Growing up in the South, I have such fond memories of my grandma’s homemade sweet potato pie. The warm, fragrant aroma would fill the entire house, and I could never resist sneaking a little taste before it even made it to the table. There was just something so comforting and nostalgic about that perfectly spiced, velvety smooth filling. When I stumbled upon this recipe for Sweet Potato Pie Bars, I knew I had to give it a try. Little did I know that it would become an instant family favorite, one that I’d be making over and over again.
Why This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the perfect blend of classic Southern charm and modern convenience. The key is in the just-right ratio of ingredients, which creates a rich, decadent filling nestled between a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust. The mashed sweet potatoes lend a velvety texture, while the melted butter and granulated sugar give it that irresistible, caramelized flavor. And the touch of ground cinnamon? Pure perfection, adding a warm, comforting note that takes these bars to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes): The star of the show, these sweet potatoes provide the perfect base for the filling. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture are essential to achieving that beloved sweet potato pie flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter is the key to creating a flaky, tender crust that complements the rich filling. It also helps bind the ingredients together for a delightfully gooey texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener balances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, ensuring the perfect level of sweetness in every bite.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs act as a binder, helping to set the filling and give it a silky-smooth consistency.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The flour is the foundation for the crust, providing structure and a tender, flaky base.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm, fragrant spice is the secret ingredient that truly makes these Sweet Potato Pie Bars stand out. It complements the sweet potato flavor beautifully and adds a cozy, autumnal touch.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Pie Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars come together quickly and easily. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan, a medium bowl, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing the baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 large eggs. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2- Next, add the 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sweet potato mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until a thick, homogeneous batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
3- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4- Once the Sweet Potato Pie Bars have finished baking, let them cool completely in the pan. You’ll notice the edges have a beautiful golden-brown color and the center is delightfully gooey.
5- For the finishing touches, cut the cooled bars into 12 even squares and dust them lightly with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
6- Serve the Sweet Potato Pie Bars at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. This ensures the batter comes together smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter – just gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until they’re just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense crust.
- Be patient and let the bars cool completely before cutting. This allows the filling to set properly for clean, tidy slices.
- For an extra indulgent twist, try topping the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Perfect Pairings for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, serving up 12 generous portions. They make the perfect addition to any fall gathering, from Thanksgiving celebrations to cozy family dinners. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy cup of coffee for the ultimate autumnal experience. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings – they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Sweet Potato Pie Bars is that they keep incredibly well. Once the bars have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can even freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
When you’re ready to enjoy, the bars can be served chilled straight from the fridge or gently reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. This helps to revive their warm, gooey texture. And if you’re planning ahead for a special occasion, you can easily make the bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Creative Sweet Potato Pie Bars Variations
While the classic Sweet Potato Pie Bars are tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a personal spin on this recipe. Try swapping out the cinnamon for a hint of nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on the flavors. You can also experiment with adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch. And for a seasonal twist, consider incorporating a touch of pumpkin pie spice or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Making Sweet Potato Pie Bars Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, Sweet Potato Pie Bars can easily be adapted to suit your needs. To make them gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use flax or chia eggs in place of the regular eggs. And for a low-carb take, you can experiment with using a sugar substitute like erythritol or xylitol instead of the granulated sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Using canned sweet potatoes is a perfectly acceptable substitution. Just be sure to drain and mash them well before measuring out the 2 cups needed for the recipe.
Q: How long do these Sweet Potato Pie Bars take to make?
A: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, the total time to make these bars is 55 minutes.
Q: Can I make the bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 generous servings of Sweet Potato Pie Bars.
Q: What if my bars turn out too dry or crumbly?
A: If the bars seem a bit dry or crumbly, try adding an extra egg or a splash of milk to the batter next time. This will help to keep the filling moist and the crust tender.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These easy, homemade Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sweet potato pie. With a rich, fudgy texture and warm spiced flavors, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well blended.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the flour and cinnamon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half the butter with cream cheese. The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a true taste of Southern comfort, capturing all the warmth and nostalgia of a classic sweet potato pie in a convenient, portable form. With their rich, velvety filling and buttery, cinnamon-laced crust, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So why not give this recipe a try? I promise, once you experience the heavenly aroma and irresistible flavors of these Sweet Potato Pie Bars, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking rotation. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know what you think in the comments below!
