Alright, y’all—pull up a chair and get ready for a recipe that’s pure comfort food. This is my Grandma’s Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler, and let me tell ya, it’s sweeter than a summer porch swing and as cozy as your favorite cardigan.
Why You’ll Love It
I’m not even kidding—this cobbler combines the rich sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with golden-brown crust and a hit of cinnamon. If you’re the type who loves classic Southern dessert recipes or you want something that’ll wow at a family gathering, this is it. Plus, it’s full of sweet potato nutrition and warm spice aroma.
Key benefits:
- Sweet potato goodness: packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Sweet spice flavor: cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar—just enough cozy warmth.
- Homestyle charm: takes you back to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s.
Ingredients
Here’s your shopping list:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potato (about 2–3 medium sweet potatoes, baked & scooped)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, your call)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- For the topping:
- ¾ cup all‑purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ¼ cup milk
Directions (Step‑by‑Step)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9″ baking dish.
- Bake and mash sweet potatoes if you haven’t already. Let them cool, then scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugars, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Spread in pan: Pour the sweet potato mixture into your greased baking dish and even it out with a spatula.
- Topping time: In a separate bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just moistened.
- Drop topping: Dollop spoonfuls of the topping all over the sweet potato base—you don’t have to cover it completely. It will bake into a crisp, cake‑like top.
- Bake: Place in your oven for about 35–40 minutes. The top should turn golden and a toothpick in the filling should come out clean.
- Cool & serve: Let it rest for at least 10 minutes so flavors set. Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Quick‑Tip Side Notes (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a shortcut?)
- Speedy mash: Bake your sweet potatoes a day ahead and stash them in the fridge. That way, come cobbler time, they’re ready to go.
- Crust hack: If you’re pressed for time, you can just sprinkle mini marshmallows on top instead of making the crumb topping—think sweet potato marshmallow mash-up!
- Spice swap: No nutmeg? No problem—bump up the cinnamon by ½ tsp or add a pinch of all‑spice for warmth.
Why It’s a Southern Classic
This sweetheart of a dish shows off what Southern home cooking is all about: simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and a touch of nostalgia. Grandma used to serve this after Sunday supper with fried chicken and collard greens. You’d dig in with good company, maybe fiddle with a cornbread crumb or two. The kitchen smelled incredible for hours.
Serving Suggestions
This cobbler pairs beautifully with:
- Scoop of vanilla ice cream (cold vs. warm contrast—perfect)
- Whipped cream or crème fraîche to lighten it up
- A sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch
- A mug of hot coffee or spiced tea on the side
Storing & Reheating
- To store: Cover leftovers and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for about 15–20 minutes; or zap in the microwave for 1–2 minutes (just a heads-up—the topping won’t stay crisp).
- Freezing tip: Bake the cobbler, cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or freezer‑safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Closing Thoughts
Honestly, I’ve tried a bunch of sweet potato cobbler variations, but nothing hits like Grandma’s version. It’s like a cozy hug in baked form—sweet, spiced, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re serving for the holidays or just because life needs some comfort food magic, you’re gonna get rave reviews.
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