Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a rich graham cracker crust with creamy sweet potato filling. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, including Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, bringing warmth and comfort to any occasion. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to impress your guests while being easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into large or small bars, making them ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Deliciously Creamy: The sweet potato filling is rich and smooth, offering a delightful contrast to the crispy crust.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether served warm or chilled, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars fit perfectly in any season or celebration.
• Homemade Vegan Marshmallows: Top them with toasted vegan marshmallows for an eye-catching finish that elevates the dessert.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Sweet Potato Pie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess; choose a size that fits your recipe volume.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides the perfect size for even baking of your Sweet Potato Pie Bars.
• Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process, especially when whipping egg whites; saves time and effort.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down bowls to ensure no ingredients are left behind; helps achieve a smooth mixture.

this recipe

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Pie Bars have a thick graham cracker crust, fresh sweet potato filling, and tall toasted homemade vegan marshmallows topping. The perfect fall treat, and a terrific Thanksgiving dessert!

For the Crust

• 18 (270 grams) full graham crackers
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 12 tablespoons (169 grams) unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling

• 2 cups (16 ounces or 454 grams) fresh sweet potato puree (not canned)
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (356 grams) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (119 grams) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Topping

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and sea salt.
• Add melted butter and mix until combined.
• Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• In another bowl, beat together fresh sweet potato puree with granulated sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in whole milk and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
• Season with vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

Step 3: Bake the Filling

• Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 40–50 minutes or until set. Let cool at room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

• In a clean bowl, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine light corn syrup, water, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer without stirring.
• Pour hot syrup slowly into whipped egg whites while mixing continuously until glossy.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish Baking

• Spread the meringue topping over cooled pie filling. Use a spatula to create peaks for texture.
• Return to oven at broil for about 3–5 minutes or until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
• Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Pie Bars as a festive treat!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving ideas to make the most of these delicious bars.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich sweet potato filling.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve warm Sweet Potato Pie Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars to enhance their sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor.

Sprinkled with Nuts

• Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet potato.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apple or pear on the side for a refreshing balance to the rich dessert.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars

To ensure your Sweet Potato Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for fresh sweet potato puree instead of canned.

• Pre-bake Your Crust: Bake the graham cracker crust briefly before adding the filling. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.

• Whip Egg Whites Separately: When making marshmallow topping, whip egg whites separately until stiff peaks form. This ensures a fluffy texture.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.

• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them hold their shape better when cutting.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Pairing Sweet Potato Pie Bars with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables
   A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil adds a savory touch that balances the sweetness of the pie bars.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   Fluffy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that contrasts nicely with the texture of the pie bars.

3. Green Salad
   A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers freshness and cuts through the richness of dessert.

4. Savory Stuffing
   A herbed stuffing is a classic choice that pairs well, especially during fall festivities like Thanksgiving.

5. Spiced Applesauce
   Homemade spiced applesauce adds warmth and is an excellent way to incorporate more fruit into your meal.

6. Butternut Squash Soup
   A warm bowl of butternut squash soup serves as a comforting starter before indulging in sweet potato treats.

7. Cranberry Relish
   Tart cranberry relish provides a zesty contrast that enhances the flavors of both sweet potatoes and desserts alike.

8. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can create an elegant spread, offering contrasting flavors that pair beautifully with sweet pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making a thick crust: Ensure the graham cracker crust is not too thick, as it can overpower the sweet potato filling. Aim for an even layer that complements the pie.
• Using canned sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potato puree yields a better flavor and texture. Always opt for fresh sweet potatoes if possible.
• Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling. Test for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean but moist.
• Forgetting to whip egg whites: Properly whipping the egg whites creates a light topping. This step adds volume and fluffiness to your bars, so don’t skip it!
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing is crucial. This helps set the filling and makes cutting easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: To keep them fresh, place the bars in an airtight container.
• Lasts for up to 5 days: Sweet Potato Pie Bars will maintain their quality for about five days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Wrap in plastic wrap: For freezing, tightly wrap each bar in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Lasts for up to 3 months: You can freeze these bars for up to three months without compromising taste.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming them gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful dessert made with a graham cracker crust filled with creamy sweet potato puree and topped with toasted meringue.

How do I make my Sweet Potato Pie Bars vegan?
Substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or aquafaba can help create vegan Sweet Potato Pie Bars while still achieving that creamy texture.

Can I use other types of squash instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Butternut squash or pumpkin can be great alternatives if you want to experiment with different flavors in your pie bars.

How do I customize my Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
You can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or mix in nuts and chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Are Sweet Potato Pie Bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Sweet Potato Pie Bars, simply select gluten-free graham crackers for your crust.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are an excellent treat for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving desserts. Their creamy filling combined with a crunchy crust offers a delightful experience. Feel free to customize them by adding spices or toppings that suit your taste!

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Sweet Potato Pie Bars

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a scrumptious and accessible twist on the classic dessert, featuring a rich graham cracker crust and a creamy sweet potato filling. These delightful bars are perfect for fall events, including Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, offering warmth and comfort with every bite. Their unique blend of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests while being simple enough to make at home. Top them off with fluffy toasted vegan marshmallows for an eye-catching finish that elevates this already irresistible treat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 18 full graham crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups fresh sweet potato puree (not canned)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Mix in melted butter until well combined, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In another bowl, beat fresh sweet potato puree with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sea salt, and spices until fully incorporated.
4. Pour filling over the crust and bake for 40–50 minutes until set. Let cool at room temperature.
5. For the topping, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while whipping until stiff peaks form.
6. Heat corn syrup with water and sea salt until simmering; slowly pour into whipped egg whites while mixing until glossy.
7. Spread meringue over cooled filling, creating peaks for texture. Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until golden brown; watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. Pre-baking the crust prevents sogginess. Monitor baking time to avoid overbaking.