If you adore the comforting flavors of classic Southern desserts, get ready to fall head over heels for these Sweet Potato Pie Bars! They take all the cozy, spiced, creamy goodness of a sweet potato pie and serve it up in the most snackable, shareable way. Perfect for gatherings or simply to treat yourself, these bars offer a buttery graham crust, a silky-smooth sweet potato filling, and just the right touch of autumn spices. Whether you’re plotting a holiday table or a weeknight dessert, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple staples, you can make Sweet Potato Pie Bars that taste like pure nostalgia. Every ingredient here plays its part in building the flavor, texture, and vibrant color that makes these bars irresistible. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base for the crust, these crumbs offer a sweet, slightly crunchy foundation.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Holds your crust together and adds rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to both the crust and the filling.
- Mashed cooked sweet potatoes: The star of the show — lending gorgeous color, sweetness, and creamy texture.
- Brown sugar, packed: Deepens the sweetness and brings a hint of molasses to the filling.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the filling and giving it a custardy feel.
- Evaporated milk: Ensures you get that ultra-smooth, creamy pie texture in every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices and enhances the sweet potato flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic pie spice aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Gives the bars a hint of festive spice.
- Ground ginger: Lends a subtle zing that brightens up the filling.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance everything out and deepen those warm flavors.
- Whipped cream (optional): The crowning touch for serving, adding lightness and a little luxury to the finished bars.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This little step is a true game-changer — it makes removing your Sweet Potato Pie Bars a breeze, ensuring every bar comes out neat and easy to serve.
Step 2: Build the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium-size bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until everything resembles moist sand. Then, press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The crust should feel stable and slightly compact so it holds up under the creamy filling.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk or stir until everything is completely smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This gorgeous, sunny-orange blend will become the soul of your bars!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the sweet potato filling right over the graham cracker crust and gently spread it out with a spatula so it’s even from edge to edge. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently nudge the pan. The aroma at this point is pure heaven!
Step 5: Cool and Slice Into Bars
Now comes the hardest part: letting your Sweet Potato Pie Bars cool completely. Cooling is key for clean slices and a creamy texture, so give them time! Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment edges, slice into squares, and get ready to dig in. Top the bars with whipped cream if you wish, and savor every bite.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Sweet Potato Pie Bars with creamy swirls of whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a pecan half on each bar. For a touch of elegance, a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup is absolutely delightful!
Side Dishes
Since these bars are sweet and cozy, they pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at a holiday meal, they make a lovely dessert alongside a light fruit salad or citrusy sorbet for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your Sweet Potato Pie Bars into bite-sized, two-bite squares and arrange on a pretty platter. Layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream for a playful twist, or wrap individual bars in parchment for a grab-and-go treat at potlucks and picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Sweet Potato Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens overnight, making them even more irresistible the next day!
Freezing
These bars freeze quite well. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for an hour or two.
Reheating
While these bars are fabulous served chilled, if you prefer them a bit warm, you can reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it — you want them soft and creamy, not hot and steamy!
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes or yam puree for Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
Yes, you absolutely can use canned sweet potatoes or yam puree in a pinch! Just be sure to drain any syrup and mash them well so the filling comes out nice and smooth. If using canned purée, ensure it’s unsweetened so you can control the sweetness yourself.
How can I make these bars dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Sweet Potato Pie Bars, substitute a vegan butter or coconut oil for the melted butter and use canned coconut milk in place of evaporated milk. Double check that your graham crackers are also dairy-free!
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
For the smoothest filling, bake or boil your sweet potatoes until completely tender, then peel and mash them with a potato masher or fork. For extra creaminess, you can run the mash through a food processor or blender for a silky-smooth consistency.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may need a slight adjustment, so keep an eye out and check doneness with the classic center jiggle test.
Can I make Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars actually taste even better when made a day ahead. Simply refrigerate after cooling and slice just before serving. This makes them ideal for holiday prep or anytime you want dessert ready and waiting.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Pie Bars bring together everything we love about comforting, homemade desserts. They’re easy to whip up, gorgeous on the table, and bursting with warm, nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, give these bars a try — I think you’ll fall in love and find yourself making them again and again!
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Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with these Sweet Potato Pie Bars. A perfect combination of a buttery crust and a creamy sweet potato filling, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. These bars are a must-have for any holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a twist, use a shortbread crust instead of graham crackers.
- These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
