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Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

4.9 from 84 reviews

This traditional Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie offers a creamy, spiced filling nestled in a flaky homemade crust. Sweet potatoes are mashed and blended with a mix of sugars, evaporated milk, butter, eggs, and warm spices, then baked to perfection for a comforting dessert that’s perfect for holidays or any time you crave a classic Southern treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Crust

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the center to ensure even baking throughout the pie.
  2. Prepare Filling: Roast and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges neatly to create a decorative border and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  4. Assemble the Pie: Pour the smooth sweet potato filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely for about 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly before serving.
  7. Serve: Slice the pie and serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy your classic sweet potato pie!

Notes

  • For best flavor, roast the sweet potatoes wrapped in foil at 400°F until soft before mashing (~45 minutes).
  • Ensure the evaporated milk is well incorporated to create a creamy texture.
  • Let the pie cool completely to avoid a runny filling.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a vegan variation, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan pie crust and plant-based milk.

Keywords: sweet potato pie, southern dessert, holiday pie, traditional sweet potato pie, easy sweet potato pie recipe, classic sweet potato pie