The Best Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe for Cozy Fall Evenings

Sweet potato pies have a magical way of bringing comfort to dessert tables.

Creamy fillings nestled between buttery crusts create pure indulgence for anyone seeking a delightful treat.

Southern kitchens understand the art of transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each slice promises a harmonious blend of warm spices and rich, velvety texture.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside smooth sweet potato, creating layers of complex flavor.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these bars irresistible for weekend gatherings or quiet moments of personal enjoyment.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this delectable dessert.

Cozy Appeal: Why Sweet Potato Pie Bars Are a Seasonal Must

• Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy, nostalgic flavor that wraps you in delicious memories of home-style desserts.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend dessert cravings, these bars serve multiple people and satisfy different taste preferences.
• Easily adaptable for special occasions or casual snacking, these bars work as a sweet ending to meals or a delightful afternoon treat.

Sweet Potato Pie Bar Ingredients That Bring Cozy Flavors

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that creates a crisp and sturdy base for the sweet potato bars.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the flour and adds rich, golden flavor to the crust.

• Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient that provides a creamy, smooth texture and natural sweetness to the dessert.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich, moist filling.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the smooth, custard-like consistency of the filling.
• Melted Butter: Enhances the richness and adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sweet potato mixture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet potato and create a cozy, aromatic flavor profile.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet and spicy notes in the dessert.

Directions for Making Sweet Potato Pie Bars at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crust Foundation

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a touch of sugar in a mixing bowl.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the delicious base for your bars.

Step 3: Craft Silky Sweet Potato Filling

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Cream cheese
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until perfectly smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Carefully pour the velvety sweet potato mixture over the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a beautiful, uniform surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the bars set and develop deeper flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into neat squares, and if desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon before serving.

Top Tips for Sweet Potato Pie Bars Every Time

• Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender and mash thoroughly to eliminate lumps for a silky-smooth filling texture.
• Press crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to create a compact base.
• Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personal taste, but avoid overwhelming the delicate sweet potato flavor.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices and allow flavors to settle.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.

Preserving and Enjoying Sweet Potato Pie Bars Later

• Store cooled sweet potato pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes. Add a light drizzle of butter to restore moisture and enhance taste.

Sweet Pairings for Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Pair with Warm Bourbon Caramel: Drizzle rich, smooth bourbon caramel sauce over each sweet potato bar to enhance the dessert's deep, comforting flavors and add a luxurious adult twist.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a hot, creamy chai latte with extra cinnamon and nutmeg to mirror the pie bar's warm spices and create a harmonious flavor connection.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with real vanilla bean for a light, silky contrast to the dense, rich sweet potato filling.
• Match with Cinnamon-Dusted Pecans: Sprinkle toasted, cinnamon-coated pecans around the plate to add a delightful crunch and nutty warmth that perfectly complements the sweet potato's creamy texture.

Sweet Potato Pie Bar Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Sweet Potato Bars: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
• Spiced Pumpkin Variation: Swap sweet potatoes with canned pumpkin puree and add extra warming spices like ginger and cardamom for a seasonal twist.

FAQs

• Are sweet potato pie bars healthy?

Sweet potato is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. These bars offer a nutritious dessert option with natural sweetness and beneficial nutrients compared to traditional processed sweets.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain and mash them thoroughly. They save time and still provide the same delicious flavor and creamy texture as fresh sweet potatoes.

• How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a slightly firm center and golden edges. Insert a toothpick in the middle – if it comes out clean with minimal moisture, the bars are done. The filling should not jiggle when gently shaken.

• What if I don't have nutmeg for the recipe?

No problem! You can substitute with pumpkin pie spice or simply increase the cinnamon. The key is maintaining a warm, aromatic spice profile that complements the sweet potato’s natural sweetness.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent sweet potato pie bars blend Southern comfort with seasonal charm, creating a dessert that whispers warmth and nostalgia. Creamy spiced filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust promises blissful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) melted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar

Crust and Spices:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with a light butter coating or parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then thoroughly mash them to create a silky, lump-free puree.
3. Whisk together the sweet potato puree with brown sugar, aromatic ground cinnamon, warm nutmeg, melted butter, farm-fresh eggs, and rich vanilla extract until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
4. Create the crust by blending flour with melted butter, working the mixture until it forms a crumbly, slightly moist texture that holds together when pressed.
5. Gently press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that will provide a sturdy foundation for the filling.
6. Carefully spread the sweet potato mixture over the crust, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a smooth, level surface.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set center and slightly golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them firm up and makes cutting into clean, neat squares easier.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia to create a lower-calorie version of these bars.
• Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch and nutty flavor complexity.
• Use dairy-free butter substitutes like coconut oil to make the recipe completely vegan-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg