At first glance, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie may seem very similar. They are both classic fall desserts made from orange-colored squash. However, there are some notable differences in ingredients and taste that distinguish pumpkin pie from sweet potato pie.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie are:
Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin purée
- Evaporated milk or heavy cream
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
- Pie crust
Sweet Potato Pie
- Cooked sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Evaporated milk
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla
- Pie crust
So while pumpkin and sweet potato pies share some ingredients like eggs, milk, spices, and pie crust, the main ingredient differs between the two.
Flavor Differences
The different main ingredients also lead to some flavor differences between pumpkin and sweet potato pie:
Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin has a mellower, squash-like flavor
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg are more pronounced
- More custard-like texture from eggs and evaporated milk
- Slightly less sweet
Sweet Potato Pie
- Sweet potatoes have a richer, sweeter flavor
- Higher brown sugar content makes it sweeter
- Flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg complement but don’t overpower the sweet potato flavor
- Denser, more velvety texture
So in summary, pumpkin pie will taste lighter, a bit more spiced, and less sweet, while sweet potato pie has a more pronounced sweet potato flavor and richer sweetness.
Appearance
There are also some visible differences between pumpkin and sweet potato pie:
| Characteristic | Pumpkin Pie | Sweet Potato Pie |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Bright orange | Darker orange |
| Surface | Smooth and firm | Cracked and loose |
| Consistency | Thick and silky | Dense and soft |
Pumpkin pie tends to be brighter orange, while sweet potato pie is a deeper, darker orange. Sweet potato pie also usually develops more cracks and has a softer, looser texture.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some common ways pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie are enjoyed:
Pumpkin Pie
- Topped with whipped cream
- Dusted with cinnamon or nutmeg
- Served plain in thin slices
- Served warm with vanilla ice cream
Sweet Potato Pie
- Topped with toasted marshmallows or pecan streusel
- Dusted with powdered sugar
- Served in thick wedges
- Paired with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream
Pumpkin pie is often dressed up minimally with just a dusting of spice or whipped cream. Sweet potato pie can handle heavier toppings like streusel or sweetened cream.
Conclusion
While pumpkin and sweet potato pie have some similarities, their distinct main ingredients, spices, sweetness, and textures make them noticeably different desserts. Pumpkin pie has a cooler spiced flavor profile while sweet potato pie is richer, sweeter, and denser. Some people may have a preference for one over the other. But both are delicious fall desserts that can be enjoyed in their own right!