There’s nothing quite like a sweet potato pie bar to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Picture this: a velvety filling that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of brown sugar, all nestled in a buttery crust that crumbles just right with every bite. impressive dinner recipes The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising cozy moments and delightful memories. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a regular Tuesday, these sweet potato pie bars will elevate any occasion.
I’ve got to tell you, the first time I made these sweet potato pie bars, my friends were practically fighting over the last piece. It was a hilarious scene – forks flying and laughter echoing as they tried to snag that final slice. perfect soup for your dessert This recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for gatherings or just indulging myself on a quiet evening with Netflix. Trust me; you’re going to want to keep this one close!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sweet potato pie bars are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers
- Their rich flavor profile strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and spice
- Visually appealing, they boast a beautiful golden hue topped with warm spices, making them a feast for the eyes too
- They’re versatile enough to serve at any gathering or enjoy as a comforting dessert after dinner
Every time I serve these bars, family and friends can’t help but smile from ear to ear.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious roasted potatoes recipe.
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds depth and richness that complements sweet potatoes beautifully.
Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for warmth; it’s essential for that cozy flavor.
Butter: Opt for unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness of your dessert.
Eggs: Large eggs will help bind everything together smoothly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor complexity.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base; choose finely crushed crumbs for an even texture.
Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans can add crunch and elevate the flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Those Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice about two cups of sweet potatoes. Boil them until fork-tender—approximately 15 minutes—and then drain well.
Create the Filling Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine your boiled sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mash everything until smooth and well-blended.
Prepare the Crust Base: In another bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish evenly.
Spread That Filling Evenly : Pour your filling over the crust you just created. Use a spatula to ensure it’s spread evenly across the top.
Bake Until Perfectly Set : Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until set in the middle. You should see some browning around the edges for that perfect finish.
Let these delicious sweet potato pie bars cool before cutting them into squares so you can savor every gooey bite! high protein dessert ideas.
You Must Know
- Sweet potato pie bars are not just delicious; they’re a crowd-pleaser!
- The warm spices and creamy texture create a comforting dessert that can steal the show at any gathering
- Plus, they’re perfect for both fall festivities and holiday celebrations
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting sweet potatoes until tender, while preparing your crust. Mix the filling as the crust cools, ensuring efficiency for tasty results.
Add Your Touch
Try adding a hint of maple syrup or pecans for extra flavor. You can also substitute regular flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sweet potato pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal texture. For more inspiration, check out this Greek yogurt muffins recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making sweet potato pie bars, always taste your filling before baking to adjust sweetness
- Use fresh spices for a vibrant flavor, and ensure your crust is well-chilled before baking to prevent sogginess
Sweet potato pie bars have brought joy to many gatherings in my home. One Thanksgiving, my aunt declared them “life-changing,” prompting me to make them every year since!
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well but drain excess liquid for best results.
How do I know when the pie bars are done?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly before cooling.
Can I freeze sweet potato pie bars?
Absolutely! Freeze them wrapped tightly for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Sweet potato pie bars are the perfect blend of creamy, spiced filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. This delightful dessert is easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy nights in. With a rich flavor profile that balances sweetness with warmth, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes; drain well.
- In a bowl, mash sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set in the middle and lightly browned around the edges.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, add a splash of maple syrup or substitute almond flour for a gluten-free option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for three months.