This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe captures all the nostalgic flavors of classic sweet potato pie, but in an easy-to-share, snackable bar form that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, spiced sweet potato filling, each bite feels like a warm hug. These bars are a delightful twist on a beloved dessert, making it effortless to serve up those cozy holiday vibes any time you crave them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe plays a special role, bringing either a burst of flavor, a luscious texture, or that unmistakable aroma that ties it all together. Simple pantry staples combine with the beautiful orange glow of sweet potatoes to create pure dessert magic.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic, slightly sweet crunch makes for a reliable, flavorful crust.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right touch to sweeten the base and help it stick together.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses both the crust and filling with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the crust and adds a lovely richness.
- Mashed cooked sweet potato: The star ingredient—brings creamy texture, vibrant color, and earthy sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth to the filling for extra comfort-food vibes.
- Large eggs: Essential for setting the filling and giving it a custard-like smoothness.
- Evaporated milk: Keeps the filling luscious and silky, just like traditional pie.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash brightens all the flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: A touch of spice for that classic holiday flavor profile.
- Ground ginger: A bit of gentle heat for a well-rounded spice blend.
- Salt: Balances and enhances every other flavor in the bars.
- Whipped cream (optional): The perfect cloud-like finish for serving, or let guests add their own.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Get started by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is more important than it seems—parchment makes removing and cutting your bars a breeze, and preheating ensures everything bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. The mixture should look like damp sand and hold together when pressed. Pour it into the lined pan and press it down firmly, making sure it’s packed in tight for a sturdy base. Slide it into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Once golden and just set, remove from the oven to cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk the Sweet Potato Filling
While your crust is cooling, grab a large bowl and whisk together the mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. You’re aiming for a smooth and creamy batter, as lump-free as possible, for that silky pie texture in every bar.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the sweet potato filling over your pre-baked crust, smoothing it out with a spatula so it’s even. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is just set—give it the toothpick test, and if it comes out clean, you’re golden!
Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Patience pays off here! Let your bars cool completely in the pan, then transfer them to the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the filling set perfectly and makes slicing much easier. Once chilled, lift them out by the parchment handles and cut into neat bars—ready to serve and impress.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A generous swirl of whipped cream is the classic choice and looks irresistible atop every slice. For an extra pop, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or a light dusting of nutmeg. Want to go a little fancy? Try finely chopped candied pecans or drizzle with a little maple syrup.
Side Dishes
Since these bars are rich and satisfying, they play well with lighter accompaniments. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad add a burst of freshness and color to the dessert spread. A mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a cold glass of milk rounds out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board and scatter extra graham cracker crumbs or little piles of whipped cream nearby. If you want to make them extra special, serve each bar in a cupcake liner for easy grabbing—perfect for dessert buffets or on-the-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is a keeper—literally! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers if you’re stacking the bars to keep them looking neat.
Freezing
Want to save a batch for later? These bars freeze surprisingly well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for about 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
You can enjoy these bars straight from the fridge, but for that just-baked cozy feeling, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll taste as if you just pulled them from the oven, especially with a fresh dollop of whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree is a fantastic shortcut and works beautifully in this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe. Just make sure it’s pure sweet potato with no added sugar or spices for the best control over flavor and sweetness.
How do I make sure my sweet potato filling is smooth?
For the silkiest filling, mash your cooked sweet potatoes extremely well or use a food processor to blend until smooth. You want a creamy texture with no lumps, which helps your bars slice neatly and taste like a slice of classic pie in every bite.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap out the regular graham crackers for a gluten-free variety. Every other ingredient in the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so this switch makes the whole dessert safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you definitely can. Double all the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to extend the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the center and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.
How far in advance can I make these bars?
The Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is ideal for making ahead. You can prepare them up to two days in advance, keep them chilled, and garnish right before serving. This makes your holiday or party planning so much easier!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite, this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is it. The simplicity, beautiful flavor, and always-perfect texture will win over anyone who tries them. Give these bars a spot on your table—you’ll be reaching for this recipe every fall and holiday season!
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Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Sweet Potato Pie Bars that bring the flavors of traditional sweet potato pie in a convenient bar form. Perfect for fall gatherings or a Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potato
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk sweet potato, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, spices, and salt. Pour over the crust.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool, refrigerate for 1 hour, then slice into bars.
Notes
- You can use canned sweet potato puree for convenience.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
