Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe – A Cozy and Comforting Treat for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about autumn flavors that wraps you in warmth, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time I sunk my teeth into a homemade sweet potato pie; the creamy texture and hint of cinnamon took me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the scent of butter and spice. Today, I want to share a delightful twist on that memory: Sweet Potato Pie Bars. These bars are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Trust me; if you love this, you’ll adore my Creamy Tuscan Chicken too!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and simple to make
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Only a few basic ingredients
• Great for cozy nights or weekend meals
• Perfect for a sweet finish to any meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delectable Sweet Potato Pie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff (optional)
• Chopped pecans (optional)

A little chef tip: If you have some homemade garlic butter sauce, it can elevate your savory dishes to a whole new level for serving alongside these bars!

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make your Sweet Potato Pie Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Feel the excitement build as you anticipate that delicious smell.
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This is going to make the cleanup a breeze!
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until crumbly. It should resemble wet sand, and oh, does it smell heavenly!
4. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan. You’ll want it nice and even. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool slightly.
5. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. You want it to be silky smooth and a warm golden color. The spices will fill your kitchen with a fragrant aroma.
6. Pour the sweet potato mixture over the cooled crust. Pop it back into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until it’s set. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slight jiggle but isn’t liquidy — it should look like a pie filling.
7. Finally, let it cool completely before slicing. If you’re like me, you’ll struggle not to sneak a bite while it’s cooling!
8. Serve with whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for extra deliciousness. Cut into bars, and enjoy!

Kitchen Tips

• Tip #1: For an even richer flavor, roast your sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Simply poke holes in them and bake at 400 degrees F until tender!
• Tip #2: If your mixture seems too runny, add a bit more sweet potato to thicken it up.
• Tip #3: Try adding a pinch of ginger for an extra layer of warmth!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are wonderful on their own but are also perfect for a delightful dessert spread. Serve them after a hearty meal like roasted chicken or fall-inspired soup. You might also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm beverage, like spiced apple cider. For a complete meal, try serving them with some Roasted Veggies on the side!

Storing & Leftovers

These bars keep well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. For a creative leftover idea, crumble them up and layer them with yogurt for a sweet breakfast parfait!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and warm gently before serving.

Q: Can I make it lighter or dairy-free?

A: Definitely! Try using olive oil or plant-based butter and coconut milk for an equally delicious yet lighter version.

Q: What sides go best with it?

A: Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad always complement Sweet Potato Pie Bars beautifully.

Q: How do I know when it’s perfectly cooked?

A: It should firm up but still have a slight jiggle in the center. You can check the internal temperature for safety — it should be about 160°F.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Sweet Potato Pie Bars, I’m reminded of cozy Sundays filled with laughter and family. Their sweet, spice-infused flavor and creamy texture evoke the joys of home cooking. I hope these bars bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine! Enjoy making and sharing your own Sweet Potato Pie Bars!

More Resources

If these Sweet Potato Pie Bars made your kitchen smell like fall, here are more cozy desserts and trusted baking tips to inspire your next sweet creation:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole – creamy, spiced, and topped with crunchy pecans — a family favorite for the holidays.
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole – a rich and creamy version that practically makes itself.
• Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Bread – soft, fragrant, and full of autumn spices.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – a sweet, cozy bake for chocolate lovers.
• Bright & Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread – zesty and colorful, perfect for holiday brunches.
• Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – a soft, crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

• Bon Appétit – The Best Tips for Baking with Sweet Potatoes – discover how to make your sweet potato desserts even creamier and more flavorful.
• USDA – Sweet Potatoes: Nutrition & Storage Tips – learn how to store and prepare sweet potatoes for optimal taste and nutrition.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars

These Sweet Potato Pie Bars combine the comforting flavors of autumn with a creamy texture, making them a perfect dessert for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers
• 0.5 cups melted butter
• 0.25 cups brown sugar

Filling

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 2 pieces eggs
• 0.5 cups evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp salt

Toppings (optional)

• whipped cream or marshmallow fluff
• chopped pecans for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until crumbly.
4. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
6. Pour the sweet potato mixture over the cooled crust.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set and slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.

Serving

1. Serve with whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, or chopped pecans.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, roast your sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.