Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Tired of desserts that fall short on soul and flavor? Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is a Southern tradition that goes beyond just dessert it’s history, love, and comfort baked into a flaky crust.

At dishfoody.com, I celebrate recipes that tell stories, and this one embodies generations of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and holiday feasts across the South.

This sweet potato pie isn’t just delicious it’s smooth, spiced, and creamy with that unmistakable hint of nutmeg and cinnamon that makes the whole kitchen smell like warmth and home.

Why This Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Works

• Rooted in African-American culinary traditions it’s more than dessert, it’s heritage.
• A perfect balance of creamy texture and aromatic spice.
• Affordable and simple ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor or authenticity.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Best Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe

Look for vibrant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes or yams they’re sweeter, smoother, and richer in flavor. Beauregard and Garnet varieties work beautifully.

Buying Tips

Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes without cracks or bruises. Store them in a cool, dry spot (not the fridge) for the best natural sweetness.

Substitutions

Can’t find sweet potatoes? Try canned sweet potato purée in a pinch just ensure it’s pure sweet potato with no added syrup. For lactose-free diets, swap evaporated milk for coconut or almond milk.

Ingredients & Prep for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Prep Essentials

You’ll need:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (around 1½ lbs)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup evaporated milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• Optional topping: whipped cream or marshmallow fluff

Base Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and prick them with a fork. Bake on a lined sheet for 45–50 minutes until soft. Let cool, then peel and mash until smooth. Reduce the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mixing the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with butter. Beat until smooth, then mix in both sugars, eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and spices. Continue mixing until silky and uniform the filling should have a custard-like smoothness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Pre-Baking Prep for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Prepare your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pan, crimping the edges for that classic Southern look. If using frozen crust, thaw it fully and pre-bake for 5 minutes to prevent sogginess.

Cooking Method for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The center should be set but slightly jiggly it will firm up as it cools.

Doneness Check for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Don’t overbake! Look for slight puffing around the edges and a smooth, custardy center. Overbaking leads to cracks and a dry texture.

Resting for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to fully set, creating that signature silky texture. Chill overnight for even better flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Avoiding Stringy Pie Texture

Blend your filling with a hand mixer or food processor to remove stringy bits common in sweet potatoes. For extra smoothness, press the mash through a fine sieve before mixing.

Tool Recommendations

Use a glass or ceramic pie dish for even heat distribution and a golden bottom crust. A stand mixer ensures the filling stays creamy and lump-free.

Storage & Reheating

Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes never microwave, as it can ruin the crust.

Flavor Variations for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Spicy Twist

Add cayenne pepper or a pinch of blackstrap molasses for a subtle kick that complements the sweetness.

Keto/Paleo

Replace sugar with allulose and sweeten naturally using dates. Use almond flour crust for a low-carb base.

Global Flavors

Give your pie a Caribbean flair with coconut milk and a touch of rum extract (or vanilla extract if alcohol-free). Or go French-inspired with a creamy mascarpone swirl.

Serving Suggestions for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream, toasted pecans, or marshmallow fluff on top. This pie pairs beautifully with sweet tea or brewed coffee. For holiday tables, surround with mini meringues, cinnamon dust, or a drizzle of caramel for that extra Southern heritage touch.

FAQs for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes—make sure they’re pure sweet potatoes without added syrup or flavorings.

Why is my pie filling runny?
It likely needs more baking time, or the potatoes were too watery. Bake until the edges puff but the center still shakes slightly.

Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap once cooled, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie isn’t just food it’s family, it’s celebration, and it’s history baked into every bite. Creamy, spiced, and soulful, it remains the ultimate comfort dessert for holidays, gatherings, and quiet nights at home. Join the dishfoody.com community for more Southern classics and nostalgic desserts that honor tradition and inspire generations. Next, dive into our French Apple Invisible Cake for another slice of sweet, layered perfection!

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Print Recipe

A rich and creamy Black folks’ sweet potato pie made with roasted sweet potatoes, warm spices, butter, and vanilla a true taste of Southern tradition and soul food comfort.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Yield: 1 9-inch pie (8 servings) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and roast for 45–55 minutes until tender.
• 2. Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, then peel and mash until smooth.
• 3. In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter.
• 4. Add sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
• 5. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and smooth the top.
• 6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.
• 7. Let cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or topped with whipped cream.

Notes

• For the smoothest texture, blend the filling in a food processor.
• Add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for a flavor twist.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days it tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie, Southern sweet potato pie, soul food dessert