Irresistible Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Bliss

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful cross between traditional sweet potato pie and a convenient bar dessert. Imagine biting into a rich, creamy filling that dances on your taste buds, all wrapped in a buttery crust that crumbles just right. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy fall evenings.

The first time I made Sweet Potato Pie Bars was during Thanksgiving when my family was convinced I could only boil water. Little did they know that this dessert would leave them begging for seconds. Perfect for holiday feasts or as a cozy treat with a cup of coffee, these bars promise to be an instant hit at any gathering.

I remember serving these bars at my friend’s potluck dinner, and the look of sheer delight on their faces was priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes; they provide the best flavor and texture for your filling.

• Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for a rich sweetness that complements the earthiness of the sweet potatoes.

• Cinnamon: A staple spice that adds warmth and depth; fresh ground cinnamon makes all the difference in flavor.

• Nutmeg: Just a pinch can elevate the dish by offering a subtle aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.

• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to better control the overall saltiness in your bars while adding richness to the crust.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the base; make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps in your crust.

• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to achieve the best binding properties and texture in your filling.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances sweetness and adds a delightful fragrance; pure extract is always preferable.

• Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor; toast them lightly beforehand for an extra nutty aroma.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender. If boiling, peel them after cooking; if baking, let them cool before peeling.

Create the Crust Mixture: In a bowl, mix melted butter with flour and brown sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Bake the Crust First: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!

Blend Filling Ingredients Together: In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth—this is where magic happens!

Pour Filling Over Crust and Bake Again: Pour this silky-smooth filling over your pre-baked crust. Bake again for about 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center—like you after too much pie!

Let these beautiful bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve them plain or top with whipped cream and maybe even some chocolate drizzle if you’re feeling adventurous!

These Sweet Potato Pie Bars will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also warm your heart with their comforting flavors—perfect for sharing or indulging solo on those chilly nights!

This showstopping Sweet Potato Pie Bars delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by roasting your sweet potatoes until soft, about 45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While they cool, prepare your crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a baking dish. Then, blend the cooled sweet potatoes with spices and pour the mixture over the crust. Bake everything together for about 30 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Sweet Potato Pie Bars! Consider adding a splash of maple syrup for sweetness or a touch of nutmeg for warmth. You could also swap in pecan or almond flour for the crust to accommodate dietary needs. For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking, giving it a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Sweet Potato Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This gentle reheating maintains the bars’ delicious texture without drying them out.

One Thanksgiving, I decided to bring these Sweet Potato Pie Bars instead of traditional pie. The joy on my family’s faces as they devoured them—and their surprise when I revealed they were gluten-free—made me realize how versatile and loved this recipe truly is.

FAQ

What’s the best way to roast sweet potatoes for pie bars?

Roast sweet potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes until tender. Allow them to cool before mashing to ensure they mix well with other ingredients without being too watery.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just let them cool completely before covering them tightly until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

If you’re out of graham crackers, crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits work wonderfully as a crust base. Alternatively, you could use finely ground oats mixed with melted butter for a healthier option.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Pie Bars are done baking?

Your pie bars are done when the edges are set and slightly puffed while the center remains just a bit jiggly—it will firm up as they cool down after baking.

Conclusion for Sweet Potato Pie Bars

In summary, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are not only delicious but also easy to customize and make ahead of time. With perfect roasting and thoughtful ingredient choices, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy making this delightful treat that celebrates both flavor and creativity!

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Sweet Potato Pie Bars

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Sweet Potato Pie Bars offer a delicious fusion of classic sweet potato pie and easy-to-eat bars. With a rich, creamy filling nestled in a buttery crust, these treats are perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Whether served plain or topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, they promise to impress family and friends alike. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, these bars will become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (approximately 3 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until tender. If boiling, peel after cooking; if baking, cool before peeling.
3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, and brown sugar until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
5. In another bowl, blend mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
7. Cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve as is or with toppings.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
• Calories: 197
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 69mg

Keywords: For added sweetness, consider drizzling maple syrup into the filling. Substitute almond flour for gluten-free options.