Sweet Potato Cobbler Recipe

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Sweet Potato Cobbler

Ingredients

This recipe yields 12 servings.

For the Filling:

• 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 5 cups water, or as needed to cover
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed

For the Cobbler Assembly:

• 4 refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Place the sweet potatoes and water in a large Dutch oven. Heat over medium heat until steam begins to rise from the pot. Add coconut sugar, white sugar, butter, vanilla bean paste, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. Cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to a very low simmer.

Step 2: Quickly remove about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the pot into a small bowl. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour until a paste forms, with the consistency of thick pancake batter, ensuring there are no lumps. Add additional flour if needed. Gradually stir the flour paste into the sweet potato mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Stir gently to incorporate everything. Remove from heat, cover, and let it cool for about 15 minutes to allow it to thicken further.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch deep dish baking pan with 2 of the pie crusts. Use a fork to poke holes all over the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the crust begins to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, but do not turn it off.

Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, transfer enough sweet potatoes into the baking pan to generously fill the crust, mounding them slightly toward the center. Scoop the cooking liquid over the sweet potatoes until the crust is full but not overflowing. Set aside any remaining sweet potatoes and liquid for another use.

Step 5: Roll out the remaining 2 pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into 3/4-inch strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Weave the strips into a lattice design over the sweet potatoes in the baking pan.

Step 6: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the lattice top.

Step 7: Return the cobbler to the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is thickened and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	621
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	399mg
Total Carbohydrate	92g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Total Sugars	42g
Protein	6g
Vitamin C	18mg
Calcium	70mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	523mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This delicious sweet potato cobbler has a warm-spiced sweet potato filling and is great for fall and the holidays. Below, we'll explore its origin, regional variations, and more interesting facts about this dish.

History and Origins

The sweet potato cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that has been enjoyed in the United States for generations. Sweet potatoes were first cultivated in Central and South America, but their widespread use in American cooking can be traced back to Native American traditions. The dish itself likely evolved from simpler pies and tarts made with locally available ingredients such as sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices. Over time, the cobbler formatwhere a dough or crust is placed over a fruit or vegetable fillingbecame popular. The addition of sweet potatoes was a natural choice due to their sweetness and hearty texture, making this cobbler a beloved dish, particularly in the South, where sweet potatoes are a staple crop.

Regional Variations

Sweet potato cobbler has various regional adaptations, with the most well-known versions coming from the Southern United States. In the South, the cobbler is often served as a dessert at holiday gatherings, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The spicing in the cobbler can vary, with some recipes incorporating nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice for a warm, fragrant flavor. In some regions, pecans or other nuts might be added to the topping for extra texture. In other areas, it may be paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. While the classic recipe calls for pie crust, in some variations, biscuit dough is used instead, resulting in a more cake-like texture. The versatility of this dish ensures its place in many family traditions, especially as a comforting fall treat.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Sweet potato cobbler is often confused with sweet potato pie, another classic Southern dish. While both use sweet potatoes as their primary ingredient, the main difference lies in their construction. A sweet potato pie is made with a smooth, custard-like filling encased in a single pie crust, and it's often flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. On the other hand, sweet potato cobbler has a more rustic, hearty filling and is topped with a dough crust, often in the form of a lattice pattern. The texture of the cobbler is also different, with the filling being slightly thicker and the crust offering a more substantial contrast to the soft potatoes.

Where It's Typically Served

Sweet potato cobbler is a dish that's often associated with comfort food, particularly in the American South. It is a staple at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday meals, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its warm, spiced flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to fall and winter meals. While it is most popular in the Southern states, its deliciousness has made it a beloved dessert throughout the United States. It's typically served as a dessert, but some people even enjoy it as a side dish, especially when paired with roasted meats like turkey or ham. Whether served warm on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, sweet potato cobbler is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Interesting Facts

• Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, making them not only delicious but also nutritious.
• The Southern United States produces the majority of the countrys sweet potatoes, especially in North Carolina, which is the leading state for production.
• Sweet potato cobbler, while not as widely known as apple cobbler, has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially as people seek out more diverse and flavorful desserts.
• In some variations of sweet potato cobbler, marshmallows are added to the top, creating a sweet and gooey topping that adds to the comfort-food appeal of the dish.
• Despite its humble origins, sweet potato cobbler is often served at upscale restaurants and holiday tables as a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition.

FAQ about Sweet Potato Cobbler Recipe