Introduction
Few desserts embody the comfort of fall quite like sweet potato pie—but what if you could enjoy that same warm, spiced filling in a bar you can hold in your hand? These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are your answer.
With all the nostalgic flavors of the traditional Southern pie, this recipe transforms the beloved treat into convenient, sliceable squares—perfect for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying a midweek sweet craving. You still get the creamy filling, buttery crust, and those signature spices, but now they’re easy to make ahead and share with a crowd.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is an absolute time-saver without compromising on flavor. There’s no fussing with rolling out crusts or delicate slicing. Just pour your sweet potato filling over a prepared crust, bake, cool, and cut into bars.
It’s perfect for holiday baking, especially when you’re feeding a crowd. And because they’re served in bar form, they travel well and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (roasted or boiled, then 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, pressed into a rectangular baking dish
Swaps & Notes
- Evaporated milk: Substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream in a pinch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of allspice or clove for extra warmth.
- Crust options: Use a graham cracker or shortbread crust if you prefer a crumble-like base.
- Sweet potato prep: Roasting gives the filling a richer, caramelized flavor, but boiling works just fine.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your crust is pre-baked and pressed firmly into a rectangular baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×13 pan works great).
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and evaporated milk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Flavor
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture evenly over your crust. Smooth with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly firm to the touch.
5. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Tips for Success
- Cool completely before slicing to get clean edges.
- Use a food processor for super smooth sweet potato filling.
- For extra decadence, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze.
- Want a crunch? Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These bars are versatile enough for weeknight desserts or holiday feasts. Serve with:
- A cozy meal like Easy Turkey Wings
- A fun sidekick treat like Caramel Apple Nachos
- A no-bake option like Pumpkin Delight Dessert
- Or swap out for other bars like these Pecan Pie Bars
Feeling nostalgic? Pair them with a glass of warm apple cider or a classic cup of coffee.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- These bars taste even better the next day—hello, make-ahead magic!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving cozy, fall-friendly sweets, don’t miss:
- Pecan Pie Bars – a nutty, rich companion to sweet potato
- Pumpkin Delight Dessert – a creamy, cool alternative
- Old School No-Bake Cookies – classic chocolate-peanut butter goodness
- Caramel Apple Nachos – the easiest way to impress with apples
- Easy Turkey Wings – the perfect savory pairing for your pie bars
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are comfort food in handheld form. They pack the soul of the South and the ease of a modern dessert—all in a pan you can bake ahead and slice when ready.
Try them out, share them at your next gathering, and don’t forget to tag @chefmaniac if you post your masterpiece online. We love seeing your bakes and hearing your twists!
Happy baking, and happy fall!
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