Classic Southern Biscuits Made with Sweet Potatoes and Buttermilk
Few ingredients are more closely tied to Southern cooking than sweet potatoes, and these Sweet Potato Biscuits showcase why they’ve remained a favorite for generations. Soft, tender, and lightly sweetened with brown sugar, these golden biscuits have a delicate crumb and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with breakfast, holiday dinners, or a comforting Sunday meal.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe celebrates one of the South’s most treasured crops while honoring the African American culinary traditions that have long transformed simple pantry ingredients into memorable family favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup Butter Flavor Crisco, melted
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Makes: 12 to 16 biscuits
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, and melted Butter Flavor Crisco. Beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk.
- Gradually add the buttermilk mixture and the sweet potato mixture alternately to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut with a floured 2-inch round cutter.
- Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly browned and baked through.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite fruit preserves.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use freshly mashed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the biscuits soft and tender.
- Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for extra richness.
- Serve alongside fried chicken, baked ham, or barbecue for a classic Southern meal.
- Enjoy leftovers for breakfast with butter, cinnamon honey, or apple butter.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions, treasured family recipes, and the stories that connect generations. Through recipes and food memories contributed by families across the United States, the cookbook celebrates the importance of gathering around the table while honoring Black history, culture, and heritage.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a remarkable collection of heritage recipes, family traditions, and personal stories celebrating African American cooking, Southern hospitality, and the joy of bringing loved ones together through food.
