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Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie – A Soulful Southern Classic from The Soul Food Pot

Few desserts carry the same warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort as a classic Sweet Potato Pie. And when it comes to the most famous version of them all, the Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie, you know you’re about to experience something truly special. This legendary dessert, celebrated by The Soul Food Pot, captures the essence of Southern baking — buttery, spiced, and silky smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of pie that reminds you of family gatherings, laughter in the kitchen, and holidays spent around the table. Made with fresh sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this pie achieves that perfect creamy texture and deep flavor that defines soul food desserts. Each slice melts in your mouth, balancing sweetness with spice in the most comforting way. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Sunday dinner with loved ones, Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie isn’t just dessert — it’s a tradition, a memory, and a little slice of soulful joy.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what you’ll need to make the iconic Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie:
🍠 Vegetables
  • 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
🥚 Fresh Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
🥫 Pantry Items
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
🧈 Dairy
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
🥧 Pie Crust
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust homemade or store-bought
  • That’s all it takes — simple soulful ingredients that come together to create the perfect pie filling: creamy, rich, and spiced to perfection.

Equipment

  • Before you begin, gather these kitchen essentials to make your pie-making smooth and stress-free:
  • Large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
  • potato masher or hand mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch pie dish (or store-bought pie crust shell)
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack
  • With these tools, you’ll be able to create a pie that’s creamy, fragrant, and beautifully golden every time.

Method
 

  1. Follow these easy steps to make your Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into medium-sized chunks.
  2. Place them in a large pot and cover with water.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mash or Blend the Potatoes
  1. Place the warm sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mash with a potato masher until smooth, or use a hand mixer for a creamier texture.
  3. Measure out 2 cups of mashed sweet potato for the pie filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Add the butter to the warm mashed sweet potatoes and mix until fully melted and incorporated.
  3. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Add the evaporated milk and eggs, whisking until smooth and well combined.
  5. The mixture should be silky, slightly thick, and fragrant with warm spices.
Step 4: Prepare the Crust
  1. If using a store-bought pie crust, allow it to thaw completely before filling.
  2. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish and gently press into the edges.
  3. If making your own crust, pre-bake (blind bake) for about 10 minutes to prevent sogginess.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
  1. Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out clean.
  3. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
  2. The filling will continue to set as it cools.
  3. Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
  4. The result? A buttery, golden pie with a custard-like filling and the unmistakable aroma of holiday spices — the true taste of soul food tradition.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Let the pie cool completely before storing.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15–20 seconds for a quick treat.
Freezing
Wrap the pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
🥄 Variations
The Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie is a soulful classic, but you can easily give it your own delicious twist:
Maple Sweet Potato Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup for a rich fall flavor.
Coconut Sweet Potato Pie: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded coconut and a splash of coconut milk.
Brown Sugar Version: Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
Pecan Topped Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
Creamy Cheesecake Blend: Swirl in a layer of sweetened cream cheese for a decadent fusion dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for an autumn-inspired flavor.
Honey-Sweetened Pie: Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
Nut-Free Crust Option: Use a graham cracker crust or oat-based crust for a rustic touch.
Mini Sweet Potato Pies: Use muffin tins for bite-sized versions — perfect for parties!
Lemon Essence: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright contrast to the rich filling.
Each variation enhances the pie’s warmth and personality while keeping the original Southern soul intact.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What makes Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie famous?
It’s famous for its silky texture, balanced sweetness, and authentic Southern flavor — a beloved recipe that became a national sensation.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, in a pinch you can use canned yams, but fresh sweet potatoes deliver a richer flavor and better texture.
3. What’s the best crust to use?
A traditional buttery pie crust works best, but you can also use a graham cracker crust for a modern twist.
4. How do I know when the pie is done?
The center should be just set — it will jiggle slightly but firm up as it cools.
5. Can I make this pie without dairy?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan margarine and evaporated milk with coconut or almond milk.
6. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Definitely. The pie can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
7. How do I prevent cracks in my pie?
Avoid overbaking. Remove the pie when the edges are firm but the center still has a slight wobble.
8. What’s the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?
Sweet potato pie is richer, less spiced, and has a denser texture compared to the lighter pumpkin version.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
10. What should I serve it with?
It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
🏁 Conclusion
The Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie, as shared by The Soul Food Pot, is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of heritage, flavor, and love. Every bite tells a story of tradition, passed down through generations of Southern kitchens where the simplest ingredients became the most cherished dishes.
This pie’s smooth, buttery filling and aromatic spices create a perfect harmony of sweetness and warmth. It’s the taste of family gatherings, holidays, and joyful memories — a dessert that brings people together.
Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply because your soul needs a little sweetness, this pie embodies the essence of home cooking at its finest.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet potatoes. With one slice of this Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie, you’ll understand why it’s a soul food legend.