Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet potato pie is an absolute classic—rich, creamy, and full of fall flavors. But, let’s be real, sometimes you want all that cozy deliciousness without the fuss of a traditional pie. That’s where these Sweet Potato Pie Bars come in! They’ve got all the spiced sweetness of the classic pie, but in an easy-to-make, handheld form. Think of them as the perfect dessert for a crowd—no pie slicer needed, just grab and go! Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potato pie.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Pie Bars

This recipe is about bringing all the comfort and flavor of a sweet potato pie, but with way less hassle. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Easy to Make:

No complicated pie crusts or crimping edges. You’re getting all the flavors with a super easy, buttery crust that you can just press into the pan. And the filling? Simple and smooth, with just a few ingredients.

Cozy Flavors:

The sweet potato filling is rich and creamy, spiced just right with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. It’s like fall in a bite—warm, comforting, and perfectly sweet.

Make-Ahead Friendly:

These bars are perfect for meal prep or for a special occasion. You can make them ahead of time, and they actually taste better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors meld together!

Versatile:

Serve these as a dessert at Thanksgiving, or just as a cozy treat to enjoy any time. They also work wonderfully for potlucks, holiday parties, or as a little snack when you’re craving something sweet.

Easy to Serve:

No messy slices or fussing over pieces of pie. Just cut these into perfect little bars and serve! They’re easy to transport, too, making them great for gatherings.

Ingredients in Sweet Potato Pie Bars

These bars come together with just a few simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sweet Potatoes:

The star of the show! You’ll need some cooked sweet potatoes—either baked or boiled. They provide that creamy texture and earthy sweetness.

Graham Cracker Crumbs:

For the crust, we’re using graham cracker crumbs, which give that perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of crunch. It’s the easiest way to get a buttery, flavorful base without making a whole pie crust.

Butter:

A little melted butter in the crust and the filling helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds richness.

Eggs:

The eggs bind everything together and help give the filling that smooth, creamy consistency.

Sugar:

Granulated sugar and brown sugar sweeten the filling, bringing out the natural flavors of the sweet potato.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg:

The perfect spice combo that makes this filling taste like pure fall—warm, aromatic, and comforting.

Vanilla Extract:

A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds that extra depth.

Salt:

Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and spices for a perfectly rounded flavor.

Heavy Cream:

Heavy cream helps to make the filling smooth and velvety. It gives that luxurious, creamy texture that makes these bars so irresistible.

(Note: the full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make some sweet potato pie magic? Let’s go!

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and have that perfect golden top.

Prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Sweet Potato Filling:

In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract, and stir to combine. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Bars:

Once the crust has cooled a bit, pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Bars:

Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the top will have a smooth, glossy finish.

Cool and Serve:

Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results). When you’re ready to serve, cut the bars into squares and enjoy! Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars

These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun ideas to take them up a notch:

Whipped Cream:

A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, creamy filling.

Caramel Drizzle:

For a decadent twist, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the bars before serving. It adds a sweet, buttery note that pairs perfectly with the sweet potato filling.

Nuts:

Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, toasty element that adds texture and a hint of nutty flavor.

Ice Cream:

Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Sweet Potato Pie Bars come out perfectly every time:

Make Sure the Sweet Potatoes Are Well-Cooked:

For the smoothest filling, make sure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed. If you’re using canned sweet potatoes, make sure they’re pureed and not chunky.

Chill Before Cutting:

These bars will set up beautifully after chilling in the fridge, and they’ll be easier to cut into neat squares once fully chilled.

Store in the Fridge:

Keep your sweet potato pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste even better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing:

You can freeze the bars too! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, let them sit in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Bar (Based on 12 Servings)

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 12g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg (20% DV)
• Sodium: 90mg (4% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g (9% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 180% DV
• Vitamin C: 4% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

A1: Yes! Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened canned sweet potatoes, and mash them before adding to the filling.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, and you’re good to go.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store your leftover sweet potato pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re perfect for snacking on throughout the week!

Q4: Can I add marshmallows on top?

A4: Sure! Mini marshmallows would be a fun and festive addition, especially if you broil them for a few minutes to get that golden, toasted finish.

Q5: How do I know when the bars are done?

A5: The center of the bars should be set (not jiggly), and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re done.

Q6: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A6: Yes! In fact, they taste even better when made ahead, as the flavors meld together while they chill in the fridge.

Q7: Can I freeze these sweet potato pie bars?

A7: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Q8: What’s the best way to cut these bars?

A8: Let them chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before cutting to make sure the filling sets properly and the bars cut neatly.

Q9: How can I make the crust more flavorful?

A9: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker crumbs for an extra kick of flavor!

Q10: Can I use a different type of crust?

A10: Yes! You could try a shortbread crust or even a crushed pecan crust for a different twist.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the perfect fall dessert—rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors, all in a handy bar form! Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or enjoying them as an everyday treat, they’re sure to be a hit. With minimal prep, easy steps, and a deliciously smooth filling, these bars bring all the warmth and sweetness of a classic sweet potato pie with none of the fuss. Enjoy!

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