Sweet potato pie is especially associated with which U.S. region?

Sweet potato pie is especially associated with the Southern United States.

The pie became part of Southern food traditions because sweet potatoes grew well in the region and were widely used in home cooking. Its history also reflects African American culinary traditions, as cooks adapted locally available sweet potatoes into a smooth, spiced custard baked in pastry.

Sweet potato pie is particularly prominent at Thanksgiving and Christmas in many Southern households. It is often compared with pumpkin pie, but the two desserts developed different regional reputations: pumpkin pie became especially prominent in northern and national holiday traditions, while sweet potato pie remained a signature of Southern and soul-food cooking.

The association does not mean the dessert is exclusive to the South. Families across the United States make it, and recipes vary widely in sweetness, spices, and texture. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, evaporated milk, eggs, and mashed sweet potatoes are common ingredients, though individual family recipes may use butter, brown sugar, or other flavorings.