These irresistible sweet potato pie bars combine the cozy flavors of fall into perfect portable dessert squares.
Quick Answer: Make sweet potato pie bars by combining mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices and a buttery graham cracker crust. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until set, then cool completely before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of creamy filling and crispy crust
- Easier to make than traditional pie
- Great for potlucks and holiday gatherings
- Can be made ahead
- Freezer-friendly
Quick Benefits
Sweet potato pie bars offer all the comforting flavors of traditional sweet potato pie in an easy-to-serve format. Perfect for entertaining, these bars can be made ahead and transport beautifully.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (90 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 5 full sheets)
- 1/8 cup (25 g) white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 g) salted butter, melted
- 1 lb (450 g) sweet potatoes (2 to 3 roots)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup (30 g) salted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp grated orange zest (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Add the sweet potatoes to a large stockpot and cover with water. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil. Cook the sweet potatoes until fork tender, about 15 to 18 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and set them aside to cool while you prepare the crust.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C / gas mark 4).
- Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- While the crust is par-baking, mix the filling. Add the cooled sweet potato chunks, sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, eggs, spices, and orange zest to a large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer until the sweet potatoes are mashed and everything is well combined.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return the baking pan to the oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature. Then place them in the fridge to chill for 4 to 5 hours, or until completely cool and firm.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top of the bars. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and slightly melted.
- Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut into squares and serve.
You Must Know
- Don’t overbake – filling should be slightly jiggly when done
- Cool completely before cutting for clean squares
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother filling
- Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling
- Strain sweet potato mixture for ultra-smooth texture
Serving Suggestions
- Top with freshly whipped cream
- Drizzle with caramel sauce
- Sprinkle with crushed pecans
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Pair with hot coffee or spiced tea
Creative Variations
- Add marshmallow topping and broil until golden
- Swap graham crackers for gingersnap cookie crust
- Include bourbon or rum for adult version
- Add chocolate chips to filling
Cultural Notes
Sweet potato pie is a beloved Southern dessert with roots in African American cuisine. This bar version maintains the traditional flavors while offering modern convenience. The dish evolved from African cooking traditions brought to America and became a staple at holiday gatherings.
Pro Tips
- Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling for better flavor
- Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for best color
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing
- Line pan with parchment for easy removal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make sweet potato pie bars with canned sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, but fresh roasted sweet potatoes provide better flavor.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The center should be slightly jiggly but set around edges.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months.
Q: How long do they last in the fridge?
A: Up to 5 days when properly stored.
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
A: Yes, use 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
Health Benefits
Sweet potato pie bars feature nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, which are high in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. This dessert offers a more nutritious alternative to traditional pies while still delivering satisfying sweetness.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 425 • Carbs: 58g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 21g • Sodium: 280mg
Notes
For best results, allow bars to cool completely before cutting and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
These irresistible sweet potato pie bars combine the cozy flavors of fall into perfect portable dessert squares.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, allow bars to cool completely before cutting and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.