If you have a soft spot for the cozy flavors of fall and crave a dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully textured, this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Think of everything you love about traditional sweet potato pie, but reimagined into easy-to-slice bars with a buttery crust, sweet and spiced filling, and a crunchy pecan topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s the perfect treat to share at gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee on a crisp afternoon. Trust me, once you try this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe, you’ll be reaching for the recipe over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, staple ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component contributes something special, whether it’s the creamy sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes or the buttery, crumbly crust that holds everything together.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of both the crust and the topping, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for easy mixing, it creates richness throughout crust, filling, and topping.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and that creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Brightens the flavor and sweetens the filling just right.
- Eggs: Bind the filling to a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and depth to the filling without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warm, inviting aroma.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves: A fragrant blend of spices that bring classic sweet potato pie flavor to life.
- Chopped pecans: Sprinkled on top, they provide a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This little trick makes removing the bars a breeze and keeps everything intact without any mess.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this buttery mix firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust. Give it a quick bake for 10 minutes to set it just right, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Next, stir in the spice blend consisting of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix everything until silky smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over your pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly so each bar has a perfect layer of filling.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Add 1/4 cup melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Toss in 1/2 cup chopped pecans and sprinkle this delightful topping evenly over the sweet potato filling. This topping brings a wonderful texture contrast that you’ll fall in love with.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled bars for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Once removed from the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the whole batch out, then cut into generous squares that are perfectly portioned to share or savor yourself.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate these bars to next-level presentation? A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes them look irresistible. For an added touch of freshness, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully and balances the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars are dessert enough on their own, but if you want to create a full holiday spread, consider serving them alongside spiced coffee or chai tea. A simple platter of fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can also add a refreshing note to the rich and creamy bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or potlucks, try arranging the Sweet Potato Pie Bars on a festive platter with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks as decoration. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them on small dessert trays for easy snacking. Another fun idea is layering bars with whipped cream and chopped nuts in individual dessert cups for a no-fuss parfait style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the great things about this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is how well the leftovers keep. Store any uneaten bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dessert well in advance, you can freeze the bars. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy warm Sweet Potato Pie Bars, reheat pieces in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. This brings back that freshly-baked feeling and makes the spices smell heavenly again.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned mashed sweet potatoes work well in this recipe and can save time. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before measuring to keep the filling from becoming too runny.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Can I make the crust and topping ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the crust and topping separately and refrigerate them for a few hours before assembling the bars. This can make the final baking quicker and easier on busy days.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
For neat squares, let the bars cool completely and then chill them in the fridge for about an hour. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to get perfect edges without crumbling.
Are there any variations to this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe?
Feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. You could also mix in some mini chocolate chips into the filling for a fun twist that pairs surprisingly well with the spices.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe does just that. With its tender layers of crust, silky sweet potato filling, and crunchy pecan topping, it’s perfect for creating moments of joy whether at a holiday feast or a quiet afternoon snack. I encourage you to make these bars your own and watch them disappear fast — this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars combine a tender, spiced sweet potato filling atop a buttery crust, finished with a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for dessert or a festive treat, they offer all the flavors of classic sweet potato pie in convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Prepare the Topping: In another medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping turns golden brown. Once baked, cool the bars completely in the pan. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Use well-cooked, mashed sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- You can toast the pecans before adding them to the topping for extra flavor.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream.
