Here’s a classic Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie recipe — a soulful dessert that’s rich, creamy, and spiced just right. This pie is a beloved tradition in many African American households, especially around the holidays.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
Servings: 8
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
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1½ lbs sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), roasted and mashed
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1 cup light brown sugar
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2 large eggs, beaten
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
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Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork and roast them on a baking sheet for about 40 minutes or until tender. Let cool, then peel and mash until smooth. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and all the spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt). Mix until smooth and well combined. -
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. -
Bake:
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
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Roasting sweet potatoes with the skin on gives a deeper flavor than boiling.
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You can adjust the spices to your taste—add more cinnamon or a pinch of allspice for extra warmth.
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For a richer pie, use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk.
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If you want a slightly sweeter pie, add a little more brown sugar.