I’ve always found sweet potato pie to be irresistible. However, I didn’t know what I was missing until I sampled the Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie recipe for the first time.
This dessert’s soulful experience stems from its sweet and savory flavor combo, velvety texture, and comforting spices.
When it comes to Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie, think outside the pie pan. It’s a hallmark of African American food and a symbol of its illustrious history.
The recipe for this pie has been passed down through African-American families for centuries, with each new generation adding its own special touch. It’s a meal that unites families and friends, and each serving is infused with memories, customs, and affection.
But the pie’s cultural importance isn’t all that sets it apart from others. The flavor and smoothness are out of this world.
The center is silky and decadent thanks to the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. The pie is elevated by the addition of warm seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
A group of my friends who had never had Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie before were recently treated to one I prepared for them.
They couldn’t get enough of this sweet treat because of how amazing it tasted and felt in their mouths. This pie has become a staple at all of our get-togethers, and for good reason.
How To Make Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
African American cooking has always intrigued me. I like Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie. It’s no wonder African American families have enjoyed this soulful dessert for centuries. It’s sweet, creamy, and full of warm spices—perfect for any event.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie directions will be provided. I’ll also answer some pie-making FAQs.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or butter
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
To make the pie crust, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut the shortening or butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring with a fork until the mixture forms a ball.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
Bake the pie crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
To make the filling, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the mixture and beat until well combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to the mixture and beat until smooth.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
Serve the pie warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
What makes a Black folks’ sweet potato pie special from other potato pies?
African American cuisine is known for its distinctive taste and texture combinations, and Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is no exception.
First, unlike most sweet potato pie recipes, this one makes use of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which add a richness of flavor and a cozy, comforting atmosphere.
These seasonings, common in African American cuisine, give the filling a depth and richness that sets it apart.
Second, the filling of Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is thicker and creamier than that of traditional sweet potato pies because evaporated milk is used instead of normal milk or cream.
The sweetness of the sweet potatoes is complemented by the faintly caramelized flavor added by the evaporated milk.
At long last, savory sweet potato pie isn’t limited to the dessert menu. It has been worn by African-American families for centuries as a symbol of their heritage and history.
What makes this pie so special is the fact that every family has their own distinctive way of making it.
What do you serve with Black folks’ sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato pie goes well with freshly whisked cream. Whipped cream’s lightness compliments the pie’s rich filling.
Vanilla ice cream is another iconic sweet potato pie pairing. Ice cream and pie filling complement each other perfectly.
Serve chopped nuts on the pie or on the side. Pecans complement the pie’s creamy center with their nutty taste and crunch.
Drizzling caramel sauce over the pie or serving it on the side compliments the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Coffee or tea complements a sweet potato pie meal. Coffee or tea balances the pie’s taste.
Black folks sweet potato pie recipe FAQs
What makes Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie a favorite pie recipe?
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie is beloved for many reasons. Sweet potatoes’ warm spices, creamy texture, and natural sweetness create a unique and beloved taste. This pie is special due to its cultural importance and tradition.
How do you prepare the sweet potatoes to be mashed?
Wash and skin sweet potatoes for Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie. Cut them into tiny pieces and boil them in water until tender. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes.
If you do not prepare the pie crust from scratch, can you use a frozen one?
Yes, you can use a frozen pie crust to make Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package for thawing and baking the crust.
How do you keep your pie crust edges from burning?
To prevent the edges of your pie crust from burning, you can cover them with a strip of aluminum foil or a pie crust shield. This will help to protect the edges from direct heat and prevent them from becoming too dark.
How do you know when the filling is cooked?
The filling of the pie should be cooked when the center is set and not jiggle when the pie is shaken gently. You can also insert a toothpick or a knife into the center of the pie, and if it comes out clean, the filling is cooked.
Why is your sweet potato pie runny?
Runny sweet potato pie has many causes. The mixture may have too much liquid or the sweet potatoes were not mashed well enough. The pie may have been underbaked.
How can you thicken your sweet potato pie filling?
To thicken your sweet potato pie filling, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the filling mixture before baking. This will help to absorb any excess liquid and create a thicker, more stable filling.
How do you cut sweet potato pie?
To cut sweet potato pie, use a sharp knife and cut it straight down into the center of the pie. Then, make additional cuts in a pie-shaped wedge until you have the desired number of slices.
Pro tips for slicing sweet potato pie:
o make clean and even slices of sweet potato pie, be sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing. You can also dip the knife into hot water before making each cut to help prevent the filling from sticking to the blade.
Do you refrigerate Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie?
Yes, you should refrigerate Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie after it has cooled to room temperature. This will help to keep the filling firm and prevent it from spoiling.
Can you freeze a sweet potato pie?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. When you are ready to serve the pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can you reheat sweet potato pie?
Yes, you can reheat sweet potato pie in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. To reheat in the microwave, place a slice of pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?
The main difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie is the base ingredient. Sweet potato pie is made with mashed sweet potatoes, while pumpkin pie is made with canned pumpkin puree. The two pies also have slightly different flavors and textures due to the natural sweetness and creaminess of the sweet potatoes.
Which is better, pumpkin or sweet potato pie?
This is a matter of personal preference and varies from person to person. Some people prefer the spicier, richer flavor of pumpkin pie, while others enjoy the natural sweetness and creaminess of sweet potato pie.
Can you make this pie ahead?
Yes, you can make Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time. You can prepare the pie crust and fill up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake. Once the pie is baked, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Are there any acceptable ingredient substitutes in a Black Folks’ Sweet Potato Pie recipe?
While there are some acceptable ingredient substitutes, it’s important to note that they may alter the flavor and texture of the pie. For example, you can use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, or brown sugar instead of white sugar. However, it’s best to stick to the original recipe as closely as possible to ensure the best results.
Can you use canned sweet potatoes?
While you can use canned sweet potatoes, it’s recommended to use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Canned sweet potatoes may also contain added sugars or preservatives that can affect the taste of the pie.
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or butter
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 2 large sweet potatoes boiled, peeled and mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- To make the pie crust, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut the shortening or butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring with a fork until the mixture forms a ball.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Bake the pie crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
- To make the filling, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
- Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to the mixture and beat until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- This pie recipe is done when the middle of the pie filling puffs in the oven.
- Depending on your pie pan’s depth, you’ll have extra sweet potato mix.
- Refrigerate it for 48 hours in an airtight jar. You can also freeze it for three months in a Ziplock jar.
- With extra pie filling, make mini-Black people sweet potato pies.
