I have been making fried sweet potato pie recipe for years, and they never fail to bring joy to any celebration—especially birthdays.
There’s something special about the crispy, golden crust encasing a warm, spiced sweet potato filling.
It reminds me of the homemade treats my grandmother used to make, and now, I love sharing this tradition with family and friends.
These handheld pie are perfect for birthday parties because they’re easy to eat, deliciously indulgent, and packed with comforting flavors.
Whether you serve them dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a sweet glaze, they always disappear fast.
Let me walk you through my tried-and-true recipe so you can make your own birthday-worthy batch!
Why you will love this recipe?
You’ll love this fried sweet potato pie recipe because it’s the perfect balance of crispy, golden pastry and rich, spiced sweet potato filling.
Every bite is packed with warm, comforting flavors that remind me of homemade desserts from childhood.
The best part? These pies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy—no forks or plates needed, making them perfect for birthdays and gatherings.
You can also customize them with different spices, toppings, or even bake them for a lighter option.
Whether you love traditional Southern sweets or just want a unique treat, these pies will win you over with their flavor, texture, and nostalgic charm!
How To Prepare Fried Sweet Potato Pie Recipe?
Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including chilling)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American
Yield: 25 pies
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter or round template (approximately 5 inches in diameter)
- Deep-fat fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 4½ cups self-rising flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup 2% milk
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pastry Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and granulated sugar.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, tossing with a fork until a dough ball forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for several hours to chill.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten egg, milk, melted butter, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract.
- Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Pies
- Divide the chilled dough into 25 equal portions.
- On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 5-inch circle.
- Spoon approximately 1½ tablespoons of the sweet potato filling onto one half of each dough circle.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold the other half over the filling to create a semicircle, and press the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Fry the Pies
- In a deep-fat fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the pies in batches, cooking each for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pies from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
5. Serve
- If desired, dust the warm pies with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 287
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 294mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugars: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Serving Suggestions
- With a Dusting of Confectioners’ Sugar: A light sprinkle adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
- Drizzled with Maple Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with maple extract and a few drops of hot water to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the pies and sprinkle with crushed candied pecans for added crunch.
- Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
Tips and Variations
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, you can bake the pies. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with an egg wash, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.
- Alternative Fillings: Experiment with other fillings like spiced apples or peaches for a different twist.
Health Benefits
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They provide antioxidants
Conclusion
Fried sweet potato pie have been a birthday favorite in my kitchen for years, and once you try them, you’ll see why.
The crispy, golden crust combined with the sweet, spiced filling creates a dessert that feels nostalgic and indulgent all at once.
Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, they bring warmth and joy with every bite.
I love how versatile they are—you can tweak the flavors, bake them instead of frying, or even drizzle them with a glaze for extra sweetness.
Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple for your celebrations. Enjoy and happy cooking!