Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe – A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
Sweet potato pie has long been a treasured dessert, especially during the fall and holiday season. Its silky texture, warm spices, and rich flavor make it a comfort food staple across generations. But sometimes, even the most beloved classics deserve a fresh spin. That’s where Sweet Potato Pie Bars come in — all the flavor of traditional sweet potato pie, transformed into easy-to-slice, shareable dessert bars.
These bars are everything you love about sweet potato pie: creamy filling, cozy spices, and a buttery base — but in a more approachable, fuss-free format. No rolling dough. No worrying about perfectly crimped edges. Just a simple crust, a smooth filling, and beautifully cut bars that are perfect for gatherings, bake sales, holidays, or casual weeknight desserts.
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels nostalgic yet modern, indulgent yet practical, this sweet potato pie bars recipe checks every box.
Why Sweet Potato Pie Bars Are Better Than You Expect
Sweet potato pie is often reserved for special occasions, but bars make it accessible anytime. The rectangular shape allows for even baking, easy slicing, and cleaner presentation. Plus, bars hold their structure better than pie slices, making them ideal for transporting and serving.
Here’s why these bars stand out:
- Creamy, custard-like filling that melts in your mouth
- Perfect spice balance without overpowering sweetness
- Buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling
- Easy preparation compared to traditional pie
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a cozy dessert, sweet potato pie bars deliver consistent results every time.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Sweet Potato Filling
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup evaporated milk or whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed sweet potatoes and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Pour filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars for clean edges.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking pan with parchment.
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly and press into pan.
- Bake crust 15 minutes and set aside.
- Whisk sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour filling over crust and spread evenly.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until set.
- Cool completely and chill before slicing.
Notes
Texture, Flavor & What to Expect
Sweet potato pie bars are known for their luxurious texture. The filling is smooth and creamy, almost custard-like, while the crust adds just enough firmness to support each bite.
Flavor-wise, these bars are gently sweet with warm undertones of cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet potato flavor is front and center — earthy, comforting, and naturally rich — without being masked by sugar or spice.
They’re indulgent without being heavy, making them easy to enjoy even after a big meal.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Use freshly cooked sweet potatoes instead of canned for best flavor
- Mash sweet potatoes until completely smooth to avoid lumps
- Don’t overbake — a slightly soft center will firm up as it cools
- Chill before slicing for clean, bakery-style bars
- Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting
Variations to Try
Pecan Sweet Potato Bars
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling before baking for crunch.
Maple Sweet Potato Bars
Replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
Spiced Holiday Bars
Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra seasonal warmth.
Cream Cheese Swirl
Swirl lightly sweetened cream cheese into the filling before baking for contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Perfect with coffee, tea, or spiced lattes
- Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and fall gatherings
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days
- Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
- Flavor improves after resting overnight
Sweet Potato Pie Bars vs Traditional Pie
Bars are often easier to transport, slice, and store than pie. They’re less fragile, more uniform, and ideal for feeding a crowd. While pie will always have its place, bars offer convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Pie Bars capture the heart of a classic dessert while making it simpler, neater, and more versatile. Rich, creamy, warmly spiced, and irresistibly comforting, they’re a dessert you’ll come back to year after year.
If you love sweet potato pie but want a modern, practical alternative, this recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
