I absolutely love this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe because it captures all the cozy flavors of the traditional Southern dessert but in a plant-based way that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply want a delicious fall treat, this pie comes out rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced every single time. I’ve made it for holidays and casual dinners, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
When I first tried veganizing sweet potato pie, I used coconut milk and vegan butter, and that’s the trick that made all the difference. You’ll find that these ingredients give the filling a luscious texture that’s just as satisfying as the classic version. Plus, this recipe is forgiving, so you’ll have a great shot at baking a beautiful pie—even if pie baking isn’t your usual thing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to full-fat coconut milk and vegan butter, the pie feels indulgent without any dairy.
- Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and cloves brings that warm holiday vibe in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and a forgiving recipe mean you’ll feel confident baking this pie, even if you’re a beginner.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe fits beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe plays a key role to create that luscious filling and sturdy crust base. I recommend using full-fat coconut milk and fresh spices for the fullest flavor and best texture.
- Vegan Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade; just make sure it’s chilled before use to prevent shrinking.
- Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best sweetness and texture when boiled and mashed.
- Full Fat Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and natural richness—don’t substitute with light coconut milk or the texture won’t be as smooth.
- Unsalted Vegan Butter: I like using it for that buttery flavor and silky texture.
- Brown Sugar: Gives that warm caramel note that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Vanilla Extract: Brightens the flavor, giving a subtle sweet aroma.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice for sweet potato desserts.
- Pumpkin Spice: Adds a cozy fall flavor with hints of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Ground Ginger: Just a bit adds a gentle warmth and zing.
- Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the earthiness of the sweet potato.
- Ground Cloves: A small pinch goes a long way to deepen the spice profile.
- Salt: Helps balance the sweetness and bring all flavors together.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to a smooth filling that sets nicely; it helps thicken without a heavy feel.
Variations
I like to mix things up occasionally, and you can easily personalize this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe depending on what you have or prefer. It’s a forgiving pie that takes substitutions well.
- Use Maple Syrup Instead of Brown Sugar: I swapped the brown sugar once for a natural sweetness and got a lovely, slightly different flavor that my family loved.
- Add Toasted Pecans on Top: For crunch and texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans before baking or after cooling; it adds a great nutty contrast.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free vegan pie crust to keep this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive guests without losing the classic pie experience.
- Use a Different Plant Milk: While coconut milk is best for creaminess, oat or almond milk can be used if you’re avoiding coconut—but the texture will be lighter.
How to Make Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes into even pieces. Then, place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This step is important because perfectly cooked sweet potatoes mash into a creamy, silky filling without lumps.
Step 2: Mash and Flavor the Filling
Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl. Once they’re cool enough to handle, mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Then, add in the full-fat coconut milk, vegan butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and all the spices. Mix everything thoroughly for about 2 minutes to combine. This ensures every bite bursts with those loving holiday spices that make this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe so comforting.
Step 3: Add the Thickener and Fill the Crust
Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the mashed sweet potato mixture, along with the salt. Stir well so the cornstarch blends smoothly—this is what helps the filling set without cracking. Pour your filling slowly into the prepared vegan pie crust, smoothing the top gently with a spatula to an even layer.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’re aiming for the filling to be mostly set but with a slight jiggle in the center—this is how you know it’s perfectly creamy inside. Avoid overbaking, which could dry the filling out. Once out, let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing; this wait makes serving easier and lets the flavors settle beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: I learned that using light coconut milk results in a runny filling, so stick to full-fat for the right creaminess.
- Don’t Skip Mashing Smoothly: Little lumps can ruin the texture, so take your time to get a silky smooth mash before mixing in other ingredients.
- Watch the Baking Time Closely: Bake just until the center jiggles slightly—not fully firm—to keep that perfect custard-like texture.
- Let the Pie Cool Completely: I used to rush cutting it too soon, and it crumbled; waiting 2 hours makes slicing clean and neat.
How to Serve Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I typically keep garnishes simple—just a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream adds that perfect light sweetness and creaminess without overpowering. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top for color and crunch, which makes the pie look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a simple scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. For holidays, I like setting it alongside other vegan desserts or a tray of fresh fruit for a light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this pie mini-sized in individual ramekins topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. It makes for a stunning presentation and allows guests to enjoy their own perfectly portioned dessert. You can also drizzle melted vegan chocolate over slices for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, I wrap leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It stays moist and flavorful—you’ll find that the flavors even deepen after a day or two. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen this pie by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm in the oven to revive that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To reheat, I set the oven to 325°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes, lightly covered with foil to prevent drying. This keeps the filling creamy and the crust flaky—reheating in the microwave tends to alter the texture, so I usually avoid that.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t rely on nuts at all, so it’s naturally nut-free. Just make sure your vegan pie crust is also nut-free if you’re buying it pre-made.
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What’s the best way to store the pie if I’m not eating it right away?
After cooling completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually improve overnight.
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Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
I don’t recommend using canned sweet potatoes because they are usually packed in syrup or water and can make the filling too wet or overly sweet. Fresh boiled sweet potatoes give you the best texture and flavor.
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Is it okay to substitute the vegan butter with coconut oil?
You can substitute with refined coconut oil, but I find vegan butter adds a more buttery flavor and richness that really enhances the pie. If you use coconut oil, try to use refined to avoid a strong coconut taste.
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How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The pie should be baked until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake or the filling may become dry.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines nostalgic, comforting flavors with plant-based goodness that anyone can enjoy. I hope you give it a try and find it as rewarding as I do—baking it is like wrapping yourself in a warm autumn hug. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular on your celebration table and a beloved classic for your friends and family.
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
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious dairy-free and egg-free twist on the traditional Southern favorite. Made with a flaky vegan pie crust and a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling, this pie is perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy occasion. The use of coconut milk and vegan butter delivers rich flavor and texture, while the blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice adds a comforting depth that everyone will love.
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 shrinking 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, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while preparing the filling.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Add coconut milk, vegan butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and cornstarch to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything together for about 2 minutes until the filling is fully combined and smooth.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the sweet potato filling evenly into the chilled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly when done, indicating the perfect creamy texture.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely for about 2 hours. This helps the filling to set properly for clean slices.
Notes
- This vegan sweet potato pie delivers rich and creamy texture without any dairy or eggs, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
- You can use a gluten-free vegan pie crust to make this dessert gluten-free if desired.
- The spices can be adjusted based on personal preference to make the pie more or less spiced.
- Allowing the pie to cool fully before slicing ensures the best texture and presentation.
- Perfect addition to a holiday dessert table or a cozy fall treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- 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