When it comes to a Southern Sunday dinner or gathering, no event is complete without the appearance of a homemade pie (no store-bought imposters, please.) While you’ve probably enjoyed classic favorites like apple and pumpkin pies, have you ever experienced the delight of a down-south sweet potato pie? If not, you’re certainly missing out.

As the holidays approach and we prepare to enter our kitchens to create sweet treats for upcoming events, these pies are a testament to time-honored traditions. Families have cherished these recipes for generations, weaving together memories and stories of our roots that go far beyond words.

Ahead, we’re sharing a few Southern pie recipes that your family will love and request time and time again. These delectable desserts are sure to become new favorites at your gatherings.

Southern Key Lime Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons of melted butter
• 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

• Start by preheating the oven to 350°F.
• For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 7 minutes before cooling.
• Prepare the filling by whisking together condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
• Pour this mixture into the cooled crust and bake for 15-18 minutes, until tiny bubbles appear on the surface.
• Allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
• Just before serving, whip cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Finally, top the chilled pie with the freshly whipped cream and serve.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cut and mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Kool-Aid Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Kool-Aid powder (any flavor)
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container of whipped topping, thawed
• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust

Instructions:

• Start by thoroughly mixing Kool-Aid powder and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl.
• Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture achieves an even color.
• Once well combined, pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust.
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours or until it’s fully set.