Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Black folks purple sweet potato pie – When it comes to soul food Thanksgiving desserts, you can bet that the menu starts with a classic Southern Black folks sweet potato pie.

But have you heard about the contemporary upgrade of this classic Southern treat? Purple sweet potato pie is what they call it – and it’s still made the Southern soul food way!

 

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

 

What is a Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie?

A Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe is a delightful Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert (and New Year’s treat) packed with flavorful seasonings and spices in the tradition of Black folks’ soul food cooking. 

But this ain’t no humble pie! A purple sweet potato pie is a stark contrast from the traditional Thanksgiving hues of brown and orange. This pie is bright purple, so if you want your dessert this year to stand out from the crowd – make it a Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie!

 

Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes For Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie

 

What are purple sweet potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes just might be one of the prettiest vegetables on the planet! They are indeed purple – skin and flesh, and they don’t lose their color when cooked. Thus, making for a beautiful purple pie filling!

 

Are purple sweet potatoes natural?

Yep! Purple sweet potatoes are not genetically modified to look purple. (No GMOs here!) 

They originated in North Carolina and are purple because of their rich nutrient value. In fact, they’re so organic that you could grow these purple potatoes in your own backyard garden!

 

Why are they called Stokes?

There was a North Carolina company called Stokes Foods that was first to grow these potatoes. That’s why they’re called Stokes purple sweet potatoes.

 

Where can you buy Stokes purple sweet potatoes, and what store carries them?

Do you have Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s nearby? 

That’s where I buy my purple sweet potatoes for my Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe. 

You can also try purchasing them from your local farmer’s market.

 

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Ingredients

 

How do you make a purple sweet potato pie?

So how does the pie turn purple?

A Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie is made with the same ingredients and instructions as a traditional soul food sweet potato pie recipe

The only difference is that a purple sweet potato pie uses purple Stokes sweet potatoes instead of yams or regular orange sweet potatoes.

 

What does purple sweet potato taste like?

Some people say that purple sweet potatoes are denser, drier, and a bit less sweet than regular sweet potatoes.

While that may be true, I have found no difference.

Although I’ve only used Stokes purple sweet potatoes in my Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe. Which calls for savory and sweet spices to achieve the soul food flavor. 

 

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

 

What texture is this pie filling?

So there is no surprise that the taste of a purple sweet potato pie will be the same as an orange sweet potato pie because of the soul food seasonings. 

With the addition of evaporated milk, the texture is also the same as a regular sweet potato pie.

In my humble pie opinion (pun intended), purple sweet potatoes in a pie taste just like the orange sweet potatoes you are used to.

 

 

Kitchen equipment

 

Shop my kitchenware!

Instant Pot Duo Nova  |  Instant Pot Omni Plus oven  | Instant Pot Ace Plus blender  |  Amazon electric mixer set  |  Courtly Check colander  |  The Pioneer Woman measuring bowls  |  Kate Aspen measuring spoons  |  Amazon mixing bowls  |  Amazon small rubber spatula  |  MacKenzie-Childs pie plate  |  Anthropologie plate  |  Anthropologie dish towel  |  Anthropologie dish cloths  |  Courtly Check glass cutting board  |  Pyrex measuring glass  |

 

Best Instant Pot Comparison Guide
Don't have an Instant Pot? 
Get yours now & enjoy all the benefits!
Which Instant Pot is best for you?
Use this Instant Pot comparison guide for info and ease in purchasing your next Instant Pot appliance!
Check it out!
Instant Pot Comparison

 

Recipe For Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie

 

Ingredients for Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie

  • 1 ½ pounds of Stokes purple sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed (equals about 3 cups when softened and peeled)
  • 12 oz. evaporated milk, 1 can
  • 1 cup of light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
  • 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt

 

Instructions for Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie 

  1. Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set it aside.
  2. See my recipe HERE for homemade almond flour pie crust, or you can use a store-bought pie crust, dough, or pie shell that may or may not come with its own pie pan.
  3. Pro tip: Use an Instant Pot pressure cooker to soften and peel the sweet potatoes quickly and almost effortlessly! 
  4. Open the Instant Pot lid and fill the stainless-steel inner pot with water to the ½ mark.
  5. Add the scrubbed purple sweet potatoes to the pot of water.
  6. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes to loosen the potato skin.
  7. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes.
  8. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
  9. Pour the water and sweet potatoes into a colander in the sink to drain the hot water from the potatoes.
  10. Once the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, peel and discard the skin.
  11. Gather 3 cups of purple potato flesh.
  12. Add to either the Instant Pot Ace blender or an electric mixer the sweet potato flesh, evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
  13. Pulse or mix until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
  14. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
  15. Bake the purple sweet potato pie at 350 degrees F: in a conventional oven for 28-30 minutes, in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 24-26 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and firm in the center. (Remember that cooking appliance times and oven temperatures will vary.)
  16. Allow the sweet potato pie to cool for at least 2-4 hours before garnishing or slicing.
  17. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top. 
  18. Serve this Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie recipe warm and enjoy!

 

More sweet potato pie recipes from The Soul Food Pot!

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
A Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe is a delightful Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert packed with flavorful seasonings and spices in the tradition of Black folks’ soul food cooking. 
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

 

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Similar to our original Black Folks' Sweet Potato Pie, this Southern sweet potato pie recipe is made with fresh sweet potatoes and soul food spices and seasonings. 
But for this recipe, it's the Southern charm added to the pie after it bakes...
A thin layer of homemade cream cheese frosting is spread on top to savor the sweet taste of Southern hospitality!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

 

Pro tips: 

  • You’ll probably have leftover sweet potato mix, depending on how deep-dish your pie pan is. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Or you can pour it into a Ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • You could also make mini-Black folks purple sweet potato pies with any leftover pie filling.
  • And don’t forget to use any leftover pie dough for the easiest Southern dessert ever – pie crust cookies!

 

Pie Crust Cookies Southern Desserts
What is a pie crust cookie?
Imagine this. The perfect sweet, flaky crust, bite-size piece of pie with your favorite seasoning (cinnamon, nutmeg) or simply sugar sprinkled over the top...
You just imagined pie crust cookies!
Check out this recipe!
What Is A Pie Crust Cookie?

 

  • Stokes purple sweet potatoes are similar to Ube purple yams. But not the same as Okinawan Japanese sweet potatoes or regular (not sweet) purple potatoes. So double-check that you’ve picked up the correct potatoes when shopping for this recipe!

 

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie

 

What do you serve with Black folks purple sweet potato pie?

A simple answer would be whipped cream or ice cream, but that’s not the question. 

You want something that compliments it! So if you’re looking for classic soul food recipes to serve with your purple sweet potato pie, then look no further than these delicious ideas!

 

Black Folks Soul Food Homemade Eggnog
Creamy and sweet, Black folks' homemade eggnog has a flavor profile that resembles cinnamon, coconut, and rum. Southern comfort spice eggnog and soul food at its finest!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Homemade Eggnog

Black folks Southern turkey recipe

Black folks chicken and dressing

Black Folks Southern Candied Yams
Candied yams are an old-fashioned African-American recipe. A sweet potato soul food side dish cooked to perfection in a cinnamon-brown sugar glaze.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Candied Yams

Black folks soul food collard greens recipe

Black folks Southern green beans recipe

 

Vegan Purple Sweet Potato Pie

 

Black folks purple sweet potato pie FAQs

Where do you store purple sweet potatoes?

You can make the most of your Stokes purple sweet potatoes by storing them like you would regular potatoes. 

Place in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight for up to two weeks. 

 

29 Best Recipes For A Soul Food Thanksgiving Menu
What are some good soul food Thanksgiving dinner recipes? This soul food Thanksgiving menu will make you wanna slap yo mama-but please don’t!
Check out this recipe!
29 Best Recipes For A Soul Food Thanksgiving Menu

 

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Mini Pies

 

What size pie pan should you use?

I used my trusty 9-inch pie pan because it’s perfect for baking tasty pastries and pies. But depending on how deep of a dish your pie pan is, you may end up with leftover sweet potato puree. Enough sometimes to make a second pie or mini pies!

 

Black Folks Soul Food Easy Christmas Dinner Menu
A soul food Christmas dinner menu is Southern soul food entrées and Black folks recipes. Try these Black folks’ easy Christmas dinner ideas!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Easy Christmas Dinner Menu

 

Is there a substitute for the almond flour pie crust?

You can always make your purple sweet potato pie with my almond flour pie crust recipe. Still, store-bought pie crust is an excellent substitute. 

 

Soul Food Almond Flour Pie Crust
What’s the story of soul food and almond flour pie crust?
Almond flour has a Black folks' history and soul food legacy.
Black cooks in the South used to bake with almond flour because they didn't have access to traditional flour. The result was a moister, richer, and softer baked good!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Almond Flour Pie Crust

 

What can you substitute for the evaporated milk if you are vegan?

So, you are vegan and want to make some of your favorite desserts. Luckily there are plenty of substitutes for evaporated milk that will give the same texture as dairy-based products, from soy to oat, almond, or coconut milk.

 

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Instructions

 

Are there any other acceptable ingredients substitutes in a Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe?

In addition to vegan butter and the vegan substitutes mentioned above, you can use the following swaps for this soul food baked sweet potato pie recipe:

While I’ve found evaporated milk to be the smoothest and the perfect flavor additive for this recipe, sweetened condensed milk can substitute. Likewise, heavy cream. 

 

How To Make Evaporated Milk
What is evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is milk that goes through a cooking process to remove most of the water for a version that's creamier and thicker than regular whole milk. Making it the perfect addition to sweet and savory dishes.
This recipe is the exact commercial manufacturing method used to make evaporated milk!
Check out this recipe!
What Is Evaporated Milk?

 

Also, for this pie recipe, light brown sugar or dark brown sugar is best. But granulated sugar can also work in a pinch.

 

Is sweet potato pie a Black thing?

I’ve always had sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dinners.

That’s because sweet potato pie was made by Black folks back in Africa when they used the native grown vegetable, yams. African-Americans today have continued the tradition of sweet potato pie with holiday dinners.

 

But there’s a new twist on the old classic! Introducing this Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie recipe.

It’s the same but new. Incredible soul food flavor, the perfect amount of sweetness, and a regal purple hue to stand out from the crowd the way Black folks’ food should!

 

Check out this classic Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe HERE for more FAQs answered!

 

What do you think of this soul food purple sweet potato pie recipe?

Do you have your Thanksgiving menu planned?

Have you had purple sweet potato pie?

Would you make it? 

Comment below and lemme know.

Then subscribe HERE for all the soul food!

 

The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!
Check out this recipe!
The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide

 

Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest “Soul Food Recipes” board!

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

 

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

New twist on an old classic: Introducing Black folks purple sweet potato pie recipe!
Same but new - incredible soul food flavors with a regal purple hue!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Pressure Release Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 59 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Keyword: Black folks sweet potato pie recipe, Instant Pot Thanksgiving, purple sweet potato pie, recipe for sweet potato pie, soul food sweet potato pie, soul food Thanksgiving, soul food Thanksgiving menu, Southern sweet potato pie, Southern sweet potato pie recipe, sweet potato pie, Thanksgiving menu, vegetarian
Servings: 8
Calories: 268kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole

Equipment

  • Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
  • Instant Pot Omni Plus oven (optional)
  • Instant Pot Ace Plus blender or an electric mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes Stokes purple sweet potatoes washed and scrubbed (equals about 3 cups when softened and peeled)
  • 12 oz evaporated milk 1 can
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 5 tablespoons butter unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set it aside.
  • See my recipe HERE (coming soon!) for homemade almond flour pie crust, or you can use a store-bought pie crust, dough, or pie shell that may or may not come with its own pie pan.
  • Pro tip: Use an Instant Pot pressure cooker to soften and peel the sweet potatoes quickly and almost effortlessly!
  • Open the Instant Pot lid and fill the stainless-steel inner pot with water to the ½ mark.
  • Add the scrubbed purple sweet potatoes to the pot of water.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes to loosen the potato skin.
  • When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 12 minutes.
  • To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
  • Pour the water and sweet potatoes into a colander in the sink to drain the hot water from the potatoes.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, peel and discard the skin.
  • Gather 3 cups of purple potato flesh.
  • Add to either the Instant Pot Ace blender or an electric mixer the sweet potato flesh, evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
  • Pulse or mix until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
  • Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust.
  • Bake the purple sweet potato pie at 350 degrees F: in a conventional oven for 28-30 minutes, in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 24-26 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and firm in the center. (Remember that cooking appliance times and oven temperatures will vary.)
  • Allow the sweet potato pie to cool for at least 2-4 hours before garnishing or slicing.
  • Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top.
  • Serve this Black folks’ purple sweet potato pie recipe warm and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Unlike some pie recipes, there is no need to pre-heat your empty pie crust for this Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe. Doing this can cause your pie crust edges to burn.
  • A good indicator of when this pie recipe is done is when you can see the center of the pie filling puffing in the oven. 
  • You'll probably have leftover sweet potato mix, depending on how deep-dish your pie pan is. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Or you can pour it into a Ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • You could also make mini-Black folks purple sweet potato pies with any leftover pie filling.
  • And don’t forget to use any leftover pie dough for the easiest Southern dessert ever – pie crust cookies!
  • It’s best to let the pie cool and set for a few hours up to a whole day before slicing.
  • Stokes purple sweet potatoes are similar to Ube purple yams. But not the same as Okinawan Japanese sweet potatoes or regular (not sweet) purple potatoes. So double-check that you've picked up the correct potatoes when shopping for this recipe!
Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Ingredients

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 12243IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 1mg
Save it so you can make it!Pin this recipe to remember it later.
Nutrition Facts
Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
268
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
54
mg
18
%
Sodium
 
198
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
488
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
50
g
17
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
35
g
39
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
12243
IU
245
%
Vitamin C
 
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
179
mg
18
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Follow:

33 Comments

  1. Terri Shaw
    November 23, 2021 / 10:54 am

    5 stars
    I haven’t seen purple sweet potatoes! I will be on the hunt for them now. Do they taste the same? The pie looks so good.

    • November 23, 2021 / 10:57 am

      Try Whole Foods or Trader Joes. They taste the same in the pie because of all the soul food spices. The only difference is the beautiful regal purple hue!

  2. Heather
    November 23, 2021 / 11:51 am

    5 stars
    This just looks so fun and festive (and it’s my favorite color)

    • November 23, 2021 / 12:02 pm

      Your favorite color – then you’ve gotta make this recipe!

  3. Sarah Cool
    November 23, 2021 / 6:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is stunning!!! Definitely something special to surprise my family and friends with

    • November 24, 2021 / 2:50 am

      Right! The color alone is a conversation starter!

  4. Angelica
    November 23, 2021 / 8:25 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my gosh, it’s beautiful!!

    • November 24, 2021 / 2:52 am

      Thanks so much, Angelica! You’re guests will have the same reaction when you make this recipe!

  5. Tamra Phelps
    November 23, 2021 / 9:03 pm

    5 stars
    That’s a nice looking pie! I can’t believe more people don’t use the purple sweet potatoes. I like this idea!

    • November 24, 2021 / 2:53 am

      I know – I too can’t believe they’re still a best kept secret!

  6. SHERRY LAMBING
    November 23, 2021 / 11:58 pm

    5 stars
    I think this would be so cool to make for Mardi Gras! Thank you!

    • November 24, 2021 / 2:59 am

      OMG! Such a good ideas – purple sweet potato pie for Mardi Gras!!

  7. sheila
    November 24, 2021 / 2:25 pm

    5 stars
    I never knew there were purple sweet potatoes. Sure makes a pretty pie!

    • November 24, 2021 / 5:16 pm

      I know right! And I’m happy to introduce them to you!

  8. Sue Greene
    November 28, 2021 / 12:37 pm

    5 stars
    Love the purple. We are going to have to try this one!

    • November 28, 2021 / 2:45 pm

      The purple just elevates this soul food tradition! And the purple sweet potatoes in a pie taste just the same as the original sweet potato pie.

  9. Cyrene
    November 29, 2021 / 1:20 pm

    5 stars
    Sweet purple potato is indeed sweet! We call it “Kamote” here in the Philippines..

    • November 30, 2021 / 3:41 am

      Yes – purple sweet potatoes are also a delicacy of the Philippines!!

  10. Carolyn Barnett
    December 6, 2021 / 12:15 am

    5 stars
    making me hungry.

  11. Tina F
    December 6, 2021 / 12:26 am

    5 stars
    Love everything in this. I think this must be made in our home

    • December 6, 2021 / 12:07 pm

      I’m so excited that my soul food purple sweet potato pie is a new favorite in many homes!

  12. l p
    December 7, 2021 / 12:19 am

    5 stars
    thanks

  13. DeAnna
    December 7, 2021 / 5:57 am

    5 stars
    Very pretty 😍 never tried it but might have to make it one day!

    • December 7, 2021 / 11:25 am

      It tastes just like the original sweet potato pie – just with a fanciful color twist!

  14. Jennifer
    December 13, 2021 / 4:43 am

    5 stars
    Yum!

  15. vicki
    December 13, 2021 / 7:18 am

    5 stars
    love sweet potatoes

  16. Kim
    December 13, 2021 / 4:22 pm

    5 stars
    looks yummy

  17. Kim
    December 13, 2021 / 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    looks good

  18. Ronald Gagnon
    December 15, 2021 / 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    I have never tried sweet potatoes in a pie…we always just boil them and add butter…but this sounds delicious

    • December 16, 2021 / 11:48 am

      Oh, then you must try them in a sweet potato pie!!

  19. Patricia Jones
    November 26, 2022 / 12:39 am

    5 stars
    Honestly Okinawa purple sweet potatoes make a very good sweet potato pie. They are sweeter than the Stokes ones you suggest but have more of the texture of orange sweet potatoes. My only suggestion if you really want the purple color is to add ube extract to the recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





 

[email protected]
The Soul Food Pot - presented by Good Cheer LLC
All rights reserved.

The Soul Food Pot & Shaunda Necole may earn compensation from advertising, affiliate marketing links, brand collaborations and sponsored posts at no cost to you. Although this site may participate in affiliate marketing and brand collaborations, all opinions are the site's own. LTK affiliate privacy policy HERE

This site uses cookies to deliver its services & analyze traffic. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Learn more here: privacy policy