Southern Sweet Potato Pie With Cream Cheese

Nothing recalls warm memories of Thanksgiving traditions like a slice of Southern sweet potato pie. Just thinking about it pulls you into a cozy and festive holiday aesthetic with holiday sights, sounds, and smells. 

Oh, the smell of a Southern sweet potato pie and its warm spices in the air. It’s a quintessential part of the holiday season!

The family gathering, the laughter and joy, the smells of good food in the kitchen. 

Where did sweet potato pie originate?

Sweet potato pie originated in the Southern US states among the African American community. 

So although this recipe may be called “Southern sweet potato pie,” it’s still Black folks’ food at its finest!

That’s because sweet potato pie was made by Black folks back in Africa using the native-grown vegetable yams. It’s a legacy of the best holiday traditions handed down from generation to generation as part of sweet potato pie Black history.

What’s the difference between a Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe and a Southern sweet potato pie recipe?

What makes this sweet potato pie Southern?

It’s the velvety addition. 

The decadent homemade cream cheese frosting is a Southern sweet potato pie recipe secret ingredient. A North Carolina family tradition passed down generations.

Warning: Once you enjoy sweet potato pie with the addition of a homemade cream cheese topping. AKA, Southern charm. You may not want it any other way!

Ingredients

Similar to my original Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie™, this Southern sweet potato pie recipe uses fresh sweet potatoes and soul food spices and seasonings. But for this recipe, it’s the Southern charm added after it bakes…a thin layer of homemade cream cheese frosting is spread on top to savor the sweet taste of Southern hospitality!

For the pie filling

Measurements for the recipe can be found in the printable recipe card below. 

• Sweet potatoes like Jewel (best for baking) or Beauregard sweet potatoes (slightly sweeter) make a naturally sweet pie filling with a smooth, silky texture. 
  You can use canned sweet potatoes, but nothing beats fresh potatoes to make an incredible Southern sweet potato pie!
  Learn what type of sweet potatoes are best for sweet potato pie HERE.
• Evaporated milk adds a velvety smoothness to the pie.
  (You can also make this recipe with a condensed milk substitute HERE!)
• Light brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness with caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs help bind the pie filling into a custard-like consistency.
• Butter adds a rich flavor that complements the natural sweet potatoes.
• Vanilla extract infuses a warm and comforting balance in the flavor profile.
• Ginger is what adds a hint of spiciness and a subtle warm kick.
• Nutmeg gives the pie a warm, nutty, and earthy balance. 
• Cinnamon gives a comforting warmth and heat with a burst of color and flavor. 
• Clove contributes to the pie’s overall soulful spice, and it’s the secret ingredient with the beautiful aroma!
• Salt is the necessary contrast to balance the sweet spice profiles.

For the pie crust, if you do not prepare it from scratch, can you use a frozen one?

Yes, you can absolutely use a frozen pie crust or store-bought unbaked pie crust or pie dough.
See my recipe HERE for almond flour homemade pie crust.

Are sweet potatoes and yams the same?

Yams are root vegetables from the African motherland. They are a different texture and are not recommended as a substitute when making sweet potato pie.

For the pie topping

• Softened cream cheese will be the delicious and not-too-sweet base for the topping.
• Powdered sugar adds the perfect amount of light sweetness without overpowering the pie.
• Vanilla extract adds a warmth and light flavor profile beyond traditional sugary icing.

How to make Southern cream cheese sweet potato pie

What makes this sweet potato pie Southern? It’s my North Carolina family recipe passed down generations. After making this pie the traditional Southern soul food flavorful way, you’ll add a layer of decadent homemade cream cheese frosting!

Step-by-step instructions with guided pictures can be found in the printable recipe card below.

1. Preheat the oven, grease the pie pan, and set it aside.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes to be mashed by roasting them on a large baking sheet.
   Pro tip: Or use the Instant Pot to save time and cook the potatoes in only 12 minutes!
3. Peel and discard the skin once the potatoes are cooked and cooled.
4. Gather 3 cups of sweet potato flesh.
5. Combine the ingredients for the pie-filling in a large bowl.
6. Mix with a hand or stand electric mixer until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
   The electric mixer will get rid of the strings in the sweet potatoes by rounding up and collecting the strings with its blade. Read more about how to get strings out of sweet potatoes HERE.
7. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
8. Bake the pie.
9. Allow the pie to cool for at least 4 hours before topping.
10. For the cream cheese topping, mix the ingredients. 
11. Spread an even layer of the frosting on the pie.
12. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Watch the video to see how to make sweet potato pie step-by-step with key moments.

How can you thicken your sweet potato pie filling?

After you’ve mixed the ingredients for the pie filling, make sure your sweet potato mixture still has some texture and is not just a thin, runny purée. While many recipes call for adding flour for thickening, you don’t want to do this for a Southern soul food sweet potato pie because it could compromise the unique flavor.

How do you know when the filling is cooked?

A good indicator is seeing the center of the pie filling puffing in the oven, and the center should be firm and not runny or jiggly when you remove the pie from the oven.

How do you cut sweet potato pie?

One primary consideration when cutting your sweet potato pie is to let it set for at least 4 hours before cutting. Otherwise, the slices will fall apart like feta cheese! (Oh no!)

If you refrigerate your pie before cutting it, you’ll have a perfect uniform slice with every cut! Then, wipe off the knife with a damp cloth after each slice to cut cleanly through to the bottom of the pie.

What do you serve with Black folks’ Southern sweet potato pie?

If you’re looking for classic soul food recipes like sweet potato casserole and other authentic Southern soul food recipes to serve with your sweet potato pie, look no further than these delicious ideas in my post HERE about what to serve with sweet potato pie.

Do you serve sweet potato pie hot or cold?

This Southern recipe can be served both ways. So it’s entirely up to your personal preference – hot, cold, or even room temperature!

The best time to serve sweet potato pie is after it has completely cooled down. Then you can add a layer or dollop of Southern hospitality homemade cream cheese spread! 

Does this recipe make two pies or one?

Depending on how deep of a dish your pie pan is, you’ll probably have leftover mashed sweet potatoes to make another. You could also make mini-Southern sweet potato pies with any leftover pie filling.

Why is your sweet potato pie runny?

If your sweet potato pie turns out runny after baking – don’t fret! Instead, put it back in the oven for five-minute intervals until the filling is puffed and firm in the center.

How do you keep your sweet potato pie crust from getting soggy?

Southern Living suggests this tip: “Chill the pie shell until firm before placing it in the oven. Cold pastry going into a hot oven is key to a flaky crust.”

How do you keep your pie crust edges from burning?

Unlike some pie recipes, this Southern sweet potato pie does not require preheating the empty pie crust. Doing so can cause the edges to burn. Instead, cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent them from overcooking or burning.

Can you make sweet potato pie ahead of time?

Suppose you’re making sweet potato pie for a holiday. In that case, it’s a good idea to make your sweet potato pie masterpiece ahead of time. (Assuming, of course, that you have the refrigerator space.) Just remember to wrap it tightly and keep it in the fridge because this recipe calls for eggs.

How to store and reheat sweet potato pie

Sweet potato pie should be refrigerated for up to five days. After all, this recipe calls for milk and eggs! It can be quickly rewarmed in the oven or, by the slice, in the microwave, being careful not to overheat if you’ve added the layer of homemade sweet cream cheese.

You can also freeze whole sweet potato pies or leftover pie by the slice for up to three months. First, wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, or seal in an airtight container.

Classic soul food sweet potato pie 
Get the original soul food Black Folks sweet potato pie recipe below!

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