Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe – A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert

Sweet potato pie has long been a beloved classic, especially during the fall and holiday season. Rich, creamy, warmly spiced, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of dessert that instantly feels like home. But sometimes, a traditional pie can feel like a commitment—rolling dough, crimping edges, slicing clean wedges. That’s where Sweet Potato Pie Bars come in.

These bars deliver everything you love about classic sweet potato pie—smooth filling, warm spices, buttery crust—but in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve format. No fuss, no complicated shaping, just simple layers baked into a pan and sliced into perfectly shareable squares.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or just craving a cozy dessert, sweet potato pie bars are a modern twist that feels both nostalgic and practical.

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Why Sweet Potato Pie Bars Are So Popular

Sweet potato pie bars take a traditional dessert and make it more accessible. Instead of worrying about slicing neat pieces of pie, bars allow you to cut uniform servings that travel well and look beautiful on a dessert tray.

Here’s why people love them:

• Easier to prepare than a full pie
• Perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings
• Creamy, custard-like filling with fewer cracks
• Balanced crust-to-filling ratio in every bite

They’re also incredibly forgiving, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.

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The Flavor Profile You Can Expect

These sweet potato pie bars are rich but not heavy, sweet but not overpowering. Mashed sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and depth, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create that unmistakable warm-spice aroma. The buttery crust anchors the filling, adding texture and contrast to the silky center.

Each bite feels familiar, comforting, and indulgent—like sweet potato pie, just easier and arguably better.

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Sweet Potato Filling

• 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly but moist.
3. Press crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In a large bowl, whisk mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until fully combined.
7. Pour filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
9. Allow bars to cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
10. Slice into bars and serve.

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Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Use freshly cooked sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture
• Mash until completely smooth to avoid lumps
• Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges
• Chilling enhances structure and flavor

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Easy Variations to Try

• Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling before baking
• Marshmallow Finish: Add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking
• Maple Sweetened: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup
• Spiced Crust: Add cinnamon to the crust mixture

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Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato pie bars shine on their own, but they’re also delicious with:

• Whipped cream or cinnamon whipped topping
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

They’re perfect for dessert tables, bake sales, holiday platters, or cozy nights at home.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture

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Sweet Potato Pie: A Cultural Classic

Sweet potato pie has deep roots in Southern and African American culinary traditions, often passed down through generations. These bars honor that heritage while offering a modern, convenient format that fits today’s busy kitchens.

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Final Thoughts

If you love classic sweet potato pie but want something easier, cleaner, and just as comforting, Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the answer. Creamy, warmly spiced, and beautifully balanced, they’re a dessert that feels timeless yet refreshingly simple.

Once you try them, you may never go back to slicing pie again.