Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet potato pie is a beloved classic, especially during the holiday season. These Sweet Potato Pie Bars take everything you love about the traditional dessert and turn it into an easy-to-share, portable treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, spiced filling, they are the perfect addition to any dessert table.

Making bars instead of a whole pie simplifies the serving process. You get the same rich, comforting flavors but in a handheld format that is much easier to slice and serve at parties. Whether you are hosting a festive dinner or just want a cozy weekend treat, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 225 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 160mg

Why Make This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

One of the best reasons to make these bars is the incredible texture. The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy base that perfectly complements the smooth and creamy sweet potato filling. Unlike a traditional flaky pie crust, this base is foolproof and stays crisp even after being topped with the custard.

These bars are also incredibly versatile and great for crowds. You can cut them into small squares for a large gathering or larger rectangles for a decadent dessert. Plus, they can be made a day in advance, which takes the stress out of holiday meal planning. They travel well, making them the ideal choice for potlucks and bake sales.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Creating these bars is a simple process that involves two main phases: baking the crust and preparing the velvety filling. Follow these easy steps to achieve a dessert that looks professional and tastes homemade.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely combined and no large lumps remain.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the sweet potato mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan, then cut into 16 squares.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

These bars are delicious on their own, but a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top takes them to the next level. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for a beautiful presentation. For a truly indulgent experience, serve them with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

How to Store Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the filling is custard-based, it is important to keep them chilled. If you want to freeze them, wrap the individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

To get the smoothest filling, ensure your sweet potatoes are mashed very well, or even processed in a blender or food processor before mixing with other ingredients. If you are roasting your own potatoes, let them cool completely before mashing to prevent the eggs from curdling when mixed. Also, don’t skip the chilling step; cold bars are much easier to slice into neat, clean squares.

Delicious Variations

If you want to add some crunch, try adding a handful of chopped pecans to the graham cracker crust or sprinkling them over the top of the filling before baking. You can also swap the graham cracker crumbs for ginger snap crumbs for a spicier, more seasonal flavor profile. For a “Sweet Potato Casserole” vibe, top the bars with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking and broil them briefly until golden brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned sweet potato puree?

Yes, canned sweet potato puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure you are using plain sweet potato puree and not “yams” in heavy syrup.

Q: How do I know when the bars are finished baking?

The edges will be slightly puffed and the center should be stable. If you nudge the pan, the middle should have a very slight shimmy but shouldn’t look liquid or wet.

Q: Can I use a 9×9-inch pan instead?

Yes, you can use a 9×9-inch pan. The bars will be slightly thinner, so you may need to reduce the baking time by 5 to 7 minutes.

Q: Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before boiling?

It is easiest to boil or roast them with the skin on. Once they are cooked and cooled slightly, the skin should peel right off with your fingers.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the standard graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free graham cracker alternative to make this recipe gluten-friendly.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of autumn in a simple and convenient format. They offer the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess that everyone loves. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering, and it might just become your new favorite holiday tradition!

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