A slice of Southern comfort, baked with love and memories.
There’s something deeply nostalgic about the aroma of a sweet potato pie wafting through the kitchen — buttery, cinnamon-spiced, and irresistibly comforting. It’s more than just dessert; it’s a memory. A memory of grandma’s kitchen, of family gathered around the table, of laughter echoing through the house while a pie cools on the counter.
This Grandma’s Secret Sweet Potato Pie is that kind of recipe — timeless, heartwarming, and incredibly delicious. It’s simple enough for everyday baking, yet special enough to be the star of Thanksgiving dinner or Sunday supper.
Every family seems to have its own version of sweet potato pie, but this one? This one captures the heart of tradition — smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced with sweetness and spice. Let’s recreate that warmth, one slice at a time.
A Little History: The Soul of Southern Baking 🍠
Sweet potato pie has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, long before pumpkin pie ever made an appearance at the holiday table. Originating from African-American culinary traditions, it represents resourcefulness and creativity — turning simple, humble ingredients into something beautiful and comforting.
For many families, this pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a symbol of love passed down through generations. Grandma didn’t need fancy tools or high-end ingredients — just fresh sweet potatoes, a sturdy whisk, and a big heart.
When you bake this pie, you’re not just making dessert; you’re honoring a tradition that’s rich in flavor and even richer in meaning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make Grandma’s masterpiece. Just simple pantry staples that come together in the most magical way.
For the Pie Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crust:
- 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade — both work beautifully)