If you have a soft spot for comforting, crowd-pleasing desserts, then the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These bars capture all the warm, cozy flavors of classic sweet potato pie but in a simpler, sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings or casual get-togethers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a spiced sweet potato filling that’s perfectly smooth and rich, and an optional crunchy pecan topping, this recipe brings tradition and convenience together in a delightful way. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll find yourself making them again and again throughout fall and holiday seasons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create this delectable dessert. Each component plays its own important role—from the buttery crust to the spiced filling and optional crunchy topping that adds that extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The perfect base for a crisp and buttery crust that holds your bars together.
- Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and depth to both the crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for crust richness and flavor balance.
- Mashed cooked sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, providing creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Evaporated milk: Helps create a silky, custard-like filling.
- Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and help set the bars during baking.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that lifts the filling flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Classic warming spices that give the filling its signature cozy taste.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast on top.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Next, mix graham cracker crumbs with brown sugar and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid crust. Bake it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden color—this step ensures a crisp base that holds up beautifully against the creamy filling.
Step 2: Whisk the filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This filling is where all those classic sweet potato pie flavors come alive, beautifully spiced and naturally sweetened.
Step 3: Assemble and add the topping
Pour the luscious sweet potato filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. If you’re opting for the topping, simply mix chopped pecans with brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl. Then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the filling, adding a lovely crunch and caramelized note once baked.
Step 4: Bake and chill
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the bars firm up, making them easy to slice into perfect squares and enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delicious on their own, but topping them with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes the indulgence up a notch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also adds a lovely finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sweet Potato Pie Bars with a hot cup of spiced coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices in the filling. For holiday meals, they also make a delightful ending after savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham, balancing the meal with their sweet and comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a festive platter with autumnal decor like small pumpkins or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal vibe. You can also individually wrap squares in parchment paper and tie them with twine for charming homemade gifts everyone will appreciate. Layering whipped cream and a bar in a clear glass bowl creates an elegant trifle-inspired dessert that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweet Potato Pie Bars store beautifully in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and flavor. Simply slice and enjoy chilled or bring them to room temperature before serving for a softer bite.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze very well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can keep in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Then warm gently in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven to bring back their comforting softness. Avoid overheating to keep the crust crisp and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes or yams are a convenient shortcut—just make sure they’re well-drained and mashed before using them in the recipe. This can save you time without compromising flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses graham cracker crumbs which contain gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour to make this dessert gluten-free.
Can I make these bars vegan?
You can make vegan adjustments by using a flax or chia egg substitute and replacing butter with a plant-based alternative. Use a non-dairy evaporated milk substitute to keep the filling creamy and delicious.
How long do these bars need to chill before slicing?
It’s best to chill the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set fully. Chilling helps the filling firm up, making slicing easier and preserving their neat, bar-like shape.
Can I add other nuts or toppings?
Yes! While pecans are classic, feel free to sprinkle chopped walnuts, toasted coconut flakes, or even a streusel topping. Customize your Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe to suit your taste or occasion.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is like bringing a little slice of southern comfort right into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, doesn’t demand fancy ingredients, and yields bars that taste like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet and cozy, this recipe is a wonderful go-to that’s sure to become a beloved staple. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make!
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Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delicious and festive dessert perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and fall gatherings. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with creamy, spiced sweet potato filling and an optional crunchy pecan topping, these bars combine classic Southern flavors in an easy-to-slice form. They bake to a set, smooth texture, and are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the sweet potato filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly to smooth the top surface.
- Add the topping (optional): If using, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the filling.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to fully set before slicing into 16 bars.
- Serve: Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream for a festive presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute canned sweet potatoes or yams (drained and mashed) for a faster preparation.
- These bars freeze well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- For an extra festive touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
