My grandma’s kitchen was the heart of our family gatherings, and one dessert that always took center stage was her famous sweet potato pie. The rich, velvety filling, the flaky crust, and the warm spices – it was a taste of pure comfort that transported us back to our childhood. So when I stumbled upon a recipe for Sweet Potato Pie Bars, I knew I had to give it a try. Let me tell you, this recipe has become an absolute staple in my household, and I’m confident it’ll become your go-to as well.
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Why This Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
What sets this Sweet Potato Pie Bars recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crust is wonderfully flaky and buttery, while the filling is a smooth, creamy blend of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warm spices. The secret lies in the simple yet essential ingredients – from the chilled cubed butter that creates the tender crust, to the carefully measured sweet potatoes that lend a rich, velvety texture to the filling.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this recipe’s success is the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one so important:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the foundation for the perfect pie crust, ensuring it’s sturdy yet delicate.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: When incorporated into the flour, the cold butter creates flaky layers in the crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds a subtle sweetness to the crust, balancing the savory flavors.
- 1/4 cup ice water: The ice-cold water helps bind the dough, preventing it from becoming tough.
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes): The star of the show, these provide the signature sweet potato flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: This sweetener adds depth and caramelized notes to the filling.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs help thicken and bind the filling, creating a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The cream lends a rich, indulgent mouthfeel to the bars.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: These warm spices complement the sweet potatoes and create an irresistible aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Pie Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Preparing these Sweet Potato Pie Bars is a breeze, with a total time of 55 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking. To get started, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a food processor or blender, and a mixing bowl.
1- Begin by making the crust. In a food processor, pulse the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of chilled and cubed unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the 1/4 cup of ice water and pulse until the dough just starts to come together.
2- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
3- Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating, prepare the sweet potato filling. In a blender or food processor, puree the 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth and well combined.
4- Pour the sweet potato filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Bake the bars for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
5- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut the bars into 12 equal servings.
6- Serve the Sweet Potato Pie Bars at room temperature or chilled, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the butter thoroughly before using to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use a food processor or blender to achieve a silky-smooth sweet potato filling.
- Bake the bars at 375°F for the full 40 minutes to ensure the center is set and the edges are crisp.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean, neat slices.
- Experiment with different spice combinations, like adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
- Drizzle the bars with a caramel sauce or top them with chopped pecans for extra indulgence.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving and Storing Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Perfect Pairings for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or bringing a treat to a potluck. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a warm mug of apple cider. For a more indulgent pairing, try serving the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The rich, creamy filling and the flaky crust make these bars a delightful addition to any holiday spread or autumn-inspired menu.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Sweet Potato Pie Bars, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, the bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, cut the bars into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can also reheat the bars in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, if you prefer them warm.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the crust and the filling separately up to 2 days in advance. Store the dough and the filling in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bars.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Creative Sweet Potato Pie Bars Variations
While this recipe is already a showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on these Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the bars before baking. You can also experiment with different spice blends, like adding a touch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling.
Making Sweet Potato Pie Bars Diet-Friendly
To make these Sweet Potato Pie Bars more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. Replace the all-purpose flour with a low-carb flour like almond or coconut flour. Swap the granulated sugar for a sugar-free alternative, and use a plant-based milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed egg replacer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and mash them before using.
Q: How long do the Sweet Potato Pie Bars take to prepare?
A: The total time for this recipe is 55 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make the Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The crust and filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bars.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Sweet Potato Pie Bars recipe yields 12 servings.
Q: What if the crust doesn’t come together properly?
A: If the crust seems too dry, add a bit more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until it just starts to come together. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy texture and warm fall flavors of these Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Made with a buttery crust and a luscious sweet potato filling, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to come together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
5. Roll out the chilled dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle and transfer it to a baking pan. Press the dough into the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.
6. Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, you can roast the sweet potatoes before mashing them. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, and this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and warm spices, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just craving a comforting slice of pie, give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your Sweet Potato Pie Bars masterpieces.
