Sweet potato pie holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just dessert — it’s tradition, comfort, and a warm reminder of family gatherings, holiday tables, and moments spent in the kitchen with those who taught me the importance of cooking with love. This Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe is rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and smooth as silk. It’s not just a pie; it’s a slice of Southern heritage.
I love making this pie for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or anytime I’m craving something sweet that feels like home. And every time I serve it, I’m reminded that the simplest recipes, when made with care and passed down through generations, are always the most meaningful.
Why This Recipe Works
This sweet potato pie recipe has everything you’d expect from a true Southern classic:
- Roasted sweet potatoes: Natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of clove for that perfect balance.
- Sweet, creamy filling: The blend of evaporated milk and butter makes it smooth and luscious.
- Flaky pie crust: A tender base that complements the rich filling.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: Nothing fancy, just time-honored comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 1 pie | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Cooling Time: 1 hour)
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- A pinch of salt
Optional: Whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon for serving
How I Make Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie (Step-by-Step)
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F and roasting the sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives the filling a deeper, richer flavor. Once cool, I peel and mash them until smooth.
2. Lower the Oven Temperature
I reduce the oven heat to 350°F for baking the pie.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, I combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, and spices. I whisk everything together until the filling is silky and well-blended.
4. Prepare the Pie Crust
I place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges, and pour the filling in, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake
I bake the pie at 350°F for about 50–55 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The filling should jiggle slightly but not be loose.
6. Cool
I let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. The cooling time allows the filling to set and the flavors to deepen.
7. Serve
Just before serving, I add a dollop of whipped cream or dust a little extra cinnamon on top for that final touch.
My Favorite Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie
- Roast, don’t boil: Roasting concentrates the flavor and prevents excess moisture.
- Use evaporated milk: It adds creaminess without making the filling watery.
- Let it cool fully: The pie continues to set as it cools — patience is key.
- Taste the filling before baking: Adjust the spices if needed to make it your own.
- Store-bought crust is fine, but homemade is magical: A flaky, buttery crust really makes a difference.
What I Serve with Sweet Potato Pie
This pie is the star of the show, but here’s what I like to serve alongside it:
- Hot coffee or spiced chai tea
- Vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert
- Fresh berries to brighten up the plate
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for special occasions
- Holiday favorites like roasted turkey or glazed ham on the dinner table
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just cover and refrigerate overnight.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: You can, but fresh roasted sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or bring to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why This Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This pie is more than just dessert — it’s comfort, tradition, and Southern hospitality all rolled into one sweet, creamy slice. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, the richness of butter, and the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes make this a recipe I come back to year after year. Whether it’s a holiday or just a quiet moment of indulgence, this pie always brings people together.
I hope you’ll give it a try and make it part of your family’s tradition too.
The Rich, Creamy Sweet Potato Pie I Learned to Make from Southern Kitchens
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 4 teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pre-made pie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
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