If you’ve ever craved a cozy dessert that feels like a big warm hug, this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how this pie turns out—creamy, perfectly spiced, and naturally sweet without any dairy. Whether you’re vegan or just can’t resist a delicious slice of pie, you’ll find this recipe super simple to follow and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The coconut milk gives this pie a luscious, smooth filling without any dairy.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just wholesome staples.
- Delicious and Spiced Just Right: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring the perfect warmth to every bite.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this vegan take on a classic comfort dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun, and this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find items that create incredible depth of flavor. I always recommend using full-fat coconut milk for that silky texture, and fresh spices are well worth the tiny extra effort.
- Vegan Pie Crust: You can make your own or grab one from the store—just double-check to ensure it’s truly vegan.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! I prefer medium-sized for better cooking and peeling.
- Full Fat Coconut Milk: Essential for richness and creaminess—don’t swap for light coconut milk or you’ll lose that depth.
- Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor; you can reduce here if you want less sweet.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon wakes up the flavors beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon: The classic warm spice that brings coziness to every bite.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle zing that balances sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg: A little goes a long way, but it’s key for authentic pie personality.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors—don’t skip!
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling perfectly; arrowroot powder works if you prefer.
- Vegan Whipped Cream (optional): For topping, if you’re treating yourself extra.
Variations
I love that this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe gives you so much room to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. I often tweak it based on what I have in the pantry or the season—and every time, it still turns out amazing.
- Lower Sugar: When I want a less sweet treat, I cut the brown sugar to half a cup, and it’s still plenty flavorful.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Using a store-bought gluten-free crust or my Healthy Vegan Pie Crust version works great if you avoid gluten.
- Maple Syrup Twist: I haven’t tried swapping all sugar for maple syrup, but a drizzle on top before serving adds a lovely touch.
- Spice Play: Feel free to add a pinch of cloves or allspice if you want extra warmth in the mix.
How to Make Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by lining your pie pan with your vegan crust—no need to pre-bake it right now. I usually make my Easy Vegan Pie Crust, but store brands work beautifully for a quick shortcut. Once your crust is ready, pop it in the fridge while you focus on the filling. Keeping it cold helps keep the edges from shrinking as you bake.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes might feel a bit tedious, but trust me—it’s worth it. Boil them in just enough water to cover until fork-tender, usually about 12-15 minutes. This is a great moment to multitask—maybe tidy up your kitchen or pre-measure the other ingredients. When they’re soft, drain thoroughly to avoid watering down the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Filling Until Smooth
Throw those tender sweet potatoes into a bowl or a stand mixer. Beat them up nice and smooth, then add your brown sugar, coconut milk, vanilla, spices, salt, and cornstarch. I like to mix on high speed to get a silky texture that’s perfectly combined. Don’t rush this part—the filling should look creamy and luscious when ready.
Step 4: Fill and Bake the Pie
Pour the filling evenly into your chilled pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on the crust edges—if they start browning too quickly, just cover them with foil or a pie shield. A little jiggle in the center is perfect; it’ll set more as it cools. Resist the urge to overbake or your crust might get too hard and the filling will dry out.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once your pie comes out of the oven, let it cool on a rack for at least an hour before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but this wait lets the filling set up beautifully. Serve it with a generous dollop of vegan whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: It’s the secret to getting that creamy, rich filling—don’t substitute with light versions.
- Don’t Overcook Sweet Potatoes: Overcooked can mean too watery; make sure they’re fork-tender but still holding shape.
- Chill the Pie Crust: Refrigerating before baking helps prevent shrinking and keeps the edges crisp.
- Watch Crust Edges While Baking: Cover with foil if they brown too fast to avoid a burnt crust.
How to Serve Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping my Vegan Sweet Potato Pie with a cloud of vegan whipped cream—seriously, it’s like adding a fluffy finishing touch that makes every bite dreamy. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for that cozy aroma. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this pie for a holiday or family dinner, I like pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a warm cup of spiced apple cider. The sweetness of the pie balances beautifully with fresh or tart accompaniments. It’s also wonderful after a hearty vegan meal like lentil loaf or mushroom gravy potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the pie in individual ramekins or mini tart pans for personal portions—such a fun way to wow guests! Decorating the top with thin slices of roasted sweet potato or a dusting of cocoa powder makes for a stunning presentation. You could even add edible flowers for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, I store leftover pie tightly wrapped in the fridge—it keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. I recommend using plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
If I’m making this ahead for a party or just want to prep early, freezing works like a charm. I wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it well. When it’s time to serve, I thaw overnight in the fridge and the texture stays just as creamy as fresh.
Reheating
Reheating leftover slices gently in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes brings back that fresh-baked warmth without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy and the texture less appealing.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe without a pie crust?
Absolutely! While I do love the flaky crust, you can bake the filling in a casserole dish for a crustless version. Just adjust your baking time accordingly and consider a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or nuts on top for texture.
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Can I substitute the cornstarch with another thickener?
Yes! Arrowroot powder works beautifully as a one-to-one substitute and keeps the filling smooth. Tapioca starch could also work, but I haven’t tried it personally for this recipe.
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How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven—that’s perfect. It will firm up more as it cools, giving you that creamy but set filling everyone loves.
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Can I use canned sweet potatoes in this recipe?
Fresh sweet potatoes really give the best texture and flavor. Canned sweet potatoes can be more watery and may affect the pie’s consistency, so I recommend using fresh for best results.
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What’s the best vegan whipped cream to serve with this pie?
I love store-bought options like Reddi Whip Almond or SoDelicious CocoWhip for convenience, but if you want to get fancy, try making aquafaba-based whipped cream—it’s surprisingly simple and delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is one of those treasures I always come back to when I want comfort food that’s both satisfying and plant-based. I used to struggle with vegan pies that never quite had the right texture, but this one nailed it. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this pie as much as I do—whether it’s for an everyday treat or a special occasion, it never disappoints. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your dessert rotation!
PrintVegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious, plant-based twist on the traditional holiday favorite. Made with smooth, naturally sweet sweet potatoes and rich coconut milk, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and nestled in a flaky vegan pie crust, this pie is perfect for any occasion. It’s dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made gluten-free with the right crust choice. Serve it with vegan whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 Vegan Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 3/4 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot as substitute)
Optional Topping
- Vegan whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Line your pie pan with the vegan pie crust of your choice. You may use a store-bought crust, or prepare a homemade one, such as an easy vegan or gluten-free option. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling to help it set properly.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks, then place them in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Make the Filling: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat until smooth using a mixer. Add the coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Beat on high speed until the filling is completely smooth and well combined.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the sweet potato filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The filling should be mostly set but may jiggle slightly in the center. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for about an hour before slicing. Serve topped with vegan whipped cream if desired. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can use any vegan pie crust you prefer: homemade, store-bought, or gluten-free options work well. A cookie crust can also be used but verify that it contains no animal products.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet pie. Coconut sugar is a good alternative, but maple syrup is not recommended due to moisture content.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder for thickening if desired.
- For vegan whipped cream topping, try store-bought dairy-free whipped toppings like Reddi Whip Almond, Coconut Whip, or SoDelicious CocoWhip. Alternatively, homemade aquafaba-based vegan whipped cream is delicious.
- This pie can be made ahead and frozen; thaw to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg