Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert, offering the perfect balance of creamy filling and a buttery crust. These bars are easy to make and ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an everyday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 prepared pie crust
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the prepared pie crust evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the base.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try including a teaspoon of vanilla extract in the filling mixture.
- You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to give the bars a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
- Top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans before baking for a crunchy texture.
- Use a graham cracker crust for a different base flavor.
Storage
Store the sweet potato pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm briefly in the oven or microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well as a convenient alternative. Be sure to drain them thoroughly before mashing to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the filling is fully baked?
The filling is set when it no longer jiggles in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
PrintSweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of sweet potato pie in an easy-to-make, portable bar form. With a smooth sweet potato filling spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg over a buttery crust, these bars are perfect for dessert or a festive treat throughout the year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars (3×3 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the pie bars: Pour the sweet potato filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool the bars: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are well mashed to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour after cooling.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the filling for extra warmth and spice complexity.
Keywords: sweet potato pie bars, sweet potato dessert, fall desserts, holiday treats, baked sweet potato bars
