If you’re craving a comforting, warmly spiced dessert that delivers all the cozy flavors of fall in a perfectly portable form, you absolutely have to try this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe. Imagine the velvety smoothness of mashed sweet potatoes blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, and just the right amount of sweetness, all layered on top of a buttery crust and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. These bars are ridiculously satisfying, making them an instant favorite for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a slice of something homey and delicious without the fuss of slicing a traditional pie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can turn into such a stunning dessert! Each component here plays a vital role, from creating the perfect crust to adding rich, luscious texture to the filling and a satisfyingly nutty crunch on top.
- All-purpose flour: The base for both the crust and crumbly topping, providing structure and that tender bite.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that beautifully enhance the sweetness throughout.
- Salt: A pinch brings out all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the crust, filling, and topping for moistness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness, smoothness, and that gorgeous vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the filling a clean sweetness that complements the spices.
- Eggs: Bind the filling while adding richness and helping set the bars properly.
- Evaporated milk: Intensifies creaminess, making the filling decadently smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves: This classic spice mix infuses the bars with that unmistakable cozy fall flavor.
- Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft filling.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting the bars out after baking a breeze, so you’ll have clean edges and no stuck pieces to mess with.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and mix until everything is evenly moistened and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden, then set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Filling
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of smooth mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. To bring all those warm spices to life, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat everything together until silky smooth, then pour this luscious filling evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Create the Topping
Now for the crunchy surprise on top: stir together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar in a separate bowl. Add 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter and mix until the mixture turns crumbly. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans for texture and nuttiness. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato filling, making sure to cover every inch for that perfect golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake everything for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this step is key for clean slicing. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut into squares ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe can really elevate their presentation and taste. Imagine a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting decadently over a warm bar. For a seasonal touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top. Even a drizzle of maple syrup adds a delightful sweetness boost that perfectly complements the spices.
Side Dishes
While these bars are fantastic on their own, serving them alongside a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider will make your experience even cozier. For a brunch twist, pair with fruit salad or yogurt parfait to balance the rich, dense texture of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests at your next gathering? Cut Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe into cute bite-sized squares for a dessert platter, or layer them in columns with layers of whipped cream in clear glasses for a gorgeous trifle-style presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of edible gold dust or festive colored sugar for holiday occasions. There really is no wrong way to serve these bars!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your bars, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days, which gives you plenty of time to savor them without any rush.
Freezing
If you want to keep Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe around for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They will stay delicious in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat individual bars in the microwave in 20-second increments until warmed through, or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the soft texture and makes the flavors bloom beautifully again.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used in this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe for convenience, but fresh ones usually provide a better texture and a fresher, earthier flavor. If using canned, be sure to drain any excess liquid and mash thoroughly.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute with the same amount of half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Are these bars suitable for freezing and thawing?
Absolutely! Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe freeze very well and keep their flavor and texture after thawing. Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent moisture loss.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The texture might be a little different but still deliciously satisfying.
How do I know when the filling is fully set?
The filling should be firm to the touch and not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, these bars deliver a beautiful blend of textures and spices that make every bite special. They’re straightforward to make but incredibly impressive — trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your recipe rotation year-round!
Print
Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Sweet Potato Pie Bars, a perfect blend of creamy sweet potato filling atop a buttery crust, all topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these bars bring the comforting flavors of a traditional sweet potato pie into an easy-to-serve bar form, ideal for holidays or any cozy dessert craving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set, then remove and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk until the filling is smooth and well combined. Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out smoothly.
- Prepare the Topping: In another medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, then stir in the chopped pecans. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the sweet potato filling in the pan.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping turns golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked sweet potatoes that are well mashed and free of lumps.
- The topping can be customized by adding other nuts or oats for varied texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be served warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Ensure the filling is fully set before cutting to avoid runny bars.
