If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of sweet potato pie with the convenience of a bar, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are just what you need. With a rich, creamy filling and a buttery crust, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to cozy nights in. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these irresistible treats.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out once they’re done.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly.
Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the filling.
Bake and Cool:
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.
Serving Tips:
Warm or Room Temperature: Sweet Potato Pie Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For a warm serving, heat individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Accompaniments: Enhance the flavor by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a delicious touch.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps keep the bars fresh and maintains their texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Serving from Frozen: If you’d like to serve the bars warm after freezing, reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
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FAQs:
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a convenient alternative to fresh sweet potatoes. Make sure to drain and mash them well before using. You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Can I make these Sweet Potato Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They taste just as delicious after a day or two and can even be frozen for longer storage.
Can I substitute the pecans in the topping with another nut or omit them?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or another preferred nut. If you prefer a nut-free topping, you can omit the nuts altogether and still have a delicious crumble topping.
What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use an equal amount of half-and-half or whole milk. For a richer flavor, you can also use heavy cream. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the substitution.
Conclusion:
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pie, offering all the delicious flavors in a convenient bar form. The creamy filling, buttery crust, and crunchy pecan topping make them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a comforting dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit!
📖 Recipe:
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Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Sweet Potato Pie Bars with a creamy filling and buttery crust, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting dessert. These easy-to-make bars feature warm spices and a crunchy pecan topping, making them an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix until smooth. Pour over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
- Make the Topping:
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift out the bars and cut into squares.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
