Can Sweet Potato Pie Filling Be Frozen

8 min read Oct 18, 2024

Sweet potato pie is a beloved Thanksgiving and holiday dessert, but it can be time-consuming to make from scratch. The good news is that you can save time and effort by freezing sweet potato pie filling. This allows you to prepare the filling in advance and simply thaw and bake it when you are ready to enjoy it. Whether you want to avoid last-minute baking stress or have a freezer full of sweet potatoes, freezing the filling offers convenience and flexibility. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of freezing sweet potato pie filling, including tips and tricks for ensuring the best results.

How to Freeze Sweet Potato Pie Filling

Preparing the Sweet Potato Filling

The first step to freezing sweet potato pie filling is to prepare the filling itself. While you can find pre-made pie filling at the grocery store, making your own filling allows for greater control over the ingredients and sweetness. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade sweet potato pie filling:

Ingredients:

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 20-30 minutes.
Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them thoroughly.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and the beaten eggs. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the mashed sweet potatoes.
Allow the filling to cool slightly before freezing.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie Filling

Once your filling is prepared and cooled, you can freeze it for later use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to freezing sweet potato pie filling:

Choose the Right Container: Select freezer-safe containers, such as airtight plastic containers or freezer-safe zip-top bags. If using bags, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Portion the Filling: Divide the filling into portions that suit your needs. For a standard 9-inch pie, a single 2-cup container is sufficient.
Label and Date: Clearly label each container with the type of filling and the date it was frozen.
Freeze Flat: If using containers, it's helpful to freeze the filling flat to save space in your freezer.
Freezing Time: Sweet potato pie filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Baking Frozen Sweet Potato Pie Filling

When you are ready to bake your pie, simply thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight. If you are pressed for time, you can thaw the filling in a cool area at room temperature, but this may take several hours.

Baking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Pour the thawed sweet potato pie filling into a pre-baked pie crust.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the pie cool completely before serving.

Tips and Tricks

Consistency: The consistency of the filling after thawing may be slightly thicker than when freshly made. You can adjust the thickness by adding a splash of milk or cream before baking.
Flavor: To enhance the flavor of the frozen filling, consider adding a pinch of additional spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, before baking.
Freezing Crust: You can also freeze the pie crust separately. To do this, simply bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before freezing. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy when thawed.