Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Potato Pie Bars combine the best of two worlds: the rich, spiced filling of a traditional sweet potato pie with the convenience and portability of bars. The creamy, cinnamon-scented filling pairs perfectly with a buttery, flaky crust. These bars are easy to make and perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion when you need a delicious dessert to share. They offer all the flavor of classic sweet potato pie without the fuss of slicing a pie!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (roasted or boiled and peeled)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought, pressed into a rectangular baking dish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and evaporated milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Assemble: Pour the sweet potato mixture over the pre-baked pie crust in your baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
6. Cool and Slice: Let the pie cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into bars for easy serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the filling before baking for added crunch.
• Spiced rum: For a twist, add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the filling for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Crustless: Skip the pie crust for a gluten-free, crustless version. Just grease your baking dish and pour the filling directly in.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of the two regular eggs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Sweet Potato Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy these bars warm, reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these bars up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh.

2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned mashed sweet potatoes. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

3. Can I freeze Sweet Potato Pie Bars?

Absolutely! Once fully cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before serving.

4. What type of crust should I use?

You can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust. A graham cracker crust also works well for a different texture and flavor.

5. How do I know when the filling is done?

The filling should be set and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

6. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) as a substitute for eggs.

7. Can I substitute evaporated milk with regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with regular milk, but the texture might be slightly different. Evaporated milk gives a richer, creamier consistency.

8. How can I make these bars more festive for the holidays?

Top the bars with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or add some holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.

9. Can I add more spices to the filling?

Yes, feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You could add a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.

10. Is there a gluten-free version of these bars?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free pie crust or skipping the crust altogether and baking the filling directly in the pan.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are an easy, delicious, and festive twist on a classic dessert. With their creamy filling and spiced flavor, they’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Whether you make them ahead of time, freeze them for later, or customize with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!