Introduction
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is a cherished Southern dessert that embodies warmth, tradition, and family gatherings. This rich, creamy pie, filled with spices and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, is a staple at holiday tables, Sunday dinners, and special occasions. Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a deeper, more natural sweetness, enhanced by butter, vanilla, and a blend of soul-warming spices.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie with detailed instructions, expert tips, keto and low-carb variations, and frequently asked questions to help you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Pie Filling:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (balances flavors)
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade crust if preferred)
- 1 egg white (for brushing, optional for crispiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until soft. Alternatively, you can boil them for 20-30 minutes until fork-tender.
- Allow the potatoes to cool, then peel off the skins.
Step 2: Make the Pie Filling
- In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Add softened butter and mix until well combined.
- Stir in both sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and lemon juice.
- Whisk or blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Brush the crust lightly with egg white for a golden, crispy texture (optional).
- Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the pie to cool at room temperature before slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Cooking Notes
- Texture Tip: Blend the filling for an ultra-smooth pie.
- Spice Variations: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra depth.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations
Keto-Friendly Sweet Potato Pie
- Replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Use almond flour crust instead of traditional pie crust.
- Substitute heavy cream for evaporated milk.
Low-Carb Sweet Potato Pie
- Reduce the amount of sweet potatoes and replace half with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
- Use coconut flour or almond flour crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
2. How do I prevent my pie from cracking?
Avoid overbaking and let the pie cool gradually at room temperature.
3. Can I freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. What’s the difference between pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato pie is richer, naturally sweeter, and has a creamier texture compared to pumpkin pie.
5. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide better texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved Southern dessert that delivers rich, spiced sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe is sure to impress.
Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends.