Bojangles Sweet Potato Pie Copycat Recipe
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| Creamy sweet potato filling, warm cinnamon spice, and a flaky crust make this copycat Bojangles pie taste like pure Southern comfort. |
If you love that warm, cozy Bojangles sweet potato pie, you are in the right place. This easy copycat recipe brings those soft, spiced, creamy bites home in a simple way. It has a flaky crust, a smooth sweet potato filling, and that classic holiday-style flavor people crave all year long.
This recipe is made for home cooks in the USA who want a sweet potato pie copycat recipe that feels familiar, tastes comforting, and does not require fancy tools. Whether you are making dessert for Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, or just because you want a slice with coffee, this one is a keeper.
Why People Love Bojangles and Its Sweet Potato Pie
Bojangles is a well-known Southern fast food restaurant loved for bold comfort food flavors. It built a loyal fan base with seasoned fried chicken, biscuits, tea, and warm sides that feel like home. For many people, a stop at Bojangles is not just about a meal. It is about that familiar Southern comfort.
Their sweet potato pie stands out because it is rich, lightly spiced, smooth, and tucked into a tender crust. It has that deep orange color that looks beautiful on the table, and the filling tastes buttery, mellow, and sweet without going over the top. Every bite feels soft and cozy, almost like pumpkin pie’s sweeter Southern cousin.
While Bojangles is a brand name, this is our own copycat-style version inspired by the taste and texture fans enjoy. We are not claiming this is the actual restaurant recipe. Instead, this is a homemade version made to capture that same comforting feel.
What Makes This Copycat Sweet Potato Pie So Good
This pie works because it keeps things simple. Roasted or cooked sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Brown sugar adds a warm, almost caramel note. Cinnamon and nutmeg round it all out. Then the eggs help the filling bake up soft and sliceable.
If pumpkin pie is the sweater of fall desserts, sweet potato pie is the soft quilt. It is warm, familiar, and hard to stop eating after one slice.
- Easy to make with simple pantry staples
- Great for holidays and family dinners
- Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly
- Rich Southern flavor with a smooth filling
Ingredients for Bojangles Sweet Potato Pie Copycat
This recipe makes 8 servings, or one 9-inch pie.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, about 2 medium-large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional for serving:
- Whipped cream
- A light dusting of cinnamon
- Chopped pecans
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Nutrition
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 50 to 60 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes, plus cooling time
- Yield: 8 slices
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 360
- Carbs: 41g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the crust and exact ingredients used.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- 9-inch pie plate if not using a frozen crust in its own pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer, potato masher, fork, or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Knife for checking doneness if needed
How to Make This Sweet Potato Pie
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 350°F. Place a baking sheet on the counter and set your pie crust on it. Baking the pie on a sheet makes it easier to move and can catch any drips.
Step 2: Cook the sweet potatoes.
If your sweet potatoes are not already cooked, you have a couple easy options. You can bake them at 400°F for about 45 to 60 minutes until fork-tender, or peel and boil chunks for about 15 to 20 minutes until soft. Drain well if boiling. Let them cool enough to handle.
Step 3: Mash until smooth.
Scoop out the sweet potato flesh if you baked them. Mash it very well. You want 2 cups of mashed sweet potato. Try to remove lumps so the pie filling turns out silky and smooth. A hand mixer or food processor makes this extra easy.
Step 4: Mix the filling.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets evenly mixed.
Step 5: Fill the crust.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Spread the top gently with a spatula so it is even.
Step 6: Bake the pie.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should be mostly set with just a slight jiggle. The edges will look firmer than the middle. If the crust starts browning too fast, loosely cover the edges with foil.
Step 7: Check for doneness safely.
Because this pie contains eggs, it should be baked until fully set and safe to eat. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the center should read 160°F. That is the safe temperature for egg-based pies. Do not overbake, though, or the filling may crack.
Step 8: Cool completely.
Place the pie on a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This matters more than people think. A hot pie looks done, but the filling continues to set as it cools. If you cut too soon, it may be too soft.
Step 9: Slice and serve.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Add whipped cream if you like. A little sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it look bakery-worthy with almost no effort.
Helpful Tips for the Best Copycat Sweet Potato Pie
- Use sweet potatoes, not yams. In many grocery stores the labels get mixed up, so check the flesh color and shape. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are what you want here.
- Do not skip smoothing the filling. Lumps can make the pie feel heavy instead of creamy.
- Let it cool fully before slicing. This gives you cleaner slices.
- Try roasted sweet potatoes. Roasting brings out deeper flavor and less extra moisture than boiling.
- Use a pie shield or foil if the crust gets too dark before the center finishes baking.
Easy Shortcuts for Busy Cooks
Need to make this easy sweet potato pie recipe even simpler? I get it. Some days you want homemade flavor without turning the kitchen upside down.
- Use canned sweet potato puree: If you can find plain sweet potato puree, it works well. Just make sure it is not pre-sweetened pie filling.
- Use a refrigerated pie crust: No shame in that at all. It saves time and still tastes great.
- Cook the potatoes ahead: Bake or boil them the day before and refrigerate.
- Freeze the pie: Bake, cool fully, wrap well, and freeze for later.
If you are planning a holiday menu, making this pie a day ahead is actually a smart move. The flavor settles in nicely overnight.
Allergy Swaps and Dietary Modifications
One thing that sets a good recipe apart is flexibility. Here are some easy ways to adjust this Southern sweet potato pie recipe for different needs.
For dairy-free:
- Use dairy-free butter sticks instead of regular butter.
- Replace evaporated milk with full-fat canned coconut milk or an unsweetened creamy oat milk creamer.
For gluten-free:
- Use a gluten-free 9-inch pie crust.
- Double-check all packaged ingredients, especially crusts and spice blends.
For lower sugar:
- Reduce the granulated sugar slightly and let the natural sweet potato flavor shine more.
- Use a brown sugar substitute that measures like sugar if desired.
For egg-free:
- Use a plant-based egg replacer designed for baking.
- You can also test 1/4 cup plain pumpkin puree plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch per egg, though the texture may be a bit softer.
For vegan:
- Use a vegan pie crust.
- Swap the butter for plant-based butter.
- Use coconut milk or rich non-dairy creamer in place of evaporated milk.
- Use a reliable egg replacer for all 3 ingredients that need binding and structure from the eggs.
For nut-free:
- This filling is naturally nut-free, but always check your pie crust and toppings.
- Skip pecans if serving to someone with a nut allergy.
For soy-free:
- Choose soy-free dairy-free butter and soy-free crust if needed.
- Read labels carefully on store-bought shortcuts.
For paleo-inspired adjustments:
- Use a grain-free pie crust.
- Swap refined sugar for coconut sugar or maple sugar.
- Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
If you are cooking for a group, it helps to label the pie clearly. It sounds simple, but it can save someone from a rough night at the table.
How to Store and Reheat
Because this pie contains eggs and milk, it should not sit out too long after cooling.
- Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve chilled or room temp: Both are delicious.
Food safety note: After the pie has cooled, refrigerate it within 2 hours. If reheating a slice, warm it until hot throughout. If you are using an instant-read thermometer for leftovers, reheating to 165°F is a safe target.
Serving Ideas
This homemade Bojangles sweet potato pie copycat is lovely on its own, but a few extras can make it feel even more special.
- Top with whipped cream and cinnamon
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Pair with hot coffee or sweet tea
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer dessert
I personally love it cold the next day with coffee. It is one of those desserts that somehow tastes even better after the flavors have had time to settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned yams?
Yes, but drain them well and mash until smooth. Also check whether they are packed in syrup. If they are, reduce the sugar a little.
Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it is a great make-ahead dessert. Bake it the day before, cool it, and refrigerate.
Why did my pie crack?
Usually that means it baked a little too long. Pull it when the center still has a slight jiggle and it reaches 160°F.
Is sweet potato pie the same as pumpkin pie?
Not quite. They are similar, but sweet potato pie is usually denser, creamier, and has a deeper natural sweetness.
Share Your Pie
If you make this copycat Bojangles sweet potato pie recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or did you try one of the allergy-friendly swaps? Maybe you added extra cinnamon, a pecan topping, or a homemade crust.
Leave a comment and share your tips. And if this recipe brought a little Southern comfort to your table, send it to a friend or save it for the holidays. Good recipes are even better when they get passed around.
Disclaimer
This is a copycat recipe created for home cooks and is inspired by the flavor and style of Bojangles Sweet Potato Pie. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Bojangles in any way. This recipe is an original interpretation, and no knowledge of the actual restaurant recipe is implied.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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