Looking for a delicious and convenient twist on classic sweet potato pie? These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery pre-baked crust and a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling, these bars are easy to make, portable, and ideal for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert, these bars are sure to delight.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Sharing: Bars are easier to serve and transport than traditional pie slices.
- Rich and Creamy: The sweet potato filling is smooth, spiced, and utterly decadent.
- Time-Saving: Using a pre-baked crust cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Fall Flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger make this dessert a seasonal favorite
Ingredients Breakdown
- Sweet Potatoes – The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Granulated & Brown Sugar – Provide the perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and enhances the smoothness of the filling.
- Evaporated Milk – Gives the filling a creamy consistency without making it too heavy.
- Eggs – Help bind the filling and give it structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger – Classic spices that bring warmth and enhance the sweet potato flavor.
- Pre-Baked Pie Crust – Serves as a sturdy base, holding the creamy filling together in easy-to-serve bars.
Tips and Tricks
- Mash Thoroughly: Ensure your sweet potatoes are completely smooth for a creamy filling.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: This prevents the crust from becoming soggy during baking.
- Check for Doneness: The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Add Toppings: Serve with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free evaporated milk alternative.
- Nutty Crust: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the crust for a crunchy texture.
- Marshmallow Topping: Add mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet, gooey finish.
Pairing Suggestions
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Whipped Cream: Top with homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree can be used as a time-saving alternative.
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2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, substitute the eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg alternative.
3. How do I prevent the crust from burning?
If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during baking.
4. Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! A graham cracker crust or shortbread crust would work beautifully.
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Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
Description
Sweet Potato Pie Bars transform classic sweet potato pie into a portable treat! With a spiced sweet potato filling over a buttery crust, they’re perfect for holidays or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (roasted or boiled and peeled)
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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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat up while you prepare the filling.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Assemble: Pour the sweet potato mixture over the pre-baked pie crust in your baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Let the pie cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into bars for easy serving.
Notes
- For a smoother filling, blend the sweet potato mixture in a food processor before baking.
- These bars are perfect for meal prep or holiday gift-giving.
- Experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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