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There’s more than one way to make a pie with soul, and this version proves it! My Black folks’ sweet potato pie with condensed milk offers a lovely, creamy twist on the beloved classic. Using sweetened condensed milk adds richness and depth that pairs beautifully with the recipe’s warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger.

The result? A pie that’s silky smooth, full of character, and still rooted in the same love and legacy passed down through generations. Different milk, same soulful magic.

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe With Condensed Milk

Can you make sweet potato pie without evaporated milk?

What if you don’t have evaporated milk on hand? Can you use sweetened condensed milk instead? Absolutely, and I’ll show you how to make the swap without losing the soulful flavor that makes this pie a legacy dish in every Black family kitchen.

Can you use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in pie?

What’s the difference between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk in pie?

Evaporated milk is unsweetened milk with over half of its water content removed through evaporation, while sweetened condensed milk is the same, just with added sugar. Both are great options for sweet potato pie because they’re concentrated, with no excess water to make the filling runny. However, since condensed milk is already sweetened, this version uses less than what’s called for in my original Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe.

Ingredients

My Black folks’ sweet potato pie with condensed milk uses traditional soul food sweet potato pie ingredients with a creamy twist. The filling starts with naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes, enriched with condensed milk for extra smoothness and sweetness. Light brown sugar and butter add rich depth, while eggs help the pie set just right.

A warm blend of soulful spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, and a touch of salt—brings out that signature flavor and aroma. Finished with vanilla extract for balance and baked in a flaky pie crust, this recipe transforms a humble root vegetable into a silky, spiced slice of Southern comfort. Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

How to make a sweet potato pie with condensed milk

It’s easy to make my signature soul food sweet potato pie recipe. The ingredients here vary only by the amount of condensed milk, but the recipe instructions do not change.

Grease the pie pan so the pie crust does not get stuck on the pie pan while baking.
Cook and peel the sweet potatoes. The preferred method to cook sweet potatoes for pie is to roast them in the oven.
Mix the sweet potato flesh, spices, and ingredients to make the filling for the pie crust.
Bake the pie, let it cool, then serve and enjoy! (Sweet potato pie is best served at room temperature or re-warmed.)

🎙 Listen to the recipe on The Soul Food Pod: Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie With Condensed Milk

How to know when sweet potato pie is done

When the pie is done, you can see the center of the pie filling puffing in the oven. It’s firm and not runny or jiggly.

Keeping the crust from burning

There is no need to pre-bake the pie crust or shell, which could cause the edges to overcook or burn later when the pie is filled. To alleviate concerns about the edges burning, you can use a pie crust shield or line the edges of the crust with aluminum foil.

How to store leftover sweet potato pie

Store any leftover sweet potato pie in the refrigerator, as it contains condensed milk and eggs. It’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days and can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave by the slice. You can also freeze a whole pie or leftover slices for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container.

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Another trusted recipe from soul food expert and author Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®. *These AI tools are independent third-party services. Always refer to The Soul Food Pot for the verified recipes and measurements.