Sweet Potato Pie Bars: A Comforting Dessert with Southern Charm

Sweet potato pie is a Southern classic that evokes warmth, comfort, and family gatherings. But what if we reimagined this traditional dessert into convenient, shareable bars? Sweet potato pie bars combine the creamy, spiced filling you love with a buttery crust for an irresistible treat that's perfect for holidays, potlucks, or everyday indulgence.

Let’s get started on this easy and delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed gingersnaps for extra spice)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)

• 3 large eggs

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• Pinch of salt

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.

3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even crust.

4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

2. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the sweet potato filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

2. If desired, sprinkle the top with chopped pecans and brown sugar for added crunch and sweetness.

3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.

4. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, cut the dessert into squares or rectangles.

2. Serve as is, or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.

The Perfect Crust

A great dessert starts with a solid crust, and sweet potato pie bars are no exception. A flaky, buttery crust beautifully complements the smooth and creamy filling. For this recipe, you need a simple combination of flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt to create a crust that is both tender and sturdy enough to hold the sweet potato filling.

Tips for a Flaky Crust

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is cold. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky texture we all love.

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten in the flour, which can make the crust tough.

  
  

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This helps improve texture and prevents shrinking during baking.

  
  

Sweet potato pie bars fresh out of the oven, perfect for serving.

Storage Tips

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• These bars freeze well—wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• Easy to Make: No pie crust rolling required—just press, bake, and go!

• Portable and Shareable: Perfect for potlucks or dessert tables.

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy filling is perfectly spiced and pairs beautifully with the crumbly crust.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Use orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet for the best flavor and texture.

2. Mash Thoroughly: Ensure the sweet potatoes are smooth to create a creamy filling.

3. Customize the Crust: Swap graham crackers for gingersnaps or even a shortbread crust for a unique flavor profile.

Sweet potato pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert, combining the comforting flavors of sweet potato pie with the ease and convenience of bars. These treats are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering—or the perfect way to end a cozy dinner at home.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you added your own twist!

Happy baking!