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Classic Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler

A close-up, appetizing slice of moist sweet potato cobbler with a golden-brown top, served on a white plate.

Make this classic Southern sweet potato cobbler featuring a rich, spiced filling and a simple, buttery biscuit topping. This dessert is a comforting alternative to traditional sweet potato pie.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup milk for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, eggs, 1/2 cup milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until just combined. Pour this filling mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Prepare the topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Cut in the 1/4 cup cold butter pieces using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the 1/4 cup milk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the sweet potato filling. It does not need to cover the entire surface; gaps are fine.
  6. Brush the tops of the dough mounds lightly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with a little extra brown sugar, if desired.
  7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
  • You can use canned sweet potato puree, but ensure it is plain, not pie filling.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition