Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert. These bars combine the creamy, spiced filling of sweet potato pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening dessert, they’re a crowd-pleaser with their buttery crust and rich, flavorful filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
- Rich and Creamy: The sweet potato filling is luscious and spiced just right, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, even beginner bakers can make these pie bars effortlessly.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with your favorite spices or toppings like whipped cream or pecans.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
Directions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them into a smooth consistency. Let them cool.
- Make the Crust: Combine flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt to form a crumbly mixture. Press it into a prepared baking dish and bake until lightly golden.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugars, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the sweet potato mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy contrast.
- Maple Flavor: Swap some of the sugar with maple syrup for added depth and natural sweetness.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also enjoy them at room temperature.
- Freezing: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
How do I know when the sweet potato filling is done?
The filling is done when it is set and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes or yams can be used as a shortcut. Just make sure to drain and mash them well before using.
Do I need to prebake the crust?
Yes, prebaking the crust helps it stay crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What toppings go well with Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
Whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon are great choices.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use non-dairy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! Use a larger baking dish and double the ingredients for a bigger batch. Adjust baking time as needed.
Why are my bars cracking on top?
Cracks can occur if the filling is overbaked or the oven temperature is too high. Bake just until the filling is set.
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Yes, a graham cracker crust works beautifully and adds a slightly sweeter, crunchier base.
How do I prevent the crust from sticking?
Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delectable dessert that brings the comforting flavors of sweet potato pie into a portable, shareable treat. Whether you enjoy them as-is or add your favorite toppings, these bars are sure to be a hit at any occasion. Try them today and savor the perfect balance of creamy filling and buttery crust!
Print
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic sweet potato pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy sweet potato filling, and a hint of warm spices, these bars are perfect for fall gatherings or a simple family dessert. Easy to make and easy to serve, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the sweet potato mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Top with whipped cream and chopped pecans if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother filling, ensure the sweet potatoes are mashed thoroughly or processed in a blender.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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