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Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping Recipe

4.8 from 109 reviews

This Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping is a decadent twist on a classic dessert, combining creamy sweet potato filling infused with warm spices and bourbon, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. The pie is crowned with a cloud-like marshmallow meringue topping that adds lightness and a sweet finish, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust & Egg Wash

  • 1 unbaked Flaky Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk or heavy cream (egg wash)

Sweet Potato Filling

  • 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes (2 medium/large)
  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, super soft
  • 2/3 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar (dark recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon
  • 1 large egg + 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 Tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Marshmallow Meringue Topping

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pie Dough: Make pie dough the night before and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure it is firm enough for rolling.
  2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, and boil on stovetop for 45-50 minutes until very soft, then drain and cool.
  3. Roll Out Pie Crust: On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough to a 12-inch circle. Place into a 9-inch pie dish, fold excess dough over edges to create a thick rim, and crimp as desired. Brush crust edges with egg wash and chill for at least 15 minutes to prevent shrinking.
  4. Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
  5. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel cooked potatoes under cold running water. Slice into chunks and blend or beat with mixer until smooth.
  6. Make Filling: Add butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, bourbon, eggs, flour, vanilla, spices, and salt to the mashed potatoes, then blend or beat at high speed until filling is smooth and well combined. Pour filling into prepared pie crust.
  7. Bake Pie: Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Shield crust edges with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Cool Pie: Remove pie from oven and cool on wire rack completely or at least 2 hours to allow filling to set.
  9. Make Marshmallow Meringue: Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk continuously until sugar dissolves and temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from heat, add vanilla, then beat with mixer on high for 5 minutes until stiff glossy peaks form.
  10. Top Pie: Spread marshmallow meringue evenly over cooled pie. Serve immediately or store uncovered at room temperature or refrigerated up to 8 hours before serving. Optionally, toast meringue with kitchen torch or broil briefly in oven before serving.
  11. Storage: Cover and store leftover pie at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Make pie dough ahead to give it time to chill for best results.
  • Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • Butter should be very soft but not melted for easier blending into filling.
  • The bourbon adds depth but can be omitted or substituted with vanilla extract if preferred.
  • Protect pie crust edges during baking with a pie shield or foil to prevent overbrowning.
  • Marshmallow meringue can be toasted using a kitchen torch or under the broiler—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Pie filling will sink slightly as it cools; this is normal.
  • Store pie uncovered for a short time before serving to maintain marshmallow topping texture.

Keywords: sweet potato pie, bourbon pie, marshmallow topping, holiday dessert, Thanksgiving pie, sweet potato dessert