Looking for a dessert that captures the heart of Southern soul food and the beauty of natural color? This Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie is an extraordinary fusion of rich flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant purple color. Rooted in tradition yet modern in presentation, this pie brings warmth and nostalgia to every gathering. It’s a family-favorite dessert that symbolizes love, connection, and celebration.
Just like the comforting flavors of Pumpkin Truffles, this pie embodies everything a cozy dessert should be: sweet, spiced, and smooth. Let’s explore how to make this Southern classic the star of your table.
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Why You’ll Love This Southern Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
There’s a reason Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie has become a must-have at holiday gatherings. Its unique color makes it an eye-catching centerpiece, while the flavor is rich yet balanced with the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Purple sweet potatoes not only bring stunning color but are packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
If you’re a fan of comforting desserts like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Apple Crisp With Oatmeal, this pie will feel right at home in your recipe collection. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or whenever your sweet tooth calls for a soulful twist.
Ingredients for Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie
These simple, wholesome ingredients create one rich and creamy 9-inch pie.
Pie Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb purple sweet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
Just like in Pumpkin Bread With Chocolate Chips, these ingredients come together beautifully to create a soft, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with a buttery crust.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Gather these essential tools before starting:
- Large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
- Potato masher or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch pie pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
How To Make Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie
Making this pie is as soothing as enjoying it. Follow these easy steps for that perfect Southern finish.
Step 1: Prepare the Purple Sweet Potatoes
Rinse, peel, and chop the sweet potatoes. Boil in a large pot for 20–25 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well and allow them to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Mash the potatoes until completely smooth. A food processor works great if you want an ultra-creamy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add the softened butter to the warm mashed potatoes and blend until combined. Then add sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into your prepared deep-dish pie crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Bake on the middle rack for about 55–60 minutes. The pie should be set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. For best results, chill it for a few hours or overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature with a swirl of whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Purple Sweet Potato Pie
- Use authentic purple sweet potatoes like Stokes or Okinawan varieties to achieve that deep violet hue naturally.
- Don’t overbake—once the pie’s center is just set, it’s ready.
- For ultra-smooth filling, use a food processor to break down all lumps.
- Add spice to taste—some people love a little extra cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger for warmth.
- Chill before slicing—it helps the filling firm up and creates neat slices.
If you love creamy, spiced desserts, you might also enjoy Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, which share similar flavors in bite-sized form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced bakers can make small mistakes, so here’s what to watch for:
- Undercooking the potatoes: Always check for fork-tender texture before mashing.
- Skipping the chill time: Warm pie slices fall apart easily; cool it properly.
- Using too much liquid: Stick to the recipe quantities to avoid a soggy crust.
- Overmixing the filling: Gentle mixing preserves the creamy texture.
For another easy pie that balances texture and sweetness, try the comforting Mini Pumpkin Bread With Cinnamon Swirl.
Serving & Presentation Ideas for Purple Potato Pie
The striking purple color deserves to shine.
- Serve slices on white or cream-colored plates for contrast.
- Add whipped cream rosettes or drizzle a little honey for gloss.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
- Pair with warm fall drinks like spiced chai or herbal tea.
This pie also makes a beautiful addition to holiday dessert tables alongside treats like Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.
Variations: Purple Sweet Potato Tart & Muffins
You can easily adapt this pie into other delightful desserts:
- Purple Sweet Potato Tart: Bake the filling in a shortcrust tart shell for an elegant twist.
- Purple Sweet Potato Muffins: Spoon the filling into muffin cups with graham cracker crusts.
- Vegan version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed and use dairy-free butter and milk.
The sweet, spiced base is versatile—just like how Pumpkin Brownies take a classic brownie and turn it into something seasonally special.
Storage Tips: How to Store Leftovers Safely
Keep leftovers fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigerate: Store covered or in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: Move to the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheat: Warm briefly in the microwave or oven if desired.
Food Pairings: What Goes With Purple Sweet Potato Pie
Pair your pie with warm, cozy sides and drinks that enhance its sweet-spiced notes:
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream
- Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos
- Fresh fruit like orange slices or berries
- Sweet cornbread or a warm muffin
These complement the pie’s creamy filling without overpowering its delicate flavor.
FAQs About Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie
What makes this pie different from a regular sweet potato pie?
The main difference is the use of purple sweet potatoes, which are less sweet and have a nuttier, earthy flavor along with their gorgeous hue.
Can I use canned purple yams?
Fresh purple sweet potatoes are best, but canned ones work if drained and mashed thoroughly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better when chilled overnight.
Is this pie gluten-free?
The filling is gluten-free; use a gluten-free crust if you need a full GF version.
Can I use the same filling for other desserts?
Absolutely! You can use it for tarts or even mini pie cups for parties.
Final Thoughts on This Soul Food Dessert Recipe
The Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a story. Every bite celebrates heritage, flavor, and color. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for holiday tables. Whether you serve it after Sunday dinner or add it to your holiday dessert spread, it’s bound to earn compliments.
If you enjoy recipes that combine tradition with creativity, explore other comforting desserts like Pumpkin Twists or the fun and spooky Halloween Brownie for your next festive gathering.
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Irresistible Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie You Need to Try Today
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie is a soul food classic reimagined with stunning color and deep flavor. This Southern dessert combines earthy, nutty purple sweet potatoes with warm spices, creamy texture, and a flaky crust. Rooted in cultural heritage, this vibrant pie celebrates tradition and creativity — perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or any special occasion that calls for something truly beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
-
- Pie Filling:
- 1½ lbs purple sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pie Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie shell, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Place peeled and chopped purple sweet potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20–25 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Mash and mix: Mash potatoes until smooth. Add melted butter, sugars, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Add milk: Pour in evaporated milk gradually, stirring until smooth and silky.
- Fill the crust: Pour mixture into your pie shell and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, until set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover edges with foil if needed.
- Cool and chill: Let cool on a rack, then refrigerate for 2 hours before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use purple sweet potatoes (not purple yams) for the best flavor and color.
- Don’t skip the chill time—this helps the pie set perfectly.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling.
- If using a graham cracker crust, reduce bake time slightly.
- Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Soul Food, Holiday Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Southern Soul Food Desserts, Purple Sweet Potato Pie, African American Recipes, Holiday Pie Recipes, Sweet Potato Desserts, Traditional Southern Recipes, Purple Yam Pie
