Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie Recipe 🍠🥧
This soul food classic is rich, spiced just right, and baked in a flaky crust—just like Grandma used to make! Creamy, warmly spiced, and perfectly sweet.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium, boiled or roasted)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar (or ¾ cup for less sweetness)
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½ cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp ground allspice or ginger
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¼ tsp salt
For the Crust:
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1 store-bought 9-inch pie crust (or homemade)
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Optional: Brush crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) for shine.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
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Wash, peel, and cube sweet potatoes. Boil until tender (15-20 mins) or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45 mins for deeper flavor.
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Mash until smooth (no lumps!). Measure 2 cups.
2. Make the Filling
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In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla.
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Mix in mashed sweet potatoes, then spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt). Blend until silky.
3. Assemble & Bake
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Pour filling into unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 mins, until set (center should jiggle slightly).
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Optional: Cover crust edges with foil halfway to prevent burning.
4. Cool & Serve
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Let pie cool 2+ hours (it firms up as it chills).
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Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for the Best Pie
✔ Roast (don’t boil!) sweet potatoes for caramelized depth.
✔ Spice to taste—add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for complexity.
✔ Avoid overmixing filling to prevent air bubbles.
✔ Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
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Creamy, not gloopy—thanks to evaporated milk and proper mashing.
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Warmly spiced without overpowering the sweet potato.
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Versatile: Swap sugar for brown sugar or maple syrup.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, holidays, or Sunday dinner! Want a vegan version? Use coconut oil and flax eggs. 😊
Pair it with:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream
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A dash of bourbon whipped cream
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A sprinkle of toasted pecans
Would you like a mini pie version or a gluten-free crust option? Let me know!
