Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic sweet potato pie. These bars are creamy, flavorful, and have a crunchy crust that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just looking for a tasty dessert to enjoy, these sweet potato pie bars will surely impress everyone.
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Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Sweet Potato Pie Bars. First, they are delicious and comforting, bringing the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg to your dessert table. Second, they are fairly easy to prepare, making them a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. Lastly, they represent the perfect way to use sweet potatoes, which are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. You’ll love how these sweet potato bars are a hit with family and friends!
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Making Sweet Potato Pie Bars is simple and fun. You’ll create a tasty crust and a smooth filling, then bake everything together to get a delicious treat. Let’s dive into the steps!
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or pie crust)
- 1⁄2 cup melted butter
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1⁄2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff
- Chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar together until combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars
You can serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars in several fun ways. Top them with a dollop of whipped cream or some marshmallow fluff for added sweetness. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra crunch. These bars are delicious warm, at room temperature, or even cold from the fridge!
How to Store Sweet Potato Pie Bars
To store your Sweet Potato Pie Bars, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Make sure to mash the sweet potatoes well for a smooth filling.
- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought sweet potato puree.
- Don’t skip the cooling step! Allow the bars to cool completely to set properly before slicing.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips to the sweet potato filling for a chocolatey twist. You can also replace the pecans with walnuts for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes. Simply boil or bake them until soft and then mash them before using.Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free pie crust to make these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet.What should I do if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with regular milk or make your own by simmering milk to reduce it by half.
Enjoy making and eating your Sweet Potato Pie Bars! They are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (or pie crust)
- 0.5 cups melted butter
- 0.25 cups brown sugar
For the filling
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 2 pieces eggs
- 0.5 cups evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp salt
For serving
- Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff Optional topping
- Chopped pecans Optional topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar together until combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
Baking
- Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
