Sweet Potato Pone Recipe blends mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices, molasses, and coconut for a custardy Southern dessert that’s naturally gluten-free.
Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, this old-fashioned bake serves 8 as a holiday side or treat with rich caramel notes.
Why This Recipe Works
Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and moisture for creamy texture. Coconut milk adds tropical creaminess without dairy. Cornmeal binds lightly for tender crumb. Warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon create nostalgic depth. Bakes evenly in water bath for pudding-like perfection.
Ingredients & Prep
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 4 large)
- 1 cup coconut milk or evaporated milk
- ½ cup molasses or brown sugar
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F; grease 9-inch square pan and place in larger baking dish.
- Beat mashed sweet potatoes, milk, molasses, cornmeal, butter, eggs, spices, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into prepared pan; add hot water to larger dish halfway up sides.
- Bake 60–70 minutes until set and golden. Cool 30 minutes before slicing.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Rum Raisin | ¼ cup raisins + 2 tbsp rum | Boozy fruit |
| Pecan Crunch | ½ cup chopped pecans | Nutty topping |
| Citrus Zest | Orange zest + juice | Bright tang |
| Ginger Spice | 1 tsp grated ginger | Warming kick |
Storage Tips
Refrigerate airtight up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently. Freeze up to 2 months.
FAQs
Too wet?
Drain cooked sweet potatoes well.
Grainy texture?
Blend mixture smoother before baking.
Dairy-free?
Use full coconut milk throughout.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Pone delivers Southern comfort in every custardy bite holiday table essential.
PrintSweet Potato Pone Recipe
A classic Southern sweet potato pone made with mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a custard-like texture. Less sweet than pie, dense, comforting, and perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes (about 2–3 medium)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornmeal
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large bowl, whisk mashed sweet potatoes until smooth.
- 3. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- 4. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour (or cornmeal).
- 5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- 6. Bake 45–55 minutes, until set in the center and lightly golden on top.
- 7. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Sweet potato pone is less sweet and denser than sweet potato pie.
- Serve warm with butter or whipped cream.
- Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: sweet potato pone, southern sweet potato recipe, sweet potato dessert

