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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 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
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly mashed sweet potatoes have the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the bars as they bake.
- Chill for Clean Slices: For neater slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours before cutting.
- Customize the Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- 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!