Sweet Potato Pie Bars are like a hug from your grandma’s kitchen—rich, spiced, and packed with Southern charm. Whether it’s the aroma of cinnamon filling your home or the buttery crust that melts on your tongue, these bars are comfort food at its finest. You don’t need baking experience to pull this off—just a love for fall flavors and a sweet tooth. This recipe transforms the classic pie into portable, shareable bars perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekends in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about sweet potato pie bars—they blend tradition and simplicity in the best way. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Tastes like fall: Warm spices and velvety sweet potato filling.
- Beginner-friendly: No pie crust rolling required!
- Make-ahead wonder: Tastes even better the next day.
- Budget-friendly: Pantry staples make this affordable and accessible.
A Little History Behind Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Sweet Potato Pie Bars take inspiration from the traditional Southern dessert, sweet potato pie, beloved for generations. Here are a few fun facts:
- Roots in the South: Sweet potato pie has deep African-American culinary roots, often made during holidays.
- Post-slavery traditions: Sweet potatoes became a staple crop after slavery due to their versatility and availability.
- Pie-to-bar evolution: Turning pies into bars gained popularity as a way to simplify prep and serve larger groups.
Key Ingredients in Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Sweet potatoes – The heart of the dish, lending rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Brown sugar – Adds a deep molasses sweetness that pairs beautifully with spices.
- Evaporated milk – Keeps the filling silky and smooth.
- Butter – Both in the crust and filling, butter makes everything better.
- Warm spices – Think cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for that signature pie flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Step-by-Step
Baking Sweet Potato Pie Bars Has Never Been This Easy
Prep the sweet potatoes: Peel, chop, and boil until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Mash until smooth and let cool slightly.
Make the crust: Combine flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. Press into a greased baking dish and bake for 10–12 minutes at 350°F.
Mix the filling: Blend mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, brown sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
Assemble the bars: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake to perfection: Return to oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles.
Cool completely: Let the bars cool at room temp before refrigerating at least 2 hours (or overnight) for clean slicing.
Slice and serve: Cut into squares and serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Optional garnish: Add crushed pecans, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for flair.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars Tips and Twists
Want to make your Sweet Potato Pie Bars stand out? Try these:
Helpful Tips:
- Let sweet potatoes cool before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
- Use parchment paper for easy bar removal.
- Don’t overbake—look for a slight jiggle in the center.
- Chill completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Taste your mash before baking—adjust spices if needed.
Fun Variations:
- Pecan crumble topping: Add crunch with brown sugar and chopped pecans.
- Maple twist: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Mini muffin version: Pour into a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
These bars are perfect for prepping ahead or savoring over a few days.
- Storage: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the day before and refrigerate overnight—flavor improves with time!
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Pie Bars shine on their own, but here’s how to elevate the experience:
- Top with whipped cream or marshmallow fluff for a sweet contrast.
- Pair with hot drinks like cinnamon tea, lattes, or even spiked eggnog.
- Serve with savory sides like roasted nuts or cheese bites at parties.
- Dress them up with powdered sugar or caramel drizzle for presentation.
- Bundle them in parchment for a cute edible gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Just make sure they’re not packed in syrup and drain well before mashing.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust—works beautifully.
3. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Slice and freeze individually. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
4. Can I swap evaporated milk?
Try heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
5. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be set but slightly jiggly. It firms up as it cools.
Enjoy Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
There’s something truly special about Sweet Potato Pie Bars—every bite carries comfort, nostalgia, and warmth. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or just because, these bars are bound to become a seasonal favorite. They’re rich, spiced just right, and couldn’t be easier to make. So preheat that oven and get cozy—your kitchen’s about to smell amazing.
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Love cozy, beginner-friendly bakes? Pair your Sweet Potato Pie Bars with these delicious ideas from Abby’s Recipes:
- Try the Blueberry Bread Pudding for another rich, comforting dessert.
- Add a touch of spice with Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes—perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Need a no-bake treat? Check out the Cherry Cheesecake for an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Want savory to balance the sweet? Whip up these Grilled Chicken Wraps for your next lunch.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars for Easy, Cozy Fall Baking
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 2 large potatoes
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Press the crust mixture into the dish and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- While crust bakes, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices. Mix until smooth.
- Pour filling over baked crust and smooth out evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate 2+ hours.
- Slice into squares and enjoy your sweet potato pie bars!
Notes
Nutrition
Per bar (1 of 12): 210 calories, 9g fat, 30g carbs, 3g protein, 15g sugar