What’s The Difference Between The Sweet Potato Pie And The Pumpkin Pie? (Facts)

Imagine it’s Thanksgiving Day, and you want to end it on a sweeter note. Well, the good news here is that you have practically tons of options for desserts that traditionally go with Thanksgiving. However, let me tell you that nothing can match the sweetness of pies that could make your special day even sweeter. 

When thinking of Thanksgiving pies, two pies that come first to your brain would be sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie. Though your loved ones’ debate over sweet potato pie and pumpkin is everlasting. In my opinion, it’s better to make both to avoid any conflict so that you may have double the fun and double the taste.

It’s worth mentioning that the enmity between the two pies is more regional rather than personal. 

The history of pumpkin pie dates back to the early 16th century. In the 18th century, it made its way to the Thanksgiving table and stayed there till date. Sweet potato pie has been around since colonial times. 

In this article, I’ll discuss which pie tastes better. Also, there’ll be some insights on which one is healthier. 

Let’s get into it…

Taste Difference Between Sweet Potato Pie And Pumpkin Pie

Both the pies have an orangish-brown color, but there’s a huge difference in their taste. 

Sweet potato pie, due to its natural sweet taste, is sweeter than the pumpkin pie. The taste of the pie has a lot to do with seasoning. It’ll inevitably taste similar to pumpkin pie if you roast sweet potatoes and use “pumpkin pie seasoning.” While pumpkin pie may leave a bitter aftertaste. 

In some cases, they’re quite similar in taste because their spices are the same. The most common spices that you can add to a pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie are;

• Clove
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon 

The ratio of spices may vary depending on the taste and recipe of the maker. In the case of ready-made pies, the taste will also vary depending on the brand making the pies. These rich custard pies are heavier than the simple custard made with milk.

Here’s a really sweet debate over pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie;

Why Do People Call Pumpkin Pie Sweet Potato Pie?

You probably have wondered why some people wrongly call pumpkin pie sweet potato pie, but let me clear that there are contrasting differences between them. People might get confused because these both are custard pies and use almost the same side ingredients except for the main one. In my opinion, you can easily tell them apart because:

• In the first place, they are both different; one is made with fruit and the other with a vegetable. 

• Secondly, they taste entirely different because of the base ingredient difference.

The popularity of sweet potato pies is more prevalent in the south. Despite the regional differences, they both have different tastes and textures. The creamier pumpkin pie is still at the top of many people’s lists. 

Sweet Potato Pie VS. Pumpkin Pie – Which One Is The Healthier Option?

If the pies are store-bought, they probably contain preservatives, making them less healthy. 

Sweet potatoes have more fiber than pumpkin, making them a healthier choice. 

Let’s have a look at the nutrients of both;

If you make a comparison based on nutrients and minerals, sweet potato is a winner. However, pumpkin, containing less sugar and carbs, is healthier for those with sugar sensitivity. If you want to keep your pies healthy, I’d recommend making them from good-quality pumpkin or sweet potato and using artificial sweeteners instead of refined white sugar.

How To Use Sweet Potato To Make A Pie – Baked Or Boiled

If you want to enhance the taste, I’d recommend baking the sweet potatoes. It’s not necessary that you like a pie with a baked sweet potato. Playing around and trying different ways will help you discover different and unique tastes you might like.

Containing a bunch of nutrients, boiling sweet potatoes will make them lose some of them. If you want to take maximum nutritional advantage of sweet potatoes, baking them would be a healthier option. 

Conclusion 

• Sweet potato and pumpkin pie are popular Thanksgiving desserts with regional preferences.

• Sweet potato pie is naturally preferred due to the taste of sweet potatoes. In contrast, pumpkin pie can sometimes have a bitter aftertaste.

• Both pies use similar spices, including cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

• People may confuse pumpkin and sweet potato pie, but they taste different. It is because of their base ingredients.

• Sweet potatoes have more fiber than pumpkins, making them healthier.

• Sweet potato and pumpkin nutritional profiles differ. Sweet potatoes have more calories, sodium, and sugar, while pumpkins have fewer carbs.

• Baking sweet potatoes can enhance their taste. It also preserves their nutrients compared to boiling.

• The choice between sweet potato and pumpkin pie ultimately depends on personal preference. It depends on the seasoning and ingredients you prefer.

More Reads

• White Cooking Wine vs. White Wine Vinegar (Comparison)
• Difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Murder
• Habibi And Habibti: A Language of Love In Arabic
• Possible and Plausible (Which One to Use?)