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Close-up shot of Grandma's Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler in a baking dish with a golden, flaky top crust and bubbling spiced sweet potato filling.

Grandma’s Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler

Grandma’s Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler is an old-fashioned dessert full of tender sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a buttery crust baked to golden perfection. A true taste of Southern comfort!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and sliced (about 3 medium)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Crust
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup shortening or butter cold and cut into pieces
  • 5 tbsp ice water as needed to form dough

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan, add sliced sweet potatoes and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until just tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Add cooked sweet potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly.
  4. In another bowl, prepare the crust by mixing flour and salt. Cut in the butter or shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually until dough comes together.
  5. Divide dough in half. Roll one portion to fit the bottom of the baking dish. Place the sweet potato mixture over the crust, dot with butter, then top with the remaining rolled dough. Cut small slits for steam to escape.
  6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
  7. Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking. This cobbler tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.