Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines cozy fall flavors with the ease of a bar recipe, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars absolutely deliver. Imagine the nostalgic creaminess of classic sweet potato pie set atop a buttery graham cracker crust—each bite is both familiar and just a little unexpected. This recipe transforms traditional pie into a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying with a mug of coffee. Sweet Potato Pie Bars are not only a breeze to prepare, but they’re also make-ahead friendly, making them a staple you’ll want to revisit all season long.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Sweet Potato Pie Bars special is the way each ingredient shines through without overcomplicating things. This is a simple lineup of pantry staples, but each one brings something vital—whether it’s richness, spice, or that signature velvety filling.

• Graham cracker crumbs: Create a perfectly crunchy, slightly sweet base that complements the pie filling beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Gives richness and holds the crumbly crust so it slices neatly.
• Mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled): The heart and soul of these bars, lending creamy texture and vibrant color; fresh or canned both work well.
• Brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and a touch of molasses warmth to the pie filling.
• Evaporated milk: Makes the filling extra silky and smooth—much creamier than regular milk.
• Large eggs: Bind the filling together while keeping it tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and delivers that fresh bakery aroma.
• Ground cinnamon: The classic sweet potato spice, fragrant and comforting.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and nutty finish.
• Ground ginger: Gives a zesty little kick that keeps the flavor lively.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and highlights every other ingredient.
• Whipped cream for topping (optional): A dollop on top is the finishing touch, making each bar look inviting and taste even richer.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until every crumb is coated and slightly clumpy. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of your pan, making sure the crust is even and reaches the corners. Give it a quick 10-minute bake—this helps set the crust so it stays crisp even under the creamy filling. Set aside to cool just a bit while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed sweet potatoes (already cooked and cooled for best results), brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until everything is completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should look creamy and gorgeously orange—it’ll smell amazing from those autumn spices too!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the sweet potato filling right over the pre-baked crust and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure fall coziness as the bars bake to perfection.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this helps the filling set up beautifully and makes for neat slices. After they reach room temperature, pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait!). Chilling not only firms up the bars, but also makes the flavors meld together even more.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice them into 9 even squares. Top each with a cloud of whipped cream if you’d like, and get ready to watch them disappear!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Garnishes

A swirl of freshly whipped cream is a classic choice, but you can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or grated nutmeg on top. For special occasions, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or even a small caramel drizzle to turn these Sweet Potato Pie Bars into a festive showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a hot mug of chai tea, a spiced latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-decadent treat. If serving at a larger party or potluck, offer alongside a platter of shortbread cookies or a bowl of fresh berries for a colorful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Sweet Potato Pie Bars into triangles for a fun twist, or stack mini squares on a tiered cake stand for parties. Wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with kitchen twine to send guests home with a delicious treat—they make thoughtful (and very tasty) edible gifts during the holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, place the bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for events or satisfying your dessert cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Sweet Potato Pie Bars! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, place a bar (or two) on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10–15 seconds. If you’ve frozen the bars, let them thaw first, then gently warm. The filling will be soft and aromatic, just like out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just drain and mash them well so there’s no extra liquid. Canned sweet potatoes are a great shortcut and still give you wonderful flavor and texture for these Sweet Potato Pie Bars.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. You may need to adjust the baking time—check for set filling and use the toothpick test to make sure they’re done.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before mashing?

For the smoothest filling, it’s best to peel your sweet potatoes first. The skins don’t break down easily, so peeling ensures you get that creamy, velvety texture that’s key for Sweet Potato Pie Bars.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the edges are set, the center only jiggles slightly, and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Over-baking can cause dryness, so keep a close watch towards the end of the bake time.

Can I make these bars ahead for a party?

Definitely! In fact, Sweet Potato Pie Bars slice even better after chilling in the fridge overnight, and the flavor deepens as they rest—making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings and holidays.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sharing them at a family dinner or tucking a few away with your morning coffee, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want on repeat. With their easy prep, delightful flavor, and nostalgic charm, they’re sure to become one of your favorite desserts. Give them a try—you may find yourself reaching for this recipe every fall (and beyond)!

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