Growing up, the arrival of autumn always meant one thing in our household – it was time for Grandma’s famous sweet potato pie bars. The warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg would fill the air, drawing me into the kitchen like a moth to a flame. As I’d patiently wait for the bars to cool, I’d sneak a nibble of the buttery crust, my impatience barely contained. And when I finally took that first heavenly bite, the rich, creamy filling melting on my tongue, I knew I was experiencing a little slice of autumnal bliss.
Why This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
There’s just something special about sweet potato pie bars that sets them apart from your typical pumpkin or pecan pie. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. But the secret to truly exceptional sweet potato pie bars lies in the unique texture. Unlike a traditional pie, these bars have a delightfully dense, fudgy filling that’s almost like a cross between sweet potato casserole and pecan pie. The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect base, adding a satisfying crunch to balance out the velvety smooth filling.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To capture that signature sweet potato pie flavor, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter create the flaky, tender crust. The 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt add just the right amount of sweetness and seasoning. For the filling, the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes) provide the rich, creamy base. Finally, the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger lend those warm, autumnal notes, while the 1 cup of evaporated milk adds a delightful silkiness.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Pie Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
With a total time of just 55 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cook time – this sweet potato pie bars recipe comes together in a snap. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, a medium mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a few basic kitchen tools. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease the baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, ensuring the sides are well-coated for easy removal.
2- In the medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches all the way to the edges. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
4- While the crust is baking, prepare the sweet potato filling. In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until light and fluffy. Then, add the 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 cup of evaporated milk. Mix until well combined.
5- Once the crust has baked, pour the sweet potato filling over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
1- For the flakiest crust, make sure to use chilled, cubed unsalted butter. This helps create those delightful pockets of butter that melt into tender, buttery layers.
2- Avoid over-mixing the crust. Gently work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs – this will ensure a tender, not tough, crust.
3- To get the perfect sweet potato flavor, be sure to use freshly mashed sweet potatoes. Canned or pre-cooked sweet potatoes can sometimes have a slightly different taste and texture.
4- Don’t be tempted to overbake the filling. Keep a close eye on it, and as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s time to remove the bars from the oven.
Serving and Storing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Perfect Pairings for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
These sweet potato pie bars are the ultimate autumn treat, serving up 12 delightful squares that are sure to delight family and friends. For a cozy, comforting dessert, pair them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy cup of coffee. They also make a lovely addition to any Thanksgiving or holiday spread, complementing roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you happen to have any sweet potato pie bars leftover (which is unlikely!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, the bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Creative Sweet Potato Pie Bars Variations
While this classic recipe is truly hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on sweet potato pie bars. For a festive twist, try adding a layer of pecan streusel topping or swirling in a cranberry compote. You could also experiment with different spice blends, incorporating warming flavors like ginger, allspice, or cardamom. And for a seasonal variation, replace the sweet potatoes with roasted pumpkin or butternut squash puree.
Making Sweet Potato Pie Bars Diet-Friendly
Looking to lighten things up? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the traditional unsalted butter. For a lower-carb version, you can replace the light brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. And to make these bars dairy-free, simply use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of the evaporated milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: While canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, the texture and flavor won’t quite be the same as using freshly mashed sweet potatoes. The homemade version will result in a smoother, richer filling.
Q: How long do these sweet potato pie bars take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 55 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking time. So you can have these delicious bars ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Q: How should I store any leftover sweet potato pie bars?
A: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This sweet potato pie bars recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What if the crust or filling doesn’t turn out quite right?
A: If the crust is too tough or the filling is a bit runny, it’s likely due to over-mixing or overbaking. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and use a toothpick to check for doneness. With a little practice, you’ll be a sweet potato pie bars pro in no time!
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate autumn treat with these irresistible Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, creamy sweet potato filling, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and spice. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you crave a cozy, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk.
4. Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These sweet potato pie bars are truly a fall baking must-have. With their irresistible combination of a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, creamy sweet potato filling, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, with a quick 55-minute prep and bake time, they’re a breeze to whip up, making them the perfect sweet treat to enjoy all season long. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!
