Unveiling the secret to grandma’s sweet potato pie with orange zest

Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of our exquisite sweet potato pie recipe with orange zest. This beloved Southern classic takes on a vibrant new dimension with the addition of freshly grated orange zest, creating a tantalizing harmony of flavors that will enchant your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Making the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter cubes and use your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
2. Add enough water to cover the sweet potatoes by 1 inch.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth.

Combining the Ingredients:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the edges.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, milk, heavy cream, eggs, egg yolks, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

Baking the Pie:

1. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
2. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Toppings and Variations:

• Serve the pie with whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• For a sweeter pie, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the filling.
• For a spicier pie, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
• Top the pie with a pecan crumble or a streusel topping for added texture.

Tips for Success:

• Use freshly grated orange zest for the most intense flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this will make the crust tough.
• Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork before baking to prevent bubbles from forming.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set properly.

A Culinary Delight for All Occasions

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, this sweet potato pie recipe with orange zest is sure to delight. Its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the zesty burst of orange zest, will leave you craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

• Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but the flavor will be slightly less intense.

2. What can I substitute for milk?

• You can substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

3. Can I freeze the pie?

• Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.