Here’s a rich, silky, and soul-warming Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie recipe — a true Southern classic passed down through generations. Creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a buttery crust come together in this beloved dessert, often enjoyed during holidays and Sunday dinners.
🥧 Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
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2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large or 3 medium sweet potatoes)
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1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar for depth)
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1/2 cup evaporated milk
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tbsp lemon juice (balances sweetness and adds brightness)
For the Crust:
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1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
🔧 Instructions:
1. Cook the sweet potatoes:
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Peel and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender (about 20 minutes), or roast them for deeper flavor.
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Mash well until smooth. You can use a hand mixer for an extra-silky texture.
2. Preheat oven:
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Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Make the filling:
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In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and lemon juice.
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Mix until smooth and creamy (use a hand mixer or whisk well).
4. Assemble the pie:
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Pour filling into the unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake:
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
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The pie will puff slightly while baking and settle as it cools.
6. Cool and serve:
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Let cool completely before slicing (this helps it set).
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Serve plain or with whipped cream.
💡 Tips:
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Make it ahead: Sweet potato pie is even better the next day. Chill overnight and serve cold or room temp.
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Want it sweeter or silkier? Add more sugar or blend filling in a food processor.
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For soul food flair: Add a pinch of allspice or a splash of bourbon.
Would you like a crustless version, or a variation with brown sugar topping or pecans?