Save to Pinterest This Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie is the unexpected showstopper you will want to add to your holiday table. Silky roasted sweet potatoes are blended with creamy white miso for a subtle, savory undertone that sets this pie apart from the classic. The result is a dessert that feels both familiar and wonderfully fresh, baked in your favorite crust and dressed up with fluffy whipped cream and pecans if you wish.
I was looking for something new to serve on Thanksgiving and stumbled on the idea of miso in pie. One bite and my family was hooked now this is our most requested holiday dessert.
Ingredients
- Pie crust: choose a good quality or homemade nine inch crust for best texture and flavor good gluten free options work too
- Roasted sweet potatoes: look for large firm sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh for natural sweetness and moisture
- Light brown sugar: brings out the earthy flavor in sweet potatoes and gives the pie a warm caramel note use fresh soft sugar for easy blending
- Unsalted butter: gives richness and a smooth texture opt for high quality higher butterfat European style if you can find it
- Whole milk: adds creamy body to the filling whole milk yields the best results but half and half can be swapped in a pinch
- Large eggs: help set the custard filling fresh eggs from pasture raised chickens give the brightest flavor
- White miso paste: is the secret ingredient its mild salty sweetness draws out the sweet potatoes complexity avoid darker misos which can taste too strong
- Pure vanilla extract: rounds out the sweetness a good pure extract really shines here
- Ground cinnamon ginger nutmeg: these classic warm spices give the filling depth use freshly ground if possible for maximum fragrance
- Fine sea salt: sharpens all the flavors a little goes a long way
- Heavy cream: for the optional topping when whipped with a little sugar it makes every slice feel festive
- Powdered sugar: adds a delicate sweetness to the whipped cream
- Toasted pecans: for garnish choose pecans that are fresh and toasted lightly to maximize crunch and flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and roast at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about forty five to fifty minutes until completely tender when pierced. Let cool enough to handle then peel and mash in a bowl until velvety smooth. Reduce oven temperature to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for the pie.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes brown sugar melted butter milk eggs miso paste vanilla cinnamon ginger nutmeg and salt. Take your time to blend until creamy and uniform with no streaks of egg or unmixed miso.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Fit the unbaked pie crust into your nine inch pie dish. Gently transfer the sweet potato mixture into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Pie:
- Slide the filled pie into the oven and bake for forty to forty five minutes checking for doneness at the center which should be just set and slightly wobbly. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Chill:
- Remove the pie to a wire rack and cool at room temperature to set the custard. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for easiest slicing.
- Whip the Cream with Topping:
- To make the optional topping beat heavy cream powdered sugar and vanilla in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Dollop or pipe onto pie slices just before serving and sprinkle with toasted pecans if desired.
Save to Pinterest I love using sweet potatoes from our local farm because their flavor is unmatched and every year my youngest insists on licking the bowl after we whip the cream This pie always sparks conversation and disappears fast
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days The flavors deepen over time making that last piece even better Reheat slices briefly in a low oven for a fresh baked taste or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap whole milk for coconut milk or evaporated milk for a dairy free or extra rich texture If you do not have light brown sugar try maple syrup for a different depth Just use only white miso paste since red or yellow miso can overpower the sweet flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature for best texture Try pairing with a dusting of cinnamon on the whipped cream A drizzle of maple syrup or a touch of flaky salt on top makes the pie feel bakery special
Cultural and Historical Context
While sweet potato pie is a cherished Southern tradition this twist adds Japanese flair with the gentle umami of miso It is a beautiful way to connect old and new on your Thanksgiving table a dessert that celebrates both comfort and creativity
Seasonal Adaptations
Make it in fall when sweet potatoes are at their peak Add a splash of orange or lemon zest for brightness in spring Dust with nutmeg or cinnamon in winter for extra warmth
Success Stories
When I first brought this pie to Friendsgiving I was nervous about the miso Everyone went back for seconds and the bowl I served the whipped cream in turned up empty I now get requests for the recipe every Thanksgiving and trust me it is the one pie that always runs out first
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze the whole baked pie Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to one month Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh it briefly in the oven or serve cold The creamy texture holds up beautifully
Save to Pinterest This miso sweet potato pie brings cozy comfort and just enough surprise to make everyone ask for another slice Bake ahead and enjoy an easy fuss free Thanksgiving dessert.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What does white miso add to this pie?
White miso lends a gentle, savory umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes, enhancing the overall depth of taste.
- → Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought pie crusts work. For gluten-free, opt for a certified gluten-free version.
- → Is it possible to make this dessert ahead?
Absolutely. Bake and refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture, making serving easier on busy holiday days.
- → Can I substitute dark miso for white miso?
It's not recommended, as darker miso is much stronger and may overpower the subtle sweetness and balance of the pie.
- → How should leftover pie be stored?
Store leftover slices tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, enjoying within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.
- → What beverages pair well with this dessert?
A sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a spiced chai tea can beautifully complement the pie’s flavors.