Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie – A Southern Classic Recipe
Sweet potato pie is more than just a dessert – it’s a symbol of tradition, love, and heritage in African American culture. Known as Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie, this rich and creamy pie has been passed down through generations, often served during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings. Unlike pumpkin pie, which is also popular in the fall, sweet potato pie carries a deeper cultural meaning in the Black community, representing resilience, creativity, and the beauty of home cooking.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you step by step through making the perfect old-fashioned Southern sweet potato pie — with a flaky crust, velvety filling, and just the right balance of spices.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into chunks.
- Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook until fork-tender, about 20–25 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. For extra creaminess, you can use a hand mixer or food processor.
- Tip: Roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling brings out a deeper caramelized flavor. To roast, bake whole sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45–50 minutes, then peel and mash.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter.
- Add sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (optional), and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything until smooth. A hand mixer will give you a silky, lump-free texture.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out your pie crust (if homemade) or place a store-bought crust into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the pie to cool completely. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Top with homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even crushed pecans for a little crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
- Texture Matters – Mash the sweet potatoes until completely smooth for a silky filling.
- Don’t Skip the Spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that classic Southern flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Use room temperature eggs and butter for better blending.
- Let It Rest – Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing, so it sets properly.
- Make Ahead – Sweet potato pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain and mash them well.
2. How do I store sweet potato pie?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
3. Can sweet potato pie be frozen?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled pie tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
4. What makes this pie “Black folks’ style”?
It’s the seasoning, love, and heritage behind the recipe. Black families traditionally make sweet potato pie with warm spices, creamy filling, and plenty of soul.
5. Is sweet potato pie the same as pumpkin pie?
Not quite! Sweet potato pie has a naturally sweeter, richer taste, while pumpkin pie tends to be earthier and more spiced.
Final Thoughts
Black folks’ sweet potato pie isn’t just a dessert — it’s a piece of history. Every bite carries with it the warmth of family, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a Sunday dinner, this pie is bound to bring smiles to the table.
If you’ve never tried it before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s simple, delicious, and made with soul.