Indulge in the comforting embrace of a classic Southern delicacy. This black folks sweet potato pie recipe captures the heart and soul of traditional soul food baking. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of heritage, often passed down through generations.
To understand the deeper cultural significance of soul food, explore its rich history and connection to African American identity.
Prepare for an irresistible blend of creamy sweetness and warm spices that makes this pie a beloved staple for holidays and everyday enjoyment alike.
Why You’ll Love This Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
You’ll quickly fall for this delightful sweet potato pie.
- It offers authentic soul food flavor and a rich culinary heritage.
- Enjoy a perfectly creamy, smooth texture in every bite.
- Experience a warm, aromatic blend of traditional spices.
- The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the rich filling.
- Its preparation is simple and straightforward, even for beginners.
- This recipe is ideal for cherished family gatherings or a cozy dessert.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place whole sweet potatoes on it. Pierce them a few times with a fork.
- Roast the sweet potatoes for about 40–45 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool until they can be handled comfortably.
- Peel the sweet potatoes, then mash the flesh until smooth (using a hand mixer or stand mixer helps make it silky).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt. Mix until filling is smooth and evenly blended.
- Place the 9-inch pie crust into a deep-dish pie pan. Pour the filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the pie at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean (center may jiggle slightly). If the crust edges brown too fast, cover with foil.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. For best slices, allow it to cool for at least 2 hours (or chill overnight).
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious pie:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, washed (yields about 3 cups when softened and peeled)
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 9-inch pie crust
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results with your black folks sweet potato pie recipe, choose vibrant orange sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel. Baking your sweet potatoes rather than boiling deepens their natural sweetness and prevents a watery filling. If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream or full-fat milk for a rich texture. For a different flavor profile, adjust the spices or add a pinch of allspice. While a homemade pie crust is delightful, a good quality store-bought crust saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
Equipment
Gathering your tools makes baking a breeze. You will need:
- A 9-inch pie pan
- Large mixing bowls
- A hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect black folks sweet potato pie recipe.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with baking spray. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly with a paper towel. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are very tender when squeezed.
Prepare Pie Crust: While the sweet potatoes bake, lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan with baking spray. Carefully place your pie crust into the prepared pan, shaping it to fit the edges. Set the pie crust aside for later.
Cool Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet until they are cool enough to handle comfortably. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when mixed.
Peel & Mash Potatoes: Once cooled, peel away the skin from the sweet potatoes and discard it. Place the soft potato flesh into a large mixing bowl. Use a handheld mixer to mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
Add Butter: Incorporate the softened butter into the mashed sweet potatoes. Continue mixing with the handheld mixer for about one minute, ensuring the butter is thoroughly combined and the mixture is creamy.
Mix in Eggs: Add the two large eggs to the sweet potato mixture. Mix again until the eggs are fully incorporated and the filling is uniform.
Add Sugars & Spices: Next, add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to the bowl. Continue mixing until all the sugars and spices are fully incorporated into the sweet potato mixture, creating an aromatic base.
Add Liquids: Finally, pour in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Mix one last time with the handheld mixer until the filling is perfectly smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined.
Fill & Bake Pie: Pour the rich, smooth sweet potato filling evenly into your prepared 9-inch pie crust. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake the pie for approximately 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when the top is nicely browned and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Pie: Carefully remove the baked pie from the oven. Place it on a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Cooling completely allows the filling to set properly, preventing it from collapsing when sliced.
Garnish & Serve: For a delightful finish, garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. Serve your homemade sweet potato pie warm and enjoy every comforting bite.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Baking your sweet potatoes intensifies their flavor and natural sweetness, making your pie truly stand out. To test for doneness, give the pie a gentle jiggle; the edges should be set, with only a slight wobble in the center. Feel free to adjust the spice levels; add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer a bolder flavor. To prevent a soggy crust, ensure your pie crust is cold before filling, and consider a quick blind bake for 10 minutes if you frequently face this issue. For a perfectly smooth filling, use a hand mixer and don’t rush the mashing step. If your pie develops cracks, it often means it was overbaked; next time, reduce baking time slightly and rely on the jiggle test.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This black folks sweet potato pie recipe is versatile for serving. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled from the refrigerator. Popular toppings include a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Store any leftover pie loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Consider adding a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the filling for a brighter note, or incorporate toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. You can also bake this recipe in individual ramekins for mini sweet potato pies.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1/8th of the pie), excluding toppings.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
FAQ
Can you boil sweet potatoes for pie?
Yes, you can boil sweet potatoes, but baking is preferred. Baking helps concentrate their sugars, leading to a richer, less watery filling for your black folks sweet potato pie recipe.
Do you eat sweet potato pie hot or cold?
Sweet potato pie is delicious both warm and cold. Many prefer it slightly warm with toppings, but it’s also refreshing straight from the fridge.
What kind of sweet potatoes are best for pie?
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel varieties are ideal. They are naturally sweet and have a creamy texture perfect for baking.
How to prevent sweet potato pie from cracking?
Overbaking is the main culprit for cracks. Remove the pie from the oven when the center still has a slight jiggle, then let it cool completely.
Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potato puree for convenience. Ensure it’s plain puree, not pie filling, and adjust sweetness as canned varieties can vary.
What makes this recipe “Black folks” style?
This term typically refers to a classic, unadorned sweet potato pie with a rich, smooth, and creamy filling, often relying on a robust blend of traditional spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, and baked to perfection without overly fancy additions.
Conclusion
This black folks sweet potato pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of tradition and comfort in every forkful. Its creamy texture and warm, inviting spices make it a timeless classic that brings joy to any table. We encourage you to try this beloved recipe and experience the rich heritage it embodies. Share your delightful creations and family traditions with us!
