“NanaTee, is the pone done yet?”
That’s what the grandkids ask when the whole house smells like cinnamon and brown sugar.
I’m Tina, Certified Aromatherapist since 2013. In Pearl River, I’m NanaTee. And my MawMaw taught me this recipe.
Sweet Potato Pone.
Not pie. Not casserole. It’s a dense, moist, caramelized cake that tastes like Thanksgiving and Christmas in one bite.
Pawpaw calls it “Cajun candy.”
I call it tradition.
We make this for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any Sunday when I want the house to smell like love.
WHY THIS RECIPE IS SPECIAL
1. **Old School** - This is how they made it before sweet potato pie was a thing
2. **No crust to mess up** - Just mash, mix, and bake
3. **Feeds a crowd** - One 9x13 pan serves 12 people
4. **Better next day** - The flavor gets deeper
MawMaw used to bring this to church. 3 ladies asked for the recipe before she left.
NANATEE’S HOLIDAY KITCHEN KIT
You can make pone with any old bowl. But these 3 make it smooth, easy, and perfect for gifting.
I put everything I use in one place. Click once. Get it all before the holidays.
Shop NanaTee’s Holiday Baking Kit → [Linked HERE]
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. VOOVAO 2 PCS POTATO SMASHER SET
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Lumps are NOT welcome in pone. This 2-piece set gets your sweet potatoes smooth without gluey texture.
NanaTee’s Rule: Use the wavy one first, then the smooth one. Perfect mash every time.
Shop NanaTee’s Holiday Baking Kit → [Linked HERE]
2. PYREX DEEP 9X13 GLASS BAKING DISH WITH LID
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Deep dish = thick pone with that caramelized top. Glass lets you see when the edges get brown. Lid = take it to church/office parties easy.
NanaTee’s Rule: Deep dish only. Shallow pans make it dry.
Shop NanaTee’s Holiday Baking Kit → [Linked HERE]
3. MICROPLANE CLASSIC ZESTER GRATER
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Fresh nutmeg and orange zest is the secret. This grater makes it like dust.
NanaTee’s Rule: Grate fresh. Pre-ground spices can’t touch this.
Shop NanaTee’s Holiday Baking Kit → [Linked HERE]
Get all 3 in one cart → [Linked HERE]
CAJUN SWEET POTATO PONE RECIPE
Makes: 12 servings | Prep: 25 min | Bake: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs orange sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup self-rising flour
Instructions:
1. **BOIL + MASH** - Boil sweet potatoes until soft. Drain. Use potato smasher to mash until smooth. No lumps.
2. **MIX WET** - Add brown sugar, white sugar, evaporated milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk well.
3. **ADD SPICES** - Use Microplane to grate fresh nutmeg + orange zest right into the bowl. Add cinnamon, salt, flour.
4. **BAKE** - Pour into greased Pyrex 9x13 deep dish. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 min. Top should be dark and caramelized.
5. **REST** - Let cool 20 min. It sets up as it cools. Slice and serve warm.
NANATEE’S “DON’T MESS IT UP” WARNING
I’ve had ladies tell me “Mine was dry.”
Here’s why:
**Used shallow pan** | Baked too fast, dried out
**Use deep 9x13 dish**
**Didn’t mash smooth** | Lumpy texture
**Use potato smasher** not fork
**Skipped fresh nutmeg** | Tastes flat
**Use Microplane** to grate fresh
Save yourself the holiday stress. Shop the kit → [Linked HERE]
FREEBIE: NANATEE’S HOLIDAY MENU PLANNER
Want my full Thanksgiving + Christmas menu with timing?
Comment “HOLIDAY” below and I’ll DM you my printable planner.
YOUR TURN
Team Sweet Potato Pone or Team Sweet Potato Pie?
Team Warm or Team Cold Leftovers?
Drop it below. I’m nosy.
With love, a caramelized top, and sweet potatoes boiling,
NanaTee
P.S. This makes the BEST hostess gift. Bake it in the Pyrex with lid. Wrap a bow. Done.
P.P.S. Pin this recipe. Every Cajun kitchen needs this for the holidays.
Important Note:
Let cool before slicing for clean pieces.
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