Best Vegan Soul Food Recipe Sweet Potato Pie You’ll Love

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Few desserts capture the heart and soul of Southern cooking quite like sweet potato pie. Traditionally rich, creamy, and gently spiced, this classic treat is a symbol of comfort, family, and celebration.

But what if you could enjoy all the nostalgia and flavor of this beloved dessert while keeping it completely plant-based? Enter the best vegan soul food recipe: sweet potato pie.

This recipe transforms the classic into a dairy-free, egg-free wonder that’s every bit as decadent as the original. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-intolerant, or simply love exploring new ways to enjoy classic dishes, this sweet potato pie will win you over with its silky filling, flaky crust, and perfectly balanced spices.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making an incredible vegan sweet potato pie that will fool even the most devoted traditionalists. You’ll discover tips for the creamiest filling, how to make a foolproof vegan crust, and plenty of suggestions to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ready to bring a little soul to your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to coconut milk and mashed sweet potatoes, this pie is lusciously smooth and satisfying.
  • Classic Soul Food Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla give this pie a deeply comforting, nostalgic taste.
  • Completely Vegan: No eggs or dairy needed—this pie is 100% plant-based and crowd-pleasing.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect dessert for holidays or gatherings.
  • Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free or nut-free as needed.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best vegan soul food sweet potato pie:

Ingredient Amount Notes
Sweet potatoes 2 large (about 2 pounds) Roasted or boiled until soft
Vegan pie crust 1 (9-inch) Homemade or store-bought
Coconut milk (full-fat, canned) 3/4 cup For creaminess
Brown sugar 3/4 cup (packed) Or coconut sugar
Cornstarch 2 tablespoons For thickening
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons Adds depth of flavor
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons For warmth
Ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons Classic spice
Ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon Freshly grated if possible
Ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon Optional
Salt 1/4 teaspoon Balances sweetness
Vegan butter 2 tablespoons, melted Optional, for a richer filling

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or potato masher
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet (to catch drips)
  • Aluminum foil or pie shield (optional, for crust edges)
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Scrub the sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork.
    • Place on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until very tender. Alternatively, you can boil peeled, chopped sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes.
    • Allow to cool, then peel and mash until smooth (you should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potato).
  2. Lower Oven Temperature:

    • Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Prepare the Filling:

    • In a large mixing bowl, add mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), salt, and melted vegan butter.
    • Use a hand mixer or potato masher to blend everything together until completely smooth and creamy.
    • Taste and adjust spices or sweetness as desired.
  4. Assemble the Pie:

    • Place your vegan pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish (if using homemade, roll out as needed).
    • Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
    • Tap the pie dish gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  5. Bake:

    • Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes.
    • If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking.
    • The pie is ready when the center looks mostly set with a slight jiggle—it will firm up as it cools.
  6. Cool:

    • Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) before slicing.
    • This allows the filling to set for clean slices and the best texture.
  7. Serve:

    • Slice, serve, and enjoy as is, or top with vegan whipped cream or ice cream!

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra-smooth filling: Use a food processor or blender to puree the sweet potatoes and filling ingredients.
  • Want it gluten-free? Choose a gluten-free vegan pie crust or make your own using oat or almond flour.
  • Make it nut-free: Use soy milk or oat milk instead of coconut milk, and be sure your crust is nut-free.
  • Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of clove or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Make-ahead tip: This pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
  • Don’t skip cooling! The filling needs time to set fully after baking—resist the urge to cut in too early.

“Let the pie cool completely before slicing for the neatest pieces and the creamiest texture.”

If you’re looking for more vegan comfort food, check out this Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love collection for more plant-based classics.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size Calories Fat Carbohydrates Sugar Fiber Protein
1 slice (1/8 pie) 265 9g 43g 18g 4g 3g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on your crust and sweetener choices.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic: Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
  • For a special touch: Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
  • Holiday table: Pair with Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet Southern dessert spread.
  • With coffee or tea: The pie’s warming spices complement your favorite hot beverage.
  • For brunch: Enjoy a thin slice alongside fruit salad or as a sweet finish to a savory vegan meal.

Love baking? Try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for another comforting treat!

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about a homemade sweet potato pie—the way it fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and vanilla, the way it brings friends and family together around the table. This best vegan soul food recipe sweet potato pie delivers all the warmth, nostalgia, and soul of the classic, with a compassionate, plant-based twist.

Each bite is a tribute to tradition and a celebration of innovation, proving that you never have to sacrifice flavor or comfort to eat vegan.

Whether you’re making this pie for a holiday, a family gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how quickly it disappears! Don’t forget to experiment with your own favorite spices and toppings.

And if you’re in the mood for more vegan inspiration, check out our Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals or explore Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for your next kitchen adventure.

Happy baking—and here’s to soulful, sweet moments!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Soul Food Sweet Potato Pie

Description: This creamy, spiced vegan sweet potato pie is a soul food classic made entirely plant-based. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, it's a must-have for any holiday table.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H20M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 prepared vegan pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, peel and mash.
  3. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour filling into prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 1 hour, or until set and slightly golden.
  7. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 45g

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Marta K

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