Silky sweet potato pie spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a flaky crust is a cherished Southern family dessert. This holiday classic is a soulful alternative to pumpkin pie with deeper, richer flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, then bake them on a lined sheet for 55–65 minutes until very tender.
Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, then peel and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth and lump-free.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until the filling is silky and evenly blended.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, using a spatula to smooth the surface. Tap the pie plate gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Bake the pie for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.