Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler

A Classic Southern Dessert with Warm Spices and Buttery Crust

Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler is a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that brings together tender slices of sweet potatoes, a rich spiced syrup, and a buttery, biscuit-style crust. Deeply rooted in Southern home cooking, this cobbler is especially popular during fall and winter holidays, but it’s just as welcome any time you crave something cozy and satisfying.

Unlike sweet potato pie, this cobbler features sliced or chunked sweet potatoes baked directly in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced sauce. As it bakes, the potatoes become tender and caramelized, while the crust rises to the top, creating a golden, slightly crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling beneath.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Sweet Potato Filling

4 medium sweet potatoes (about 900 g / 2 lb)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
1½ cups water
½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
¼ tsp salt

For the Cobbler Crust

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup whole milk

Equipment Needed

23 × 33 cm (9 × 13-inch) baking dish
Saucepan
Mixing bowls
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes (15 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or half-moons. Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.

Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the baking dish.

2. Make the Spiced Syrup (10 minutes)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat (160–170°C / 320–340°F stovetop equivalent), combine:

Water
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Butter

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts. Add the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Carefully pour the hot syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.

3. Prepare the Cobbler Batter (5 minutes)

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. The batter will be thick but pourable.

4. Assemble the Cobbler (5 minutes)

Spoon the cobbler batter evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Do not stir—as it bakes, the batter will rise and form the crust on top while the sweet potatoes remain beneath.

5. Bake the Cobbler (55–60 minutes)

Place the baking dish on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 55–60 minutes, or until:

The top is golden brown
The sweet potatoes are fork-tender
The syrup is bubbling around the edges

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.

6. Rest Before Serving (20 minutes)

Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This helps the syrup thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler is best served warm, with:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
A drizzle of heavy cream

It’s a perfect dessert for:

Sunday dinners
Thanksgiving and Christmas
Potlucks and family gatherings

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Cobbler

Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and color
Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking
Do not overmix the batter—this keeps the crust tender
Adjust spices to taste if you prefer more or less warmth

Storage and Reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes
Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave

Final Thoughts

Southern Sweet Potato Cobbler is a timeless dessert that captures the heart of Southern comfort food—simple ingredients, warm spices, and rich, homemade flavor. Whether served at a holiday table or a casual family meal, this cobbler delivers sweetness, warmth, and nostalgia in every bite.