Description
Southern Sweet Potato Pone is a rich, comforting dessert deeply rooted in Southern cooking traditions. Unlike a classic sweet potato pie, sweet potato pone has a denser texture, almost like a cross between pudding, custard, and cake. It’s warmly spiced, buttery, naturally sweet, and baked until the edges caramelize into irresistible golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Additions
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then boil or bake them until fork tender.
Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or coconut over the top.
Place the dish into the oven and bake for 55–70 minutes.
The edges should become beautifully caramelized while the center remains moist but set.
Insert a knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean with slight moisture.
Allow the sweet potato pone to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs, as this can affect the final texture.
Fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture. Canned sweet potatoes may contain excess moisture and sweetness.
The top should become lightly caramelized during baking. This creates the classic old-fashioned Southern flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 calories per serving
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g