Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Southern flavors of vanilla, brown sugar, and warm spices shine through in this classic sweet potato pie. It’s a classic dessert that’s been a favorite among African Americans for generations.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes washed and scrubbed (equal to about 3 cups when softened and peeled)
- 12 oz evaporated milk 1 can
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- First step is to cook the sweet potatoes. You can use any method you like. We are using an Instant Pot to save time: fill the stainless-steel inner pot with water to the ½ mark.
- Add the sweet potatoes.
- Close the Instant Pot lid ensuring that the valve is up and in the position for sealing. Cook on high for 12 minutes to loosen the potato skins.
- Allow a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes.
- Move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Pour the water and sweet potatoes into a colander to drain.
- When the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, peel and discard the skin.
- Gather 3 cups of sweet potato flesh.
- Add the sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to a powerful blender or an electric mixer.
- Blend or pulse until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 28-30 minutes, or until the center of the pie is puffed and firm to the touch.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!