Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie

Featured in: Sweet Bites

Enjoy a luscious dessert that blends roasted sweet potatoes with delicate white miso for an unexpected depth of flavor. The filling combines creamy potatoes, spices, and a touch of umami, accented by brown sugar and vanilla. Wrapped in a crisp pie crust and crowned with whipped cream or pecans, it's a perfect finale for holiday gatherings. This dish balances sweet and savory notes, suitable for vegetarians and easily adaptable for gluten-free diets. Prepare ahead to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best texture and taste.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:29:00 GMT
Creamy Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie topped with whipped cream and pecans.  Pin
Creamy Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie topped with whipped cream and pecans. | grillandbites.com

A unique twist on the classic sweet potato pie, featuring creamy roasted sweet potatoes blended with white miso for a subtle umami note, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for a memorable holiday dessert.

I first made this pie for Thanksgiving when I wanted something that would surprise my family but still deliver familiar warmth. The hint of miso was just enough to spark curiosity without overpowering the beloved sweetness of sweet potatoes.

Ingredients

  • Pie Crust: 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • Sweet Potato Filling: 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes), 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Optional Topping: 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, toasted pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

Roast Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45 until tender. Let cool, peel, and mash until smooth. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, miso paste, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until fully blended and smooth.
Fill Pie Crust:
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 or until the center is just set and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool:
Cool on a wire rack to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Prepare Topping (Optional):
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Serve each slice with whipped cream and garnish with toasted pecans if desired.
Slice of Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie showcasing its rich, spiced filling.  Pin
Slice of Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie showcasing its rich, spiced filling. | grillandbites.com

The first time I sliced into this pie, my grandmother was skeptical, but one bite turned her into a fan. Now, it's a must-make for our family holidays, with everyone requesting that signature hint of umami.

Required Tools

9-inch pie dish, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional for whipped cream), baking sheet, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (if using standard pie crust), and soy (from miso paste). Always check miso and pie crust labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 47 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein

Golden-brown Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie on a rustic wooden table setting. Pin
Golden-brown Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie on a rustic wooden table setting. | grillandbites.com

For a show-stopping finish, dust the whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon. Serve cold for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQ

What does miso add to this dessert?

White miso delivers a gentle umami flavor and savory complexity that enhances the sweetness of the potatoes and spices.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, both homemade and store-bought crusts work well. For gluten-free needs, choose an appropriate gluten-free crust.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate the dish overnight to deepen flavors and ensure easy serving during busy occasions.

What toppings pair best?

Whipped cream and toasted pecans create subtle sweetness and crunch, complementing the creamy filling wonderfully.

Are there any allergen considerations?

This dish contains eggs, dairy, wheat (unless using GF crust), and soy. Always check labels if buying pre-made ingredients.

How can I tell when it is finished baking?

Bake until the center sets and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean, then allow it to cool and chill before serving.

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Miso Pie

Roasted sweet potatoes and miso offer a savory, creamy flavor in a festive dessert wrapped in flaky pastry.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
60 min
Overall duration
85 min


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

Pie Crust

01 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought

Sweet Potato Filling

01 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
02 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 1/2 cup whole milk
05 2 large eggs
06 2 tablespoons white miso paste
07 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
10 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Optional Topping

01 1 cup heavy cream
02 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 Toasted pecans, for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick sweet potatoes with a fork, arrange on a baking sheet, and roast for 45 to 50 minutes or until easily pierced and tender. Allow to cool before peeling and mashing until smooth. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Phase 02

Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, light brown sugar, melted butter, whole milk, eggs, white miso paste, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until fully incorporated and smooth.

Phase 03

Fill Crust: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared 9-inch pie crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Phase 04

Bake Pie: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is just set and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

Phase 05

Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and cool the pie in its dish on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Phase 06

Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Serve pie slices with whipped cream and garnish with toasted pecans as desired.

Tools needed

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains eggs, dairy (milk, butter, cream), wheat (standard pie crust), and soy (miso paste).
  • Review ingredient labels for potential allergens when using store-bought miso or pie crust.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Protein: 5 g