Growing up, my grandma’s sweet potato pie was the stuff of legends. The rich, velvety filling, the buttery crust, and the warm spices that filled the air – it was a recipe that brought our family together every Thanksgiving. But a few years ago, I decided to put my own spin on this beloved classic, and that’s how my Sweet Potato Pie Bars were born.
These bars take all the flavors you love in a traditional sweet potato pie and transform them into a handheld, portable treat. The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect base for the silky-smooth sweet potato filling, all topped with a light dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a recipe that’s just as at home on a holiday dessert table as it is on a casual weekend brunch spread. And let me tell you, once you try these Sweet Potato Pie Bars, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
What sets these Sweet Potato Pie Bars apart is the attention to detail in every step of the process. From the perfectly-chilled butter that creates a flaky crust to the just-right balance of spices in the filling, every element has been carefully crafted to deliver a truly exceptional result.
The secret lies in the technique – instead of a traditional pie crust, we use a shortbread-style base that provides a sturdy foundation for the luscious sweet potato filling. And speaking of that filling, the combination of mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the buttery crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Chilling the butter is key to achieving that perfect flaky texture in the crust.
- 3 large eggs: Responsible for binding the sweet potato filling and giving it a rich, custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and helps create the signature gooey texture.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato): The star of the show, providing the base for the filling’s incredible flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Lends a luxurious creaminess to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the filling with its signature spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, aromatic touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a subtle, earthy depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Pie Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 60 minutes, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars come together in a snap. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a baking pan, and a few simple tools to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2- Cut the 3/4 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this shortbread-like dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
5- Stir in the 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, mixing until the filling is thoroughly incorporated.
6- Pour the sweet potato filling over the partially-baked crust and spread it out evenly. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the butter thoroughly before cutting it into the flour. This helps create that flaky, tender crust.
- Don’t overmix the filling – gently fold in the ingredients to prevent air pockets and achieve that velvety smooth texture.
- Keep a close eye on the bars during the final baking stage. The filling should be set, but not overly browned.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving for the cleanest, most polished presentation.
Serving and Storing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Perfect Pairings for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the perfect anytime treat, whether you’re serving them up at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, pair them with a mug of warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a cozy cup of coffee or tea.
As for the occasion, these bars are sure to be a hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumnal celebration. But don’t limit them to the holidays – their portable, handheld nature makes them a great addition to brunch spreads, potlucks, and even lunchboxes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Sweet Potato Pie Bars is that they keep beautifully. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can even freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. And when you’re ready to enjoy them, simply warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to restore that freshly-baked taste and texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Creative Sweet Potato Pie Bars Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on these Sweet Potato Pie Bars. For a seasonal twist, try swapping in pumpkin purée for the sweet potato filling, or add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top. You could also experiment with different spice blends, like a dash of ginger or a pinch of allspice.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you could even top the bars with a cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream. And for a fun presentation, consider cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
Making Sweet Potato Pie Bars Diet-Friendly
Looking to make these Sweet Potato Pie Bars a little more diet-friendly? No problem! You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the regular butter for a dairy-free version.
For a lower-carb take, try substituting the granulated and brown sugars with your favorite zero-calorie sweetener. And if you’re following a keto or paleo diet, you can use almond flour or coconut flour in the crust, and sweeten the filling with a touch of maple syrup or honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well and mash them before incorporating into the filling.
Q: How long do these Sweet Potato Pie Bars take to bake?
A: The total baking time for these bars is 60 minutes – 15 minutes for the crust, and an additional 30-35 minutes for the filling.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are perfect for making in advance. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for Sweet Potato Pie Bars yields 12 servings.
Q: What if the filling isn’t setting up properly?
A: If your filling seems a bit too loose, try baking the bars for an extra 5-10 minutes. You can also let them cool completely before slicing, as the filling will firm up as it sets.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of sweet potato pie with these easy-to-make Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Featuring a buttery crust and a perfectly spiced filling, these bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan, creating an even crust.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
4. Pour the sweet potato filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can also add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the filling. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are truly a labor of love – a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With their buttery crust, silky-smooth filling, and warm autumnal spices, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Sweet Potato Pie Bars. I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked for life. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below!
