292cd374
Sweet potato pie is more than just dessert in Black culture — it’s a warm tradition passed down through generations. With a spiced custard-like filling made from mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and soul-seasoned spices, this pie is smooth, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.
⏱️ Prep Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 mins |
| Cook Time | 55–60 mins |
| Cooling Time | 1–2 hrs |
| Total Time | ~2 hrs 20 mins |
🔧 Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Potato masher or fork
- 9-inch pie pan
- Saucepan (for boiling sweet potatoes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
🛒 Ingredients (1 pie)
For the pie filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2–3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Sweet potatoes: Garnet or Jewel varieties are traditional for their natural sweetness and color.
- Evaporated milk: Creates a creamy texture; don’t substitute with regular milk for best results.
- Butter: Use real butter for rich flavor.
- Spices: Some recipes call for just cinnamon and nutmeg, but ginger adds a deeper warmth.
👨🏾🍳 Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into chunks.
- Boil in water until tender (15–20 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth.
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and spices.
- Mix with hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Pie:
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted should come out mostly clean).
- Let cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
- Serve:
- Best served chilled or at room temp. Add whipped cream if desired.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx. 1/8 of pie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Carbs | ~42g |
| Sugar | ~27g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~160mg |
Varies depending on exact ingredients and crust used.
💡 Tips & Variations
🔥 Tips:
- Make ahead: Sweet potato pie is even better the next day.
- Mash smooth: For ultra-smooth filling, use a food processor or blend the sweet potatoes.
- No cracks: Don’t overbake—pull it out when it’s just set in the center.
🌟 Variations:
- Brown Sugar Swap: Use part brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for a stronger spice profile.
- Vegan Version: Use plant butter, dairy-free evaporated milk (like coconut or oat), and egg replacers.
