The phrase refers to a specific culinary preparation involving a baked dessert, the primary ingredient of which consists of sweet potatoesoften sourced from commercially processed, pre-cooked yams preserved in canscombined with other ingredients such as spices, sugar, and eggs, typically within a pie crust. This dessert represents a variation of traditional sweet potato pie, utilizing a readily available and shelf-stable form of the root vegetable.
Employing this particular approach offers convenience and consistency in the pie-making process. Canned yams provide a uniform texture and sweetness, reducing variability that can occur when using fresh sweet potatoes. This is particularly beneficial for novice bakers or when time constraints are a factor. Historically, sweet potato pie has deep roots in Southern American cuisine, and adapting the recipe to include canned goods reflects evolving culinary practices and accessibility of ingredients.