Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of all things cozy and comforting, you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe. It’s like taking the best elements of classic sweet potato pie and turning them into easy-to-enjoy handheld bars, making dessert time utterly delightful and fuss-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is refreshingly simple in ingredients but rich in flavor. Each component, from the buttery crust to the spiced sweet potato filling and heavenly marshmallow topping, works together to create a beautifully balanced dessert.

• Graham Crackers: Crushed finely, they form a crunchy, slightly sweet crust that holds everything together perfectly.
• Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Pureed for that authentic, creamy sweet potato flavor—don’t use canned if you want the best taste and texture.
• Spices like Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cloves: These bring warmth and depth to the filling, giving it that classic autumnal aroma.
• Eggs, Milk, and Cream: Work together to create a smooth, rich custard filling that sets just right.
• Bourbon or Vanilla Extract: A splash adds a sophisticated hint of flavor that elevates the whole bar.
• Egg Whites, Corn Syrup, and Cream of Tartar: Essential for whipping up the luscious, glossy marshmallow topping that crowns the bars beautifully.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Small tweaks can easily adapt these sweet potato pie bars to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences without losing their magic.

• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacer; swap the marshmallow topping with coconut whipped cream for a dreamy finish.
• Spice It Up: Increase the ginger or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a bolder, spicier flavor profile that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Nutty Additions: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts onto the crust before baking or fold some into the marshmallow topping for added crunch and richness.
• Alcohol-Free: Simply replace the bourbon with extra vanilla extract if you prefer a non-boozy treat without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

First up, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with foil so you can easily lift the bars out later. Blend the graham crackers, sugar, and salt in a food processor until finely ground, then mix in melted butter. Press this buttery mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Once done, place it on a cooling rack and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Sweet Potato Filling

In a large bowl, beat together your fresh sweet potato puree with sugar, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, bourbon (or vanilla), salt, and warming spices. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. Pour this luscious filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly, then bake for 40 minutes. You want the filling to be mostly set but still with a slight wobble in the center – this guarantees a perfectly creamy texture once cooled.

Step 3: Create the Fluffy Marshmallow Topping

While the filling cools, start the marshmallow magic by whisking egg whites and cream of tartar to soft peaks. Simultaneously, heat the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. Slowly drizzle this hot syrup into the egg whites with the mixer running low, then crank the speed up to medium-high and whisk until thick, glossy, and marshmallow-fluff perfect – this takes about 7 minutes. Add vanilla to finish.

Step 4: Top and Toast

Spread the marshmallow topping evenly over your cooled sweet potato filling. For a gorgeous finish, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the surface until golden. If you don’t have a torch, placing the pan under the broiler for about a minute works, but watch it closely – it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! Once toasted, refrigerate the whole pan for at least 1 hour before slicing.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely finishing touch to these bars without overpowering the cozy flavors. Fresh whipped cream on the side is always a winner too!

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a stand-alone dessert, but if you’re crafting a full spread, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced Greek yogurt. For a brunch vibe, pair with savory omelets or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these bars into mini squares for bite-sized party treats, or stack them with layers of whipped cream and roasted sweet potato chunks for a trifle-style presentation that’s sure to impress your guests visually and tastefully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Sweet Potato Pie Bars covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, though the marshmallow topping tastes best if eaten within the first couple of days.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, but keep in mind the marshmallow topping might lose some texture when frozen.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up, pop a bar or two in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. Avoid heating too long to keep the marshmallow topping soft and the filling creamy without melting it all away.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe is pure comfort wrapped in a festive package, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo during a quiet moment. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can feel so luxurious with every bite. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

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