: While this pie contains some beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A and potassium from the sweet potatoes, it’s primarily a dessert.
Again, this is an estimate. Using a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients is the best way to get accurate data.
Dietary Information:
This particular recipe, as written, is vegan. It uses plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products.
Here’s a breakdown regarding other dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour in the crust. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is suitable for pie crusts.
- Keto: This recipe is not keto-friendly. It contains sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and cornstarch, all of which are high in carbohydrates and not suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Nut Allergies: This recipe, as written, does not contain nuts. However, always double-check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are processed in a nut-free facility, especially if you have severe allergies.
- Soy Allergies: Check the ingredients of your vegan butter and coconut milk to ensure they are soy-free, as some brands may contain soy.
- Added Sugars: This recipe does contain added sugars from the maple syrup. If you are watching your sugar intake, you may want to experiment with reducing the amount of maple syrup, although this could affect the texture and taste of the pie.
It’s always important to read ingredient labels carefully and make adjustments as needed to suit your specific dietary needs and preferences. If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before making or consuming this recipe.
History of The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie
The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie, while a delightful twist on a classic, draws its history from the rich culinary traditions of sweet potato pie in the American South. Sweet potato pie itself has roots in African American cuisine, evolving from dishes brought to the Americas by enslaved people.
While the traditional sweet potato pie uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, the purple variety, often called “Ube” (though that term more accurately refers to a different, though related, yam), adds a vibrant and visually stunning element. The use of purple sweet potatoes in desserts has become increasingly popular, particularly as people seek out unique and visually appealing dishes.
The vegan adaptation of this pie is a more recent development, reflecting the growing interest in plant-based diets and the creative ways chefs and home cooks are reimagining traditional recipes. Therefore, The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie represents a fusion of culinary history, incorporating both the classic comfort of sweet potato pie with the modern appeal of vibrant color and vegan adaptations.
Final Thoughts
The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie offers a delightful and visually stunning alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day desserts. Its vibrant color, rich flavor, and creamy texture make it a truly memorable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and offers variations to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
From the classic recipe to the vegan adaptation, there’s a version of this pie that’s perfect for everyone. This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the usual chocolates and flowers and surprise your loved ones with a dessert that’s as unique and special as they are. The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie is sure to become a new favorite and a cherished part of your Valentine’s Day traditions for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a little love!
