Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is a decadent and soulful dessert that celebrates the rich flavors of sweet potatoes, warming spices, and a buttery crust. This pie is not just a dish; it embodies tradition, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing. With its velvety filling and flaky crust, each bite is a comforting reminder of home and community. Whether enjoyed during holidays or as an everyday treat, this sweet potato pie is sure to be a hit with everyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this black folks sweet potato pie recipe for its perfect balance of flavors; the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, it fits well into various lifestyles, whether you’re a dessert lover or looking for a comforting treat that is still relatively wholesome. The creamy filling and flaky crust provide a delightful texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes. Roast them to bring out their natural sweetness instead of boiling.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and any dairy used are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Chill Your Dough: If making your own crust, chilling it before rolling out helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the filling before pouring it into the crust. Adjust the sweetness or spices to your preference.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sweet potato filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. The crust can also be made ahead of time and frozen. Just be sure to let it thaw before rolling it out. The assembled pie can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge until it’s time to bake.
Recipe Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spiced version of the pie.
- Nutty Crust: Swap out part of the flour for ground nuts, like pecans, for a flavorful crust.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan pie crust and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or silken tofu.
How to Serve
Serve your sweet potato pie slightly warm or at room temperature. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for those with a sweet tooth.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider serving a rich, creamy coffee or a spiced chai tea alongside your pie. A glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling, complements the sweetness beautifully. As for side dishes, a light salad can balance the richness of the pie, or serve it alongside a warm pecan pie for a dessert spread that captures the spirit of the season.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Equipment Needed
You will need a mixing bowl, a pie dish, a potato masher or food processor for the sweet potatoes, and a whisk or electric mixer for the filling. A rolling pin is also essential for rolling out your pie crust. If you don’t have a pie dish, a regular baking dish can be a suitable alternative.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use plant-based milk. For a nut-free version, ensure that your crust does not contain any nut flours. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or a homemade almond flour crust.
Seasonal Adaptations
During the fall, consider adding fresh ginger or using freshly grated nutmeg for a more aromatic flavor. In spring, you could lighten the pie by incorporating lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor. If using canned, choose a no-sugar-added variety.
- What can I substitute for brown sugar? You can use coconut sugar or granulated sugar, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- How can I tell when the pie is done? The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is a decadent and soulful dessert that celebrates the rich flavors of sweet potatoes, warming spices, and a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roast the sweet potatoes until tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool, peel, and mash them until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely before slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 381Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 85mgSodium 249mgCarbohydrates 63gFiber 2gSugar 47gProtein 6g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, preparing a black folks sweet potato pie is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing tradition, flavor, and the joy of sharing a delicious dessert with loved ones. This recipe is a celebration of comfort and community, perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, turn on some soulful music, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the delightful aroma of sweet potatoes and spices, and your taste buds will thank you for this warm, delicious treat!