Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

I just pulled this Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from the oven, and my kitchen smells absolutely divine!

This dessert is the perfect marriage of two classics, creating something truly special. I was amazed at how the earthy sweetness of the sweet potato blends with the rich, chocolatey notes of red velvet cake.

The cream cheese swirl on top adds the perfect tangy finish. I can’t wait to slice into this beautiful pie; it’s a showstopper that was surprisingly simple to bring together.

Ingredients

Here is the full list of ingredients you’ll need to create this stunning dessert.

• 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust: For convenience, a store-bought crust works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe.
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes: Use freshly baked or boiled sweet potatoes for the best flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Canned puree works in a pinch but might have a different consistency.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This provides the main sweetness for the pie filling.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.
• 2 large eggs: These act as a binder, giving the pie structure and a rich, custardy feel.
• ¼ cup buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk adds a subtle tang and contributes to a tender, moist crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A good quality vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the pie.
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the signature chocolate undertone of red velvet.
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring: Gel food coloring is recommended for a vibrant red hue without thinning the batter.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice beautifully complements the sweet potato.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and making the flavors pop.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese swirl.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for swirl): To sweeten the cream cheese layer.
• 1 egg (for swirl): This helps the swirl set properly during baking.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for swirl): Adds a touch of extra flavor to the cream cheese topping.

Note: This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, which serves about 8 people.

Variations

While this pie is delicious as is, you can easily adapt it to your taste.

• Pecan Crunch Topping: Add a delightful texture by sprinkling a cup of chopped pecans over the pie filling before baking. You can also toss them with a little brown sugar and melted butter first.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For the ultimate chocolate lover, let the pie cool completely and then drizzle it with a rich, melted dark chocolate ganache.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the warm spice notes by adding a pinch of nutmeg and allspice to the sweet potato filling along with the cinnamon.
• Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin with pie crust rounds to create individual, party-perfect mini pies. Just be sure to reduce the baking time accordingly.
• No Swirl: If you prefer, you can skip the cream cheese swirl for a more traditional sweet potato pie feel with a red velvet twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you can expect to spend making this pie.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling time)

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to create this impressive dessert.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the sweet potato pie filling ingredients.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: To prepare the cream cheese swirl mixture separately.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps to get the pie filling and cream cheese swirl perfectly smooth.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping the sides of the bowls to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
• Pie Dish: A standard 9-inch pie dish is needed for baking.

How to Make Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie Recipe?

Creating this beautiful and delicious pie is easier than it looks. The process involves making two simple mixtures and swirling them together before baking. The result is a stunning marbled dessert that tastes even better than it looks. A little preparation goes a long way, so start by preheating your oven and having all your ingredients measured and ready to go.

Prepare the Pie Filling

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup of granulated sugar, melted butter, 2 large eggs, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, red food coloring, cinnamon, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the sweet potato batter and mix until the color is uniform and there are no streaks.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate medium-sized bowl, it’s time to make the tangy topping. Add the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together with your mixer or a whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This will ensure your marbled swirl is silky and delicious.

Assemble and Bake the Pie

Pour the red velvet sweet potato filling into your unbaked pie crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the red velvet filling. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the red velvet layer, creating a beautiful marbled pattern. Don’t overmix! Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through my own trial and error, I’ve gathered a few tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

• I can’t stress this enough: let the cream cheese soften to room temperature. The first time I made this, I was impatient, and my swirl was a bit lumpy. A smooth swirl makes for a much better texture.
• When swirling the cream cheese into the filling, less is more. I found that just a few gentle figure-eight motions with a butter knife create a much prettier marbled effect than vigorous stirring.
• Make sure you let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Slicing into a warm pie can be messy, as the filling needs time to fully set. Patience is key for those clean, beautiful slices!
• For the best flavor, I recommend using freshly baked sweet potatoes. I simply pierce them with a fork, bake them at 400°F for about an hour until tender, and then let them cool before mashing the flesh. The flavor is so much richer than canned.

How to Serve Red Velvet Sweet Potato Pie?

This pie is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple touches can elevate its presentation. Serve slices chilled or at room temperature. A generous dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing that beautifully complements the pie’s rich flavors. For a final flourish, you can garnish each slice with a light dusting of cocoa powder or some chocolate shavings.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice of the pie.

• Calories: ~350-450 kcal
• Protein: ~6-8g
• Carbohydrates: ~40-50g
• Fat: ~18-25g

Make Ahead and Storage

This pie is a fantastic dessert to prepare in advance, making it perfect for holidays and special occasions.

The pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and may even taste better the next day.

Yes, you can freeze this pie. Let it cool completely, then wrap it securely in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

This pie is best served chilled or at room temperature. There is no need to reheat it. If it has been frozen, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before slicing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this unique and festive dessert.

• The Perfect Hybrid: It combines the comforting, classic flavor of sweet potato pie with the decadent, tangy taste of red velvet cake. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
• Visually Stunning: The beautiful red filling with the white cream cheese swirl makes for an impressive presentation that will wow your guests before they even take a bite.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet appearance, the recipe uses straightforward steps and a pre-made crust option, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Great for Holidays: This pie is a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special occasion dessert table, offering a unique twist on traditional favorites.