If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater and as easy as pie (but better!), this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is the one you need in your life. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, spiced filling, these bars bring all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic sweet potato pie in a fuss-free, shareable form. They’re the perfect treat for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave a slice of Southern charm without the need for rolling out pastry dough.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the flavor and texture of these bars. Each element, from the creamy sweet potatoes to the warm spices, has a special role in creating a dessert that’s truly memorable.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of the crust, bringing a toasty, honeyed crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to both the crust and filling, enhancing the pie’s warmth.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together and gives it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make the filling luscious and inviting.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for just the right level of sweetness in every bite.
- Large eggs: Help set the filling and give it a custardy, velvety texture.
- Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle richness that makes the bars extra indulgent.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out the flavors of the sweet potatoes and spices for a well-rounded finish.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with classic warmth and a hint of spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends a gently spicy, aromatic note that’s essential for that unmistakable pie flavor.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance all the sweetness and bring the flavors to life.
- Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff (optional): For topping—these add a light, sweet finish that takes the bars over the top!
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift out your Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe once they’re chilled and set—no more stuck-on edges!
Step 2: Make and Bake the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like damp sand, then press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until set and lightly golden, then let it cool while you whip up the filling. This step gives you that delicious, slightly crunchy base that holds everything together.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until totally smooth. The mixture should be creamy and fragrant, with those warm spices shining through. This is where the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe gets its signature flavor and velvety texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the sweet potato filling over the pre-baked crust and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Slide 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 and a toothpick comes out almost clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Let the bars cool completely in the pan—patience is key for clean slices!
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Once cooled, transfer the pan to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours. This makes the bars firm enough to cut into neat squares. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole slab out, then slice into 9 generous bars. Top each with a swirl of whipped cream or a dollop of marshmallow fluff for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A pretty swirl of whipped cream or a cloud of marshmallow fluff transforms these bars into a showstopper. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra flourish. If you’re feeling festive, a few toasted pecans or a dusting of nutmeg will make your Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries for a balanced dessert plate. If serving at a holiday meal, they’re wonderful alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. The creamy, spiced filling plays well with almost any sweet finish, making them a versatile addition to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into smaller, bite-sized squares for a dessert platter at parties. You can also layer them in jars with whipped cream for a portable parfait, or serve with a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for a more grown-up twist. However you present them, this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is guaranteed to be the talk of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep wonderfully in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so they’re even better the next day—if they last that long!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and you’ll have a ready-made treat whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
While these bars are delicious cold, you can gently reheat them if you prefer. Pop a bar into the microwave for about 15 seconds to take the chill off, or warm a few in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. Add your favorite topping and enjoy that just-baked flavor all over again.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure you’re using unsweetened canned sweet potato puree, not the pre-made pie filling. This shortcut makes the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe even easier, especially during busy holiday seasons.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes for the filling?
Roast or boil your sweet potatoes until they’re very soft, then peel and mash with a fork or potato masher. For an ultra-smooth filling, you can also use a food processor or blender. The smoother the mash, the silkier your bars will be!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and bake the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on the center for doneness.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular graham cracker crumbs, which contain gluten. To make gluten-free bars, simply swap in gluten-free graham crackers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a great idea! You can make the Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for holidays and special occasions when you want one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is calling your name. Whip up a batch and share these bars with friends and family—you’ll be the star of any gathering, and there won’t be a crumb left behind!
Print
Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus at least 2 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars offer a deliciously creamy and spiced filling set atop a buttery graham cracker crust, making them an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for holidays and gatherings.
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 sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 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 salt
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring to leave an overhang to easily lift out the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until fully mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the sweet potato filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into bars.
- Serve: Serve chilled bars plain, or topped with whipped cream or marshmallow fluff for added sweetness and texture if desired.
Notes
- For convenience, canned sweet potato puree can be used, but ensure it is unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor balance.
- These pie bars can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
