Absolutely! Here’s a long, rich, soulful recipe for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie, filled with history, heart, love, and tradition—just the way our grandmothers passed it down. Pull up a chair and get cozy; this isn’t just a dessert—it’s a cultural legacy.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Introduction: A Slice of History and Heart
Sweet Potato Pie isn’t just a dish—it’s a story. It’s Sunday after church, it’s grandma’s laughter in the kitchen, it’s warmth on Thanksgiving, and it’s the soul of the Black Southern table. Long before pumpkin pie ever graced the American mainstream, Black folks were mashing sweet potatoes, mixing them with butter, sugar, and love, then baking them into golden, spiced perfection.
Brought to the American South through African traditions and agricultural adaptation, sweet potatoes became a staple in Black cuisine. This pie is more than food—it’s resilience, creativity, and celebration.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (from about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp bourbon or dark rum (for grown folks!)
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
Or just use a good store-bought pie crust if grandma ain’t lookin’.
Method: Let’s Cook with Soul
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash your sweet potatoes and poke them a few times with a fork.
- Roast on a baking sheet for 45–60 minutes, until tender and syrupy.
- Let cool, peel, and mash until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Pie Crust
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough holds together.
- Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and press into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges fancy if you like.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Add eggs, mix well.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Add bourbon if using. Taste the batter—you know we always taste it.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack. Serve at room temp or chilled.
History and Formation
This pie’s roots go back to the enslaved African ancestors who worked the land and used what was available—like sweet potatoes instead of yams. Sweet Potato Pie became a comfort food, a festive dish, and an everyday treat. It was passed down through oral tradition, family gatherings, church cookbooks, and community potlucks.
Through hardship, joy, and celebration, this pie has been there—always on the table, always in the heart.
Conclusion: A Love Letter in a Pie Tin
Every bite of sweet potato pie is a love letter from the past. It’s generations of Black women and men stirring pots with soul and seasoning life with spice and sweetness. Share it with your family. Bring it to the cookout. Bake it on a random Tuesday. Because when you serve this pie, you’re telling a story. And that story tastes damn good.
For the Lovers: Tips & Soul Secrets
- Want extra silkiness? Use a hand mixer or food processor for the filling.
- Like it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of clove.
- Don’t skip the butter. It’s not just fat—it’s flavor and feeling.
- Serve with: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a side of good music.
If you’re feelin’ the pie vibes and want more soulful recipes, I can write you some more—just let me know. Want a version with marshmallow topping? Sweet Potato Cheesecake fusion? I got you.