If you love the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes and crave a delicious twist on traditional pie, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. With a rich, creamy filling that boasts just the right balance of warm spices, a buttery crust that melts in your mouth, and a delightfully crunchy crumble topping, Sweet Potato Pie Bars bring together everything you adore about fall desserts in a convenient, handheld form. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring as a cozy homemade indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on essential ingredients that each bring a special touch to the bars. From the smooth sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes to the comforting warmth of cinnamon, every component plays a perfect role in the final taste and texture.

All-purpose flour: The base for both the crust and crumble, providing structure and a tender bite.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed for the crust, melted for the topping, it adds rich flavor and flakiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
Brown sugar: Infuses the filling and crumble with deep molasses notes and moisture.
Sweet potatoes: Cooked and mashed, they provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
Eggs: Bind the filling together, giving it stability and a silkiness.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create that luscious texture in the filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and brings out the warm spices.
Ground cinnamon: A signature spice that complements sweet potatoes perfectly.
Ground nutmeg: Provides subtle depth and cozy warmth.
Salt: Balances and heightens flavors throughout all layers.
Rolled oats: Added to the crumble topping for a wonderful crunch and rustic texture.
Ice water: Helps bring the crust dough together without warming the butter.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into small chunks, then boil them until they’re tender. This step is crucial as it transforms the potatoes into that creamy, smooth filling everyone will love. Once tender, mash them until lump-free for a velvety base.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Next, cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just holds together. Chill this dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up, making it easier to roll out.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sweet Potato Filling

Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything is perfectly smooth and fully combined. This mixture is the heart of your Sweet Potato Pie Bars, so make sure it’s well blended for a consistent texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Roll out your chilled crust dough onto a floured surface to fit your baking dish. Press it evenly into the pan to create a sturdy base. Pour the luscious sweet potato filling over the crust, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Get ready for the next indulgent step.

Step 5: Create and Add the Crumble Topping

For that irresistible crunchy topping, mix flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Scatter this mixture evenly over the filling. This topping bakes to a golden perfection that adds texture and a touch of sweetness that compliments the velvety filling underneath.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your assembled pan into a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely, at least 30 minutes, so they firm up and slice beautifully.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Garnishes

These bars shine on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a decadent dessert experience. Sprinkle on a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg for an inviting aroma and a polished look that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these bars as part of a larger meal, consider light, fresh accompaniments like a crisp apple salad or roasted nuts to add texture contrast. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with tart or savory elements, making every bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform the presentation by cutting these bars into bite-sized squares for parties or layering them in a trifle glass with whipped cream and candied pecans. You could even drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence on special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Sweet Potato Pie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert or midday snack.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.

Reheating

To warm up your bars, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or reheat in an oven at low temperature until just warmed through. This restores that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel and enhances their comforting aromas.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute, but fresh mashed sweet potatoes tend to have a better texture and natural sweetness, making the bars even more delightful.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures and swap heavy cream with a plant-based cream to keep things fully vegan without compromising the richness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for both the crust and crumble topping to ensure they’re safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

What is the best way to reheat leftover bars?

The best method is gently warming them in the oven to retain their texture and flavor, but the microwave works well for a quick fix. Just watch the time so they don’t dry out.

Can I prepare the crust and filling ahead of time?

You can prepare the crust dough and filling up to a day in advance. Keep the dough wrapped and chilled, and store the filling in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bars.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Sweet Potato Pie Bars that makes them the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you make them for a festive gathering or a simple treat to brighten your day, these bars bring warmth to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the cozy, sweet magic for yourself!

Sweet Potato Pie Bars

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4.1 from 84 reviews

Sweet potato pie bars offer a delicious twist on classic sweet potato pie, featuring a rich, creamy filling made from mashed sweet potatoes and warm spices, all set atop a buttery crust with a crunchy oat crumble topping. Perfect as a comforting dessert, these bars combine delightful textures and flavors that capture the essence of traditional sweet potato pie in a convenient bar form.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil until tender and mash until smooth, setting aside to cool slightly.
Make the crust: In a bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
Assemble the bars: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking dish. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the dish. Pour the sweet potato filling over the crust and spread evenly.
Prepare the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and topping is golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to let the filling set properly.

Notes

Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to three months for longer storage.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
For a vegan alternative, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds and use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream.