Sweet Potato Pie Bars: A Portable Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you love the rich, spiced flavors of sweet potato pie but want a handheld, easy-to-serve treat, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are for you! With a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy sweet potato filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are the perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and satisfying. Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Portable and Easy to Serve: Perfect for parties or on-the-go snacking.
• Classic Flavors: All the taste of sweet potato pie in bar form.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Measure out 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside the remaining mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
2. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie Bars

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly mashed sweet potatoes have the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the bars as they bake.
3. Chill for Clean Slices: For neater slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours before cutting.
4. Customize the Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
5. Make It Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• With Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
• As a Dessert Buffet Star: Pair with other holiday favorites like pumpkin bars or pecan pie.

Why This Recipe Works

These bars combine the creamy, spiced filling of sweet potato pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. The buttery crust and crumbly topping add texture and richness, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion.

More Relevant Recipes to Try

If you loved these Sweet Potato Pie Bars, here are some other delicious recipes you might enjoy:

• Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake: A decadent and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
• Sweet Potato Pie: A classic Southern dessert with a creamy, spiced filling.
• Cookies and Cream Dump Cake: An easy, no-fuss dessert that’s rich and decadent.
• Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet potato pie but wants a portable, easy-to-serve version. With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to become a favorite. So grab your sweet potatoes, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dessert!