Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for those who can’t decide between pie and cake. Imagine biting into a luscious, creamy filling nestled atop a crumbly, buttery crust that crumbles just perfectly at the edges. decadent cheesecake mousse The sweet aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your taste buds like a playful kitten. no bake oreo lush dessert banana pudding cheesecake You might even find yourself dancing around the kitchen while waiting for them to bake—just don’t trip over your own feet!
These bars are more than just a treat; they hold memories of family gatherings where laughter and joy filled the air. Picture this: your grandma in her apron, shouting from the kitchen, “Come help me with these Sweet Potato Pie Bars!” Everyone gathers around, eager to lend a hand as the sweet scent envelops you all. guilt-free keto brownies These treats are perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy winter evenings, or whenever you need a slice of happiness on a plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making baking a fun activity rather than a chore.
- The flavor profile combines warm spices and creamy sweetness that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Visually appealing with their rich orange hue and buttery crust, these bars look as good as they taste!
- They’re versatile enough to be served warm with whipped cream or chilled with ice cream on top.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. About 2 cups mashed will do.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes.
- Brown Sugar: For added depth of flavor and that lovely caramel note.
- Ground Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and enhances the sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a lovely aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best; it adds richness to both crust and filling.
- Eggs: Three large eggs will help bind everything together while providing structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes these bars from good to absolutely delightful!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and grease it with nonstick cooking spray or butter so your bars won’t stick faster than your cousin at Thanksgiving dinner!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in some flour and mix until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—imperfection is what makes it homemade!
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly; you want it warm but not hot enough to burn your tongue like that one time when you were too impatient for pizza.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined into one glorious orange mixture. Think of it as pure sunshine in a bowl!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour this sweet potato goodness over your slightly cooled crust. Spread evenly so every bite has that delicious filling peeking out! Bake again for about 30-35 minutes until it’s set but still slightly jiggly—like something you’d see in an old cartoon.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Sweet Potato Pie Bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Dust them with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy! You’ve earned it.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful bars while sipping on some hot cocoa or coffee—it’s basically mandatory now!
You Must Know
- These Sweet Potato Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert.
- Creamy, spiced filling atop a buttery crust makes for an irresistible treat.
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they bring warmth and comfort to any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare the crust by mixing flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press it into the pan and bake until golden. While it cools, blend sweet potatoes with spices and eggs for that luscious filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra kick or toss in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold if you prefer that delicious creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly textured Sweet Potato Pie Bars, ensure your sweet potatoes are well-mashed and smooth before mixing in other ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the filling to maintain its lightness.
- Lastly, let the bars cool completely before cutting them to achieve clean slices.
I remember the first time I made these Sweet Potato Pie Bars for Thanksgiving; my family devoured them faster than I could say “pumpkin spice.” Now it’s a cherished tradition!
FAQs:
What are Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the sweet, creamy flavors of traditional sweet potato pie in a convenient bar form. These bars typically have a buttery crust and a spiced sweet potato filling, making them a perfect treat for holidays or any time you crave something sweet. They are easier to serve than pie slices, making them ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
How can I store Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
To store Sweet Potato Pie Bars, first allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Place the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Can I make Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time! Prepare the bars up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you plan to freeze them, bake and cool the bars first, then wrap and freeze as mentioned earlier. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
What toppings pair well with Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
When it comes to toppings for Sweet Potato Pie Bars, whipped cream is a classic choice that adds creaminess and lightness. You can also sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon can enhance the flavor even more, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bars. For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Conclusion for Sweet Potato Pie Bars:
In summary, Sweet Potato Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining ease of preparation with rich flavors. With their buttery crust and spiced filling, they are perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Storing and preparing these bars ahead of time is simple and efficient, allowing you to impress guests with minimal effort. Try these bars today for a comforting treat that everyone will love!
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Potato Pie Bars offer a delightful blend of creamy sweet potato filling and a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. With their warm spices and rich texture, they bring comfort and joy to your dessert table, making them an instant favorite among guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Incorporate flour until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well mixed.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added richness, consider replacing granulated sugar with more brown sugar or mixing in chocolate chips for a delicious twist. These bars store well; refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.