The Best Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe for Cozy Fall Evenings

Sweet potato pie bars offer a delightful twist on traditional dessert expectations.

Southern comfort meets modern culinary creativity in this delectable treat.

Creamy, spiced fillings nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust create an irresistible texture that dances between smooth and crisp.

Warm autumn spices whisper memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchen moments.

The rich, velvety sweet potato base converts a classic pie into convenient, shareable squares perfect for gatherings.

Unexpected layers of flavor blend seamlessly, surprising even seasoned dessert enthusiasts with their complex yet approachable profile.

You’ll find these bars equally impressive at potlucks or enjoyed quietly with afternoon tea.

Why Sweet Potato Pie Bars Are a Seasonal Must

• Craft a Creamy Comfort Dessert: These sweet potato pie bars deliver a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, combining the warmth of sweet potatoes with a dreamy marshmallow-like topping.
• Elevate Home Baking Skills: The recipe offers a perfect balance of techniques, from food processor crust-making to precise sugar syrup preparation, allowing home bakers to expand their culinary expertise with an impressive dessert.
• Stress-Free Special Occasion Treat: Designed for make-ahead convenience, these bars can be prepared in stages, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or potluck events where you want to impress without last-minute kitchen stress.
• Texture Adventure in Every Bite: Experience a delightful contrast between the crisp graham cracker crust, smooth sweet potato filling, and golden torched meringue topping that creates a multi-dimensional dessert experience.

Key Ingredients in Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Graham Crackers: Classic base for a crumbly, sweet foundation with a hint of honey and cinnamon.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps graham cracker crumbs stick together.

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy, naturally sweet base that gives the pie bars their distinct flavor and vibrant orange color.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and smooth texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that complement the sweet potato's natural flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall depth of flavor.

• Egg Whites: Create light, fluffy marshmallow-like topping.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites for better volume.
• Sugar, Corn Syrup, Water: Creates smooth, glossy meringue topping.
• Salt: Balances sweetness in the meringue.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the topping.

Baking Instructions for Soft and Spiced Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

• Graham crackers
• Sugar
• Salt
• Melted butter

Pulse graham crackers, sugar, and salt in a food processor until finely ground. Add melted butter and pulse until mixture becomes moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

Combine all filling ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Bake for 40 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 4: Craft the Fluffy Marshmallow Topping

• Egg whites
• Cream of tartar
• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Whip egg whites and cream of tartar together until soft peaks form. In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat the mixture until it reaches 240°F. Slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuously beating. Add vanilla extract and mix until glossy and stiff. Spread the marshmallow topping over the cooled filling.

Step 5: Caramelize the Topping

Use a kitchen torch or broiler to golden brown the marshmallow topping. If using a broiler, watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect caramelized finish. Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for a Rich and Buttery Pie Bar Texture

• Select Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots for the most vibrant flavor and best texture.
• Perfectly Smooth Filling: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to ensure the filling is completely smooth and free of lumps for a silky consistency.
• Prevent Crust Burning: Watch the graham cracker crust closely during initial baking to prevent over-browning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Achieve Precise Meringue: Use a candy thermometer when boiling sugar syrup to hit exactly 240°F for stable, glossy meringue topping.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature before cutting to help them set properly and maintain clean, sharp edges.

Storage and Reheating for Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Refrigerate sweet potato pie bars in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooling. Store bars flat to maintain the delicate meringue topping and prevent cracking. Consume refrigerated bars within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture. Gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to preserve the creamy filling and crisp crust. Avoid freezing meringue-topped bars, as the delicate topping will lose its beautiful texture and become watery when thawed.

What to Serve with Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Craft Creamy Bourbon Pairing: Smooth bourbon complements the sweet potato's richness, cutting through the dessert's sweetness with warm, oak-aged notes.
• Elevate with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai tea beautifully mirror the pie's cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, caramelized marshmallow topping, balancing temperatures and textures.
• Serve Alongside Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's deep, caramel notes enhance the sweet potato's natural sweetness, offering a luxurious dessert companion.

Ways to Switch Up Your Sweet Potato Pie Bar Game

• Pumpkin Spice Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree and add classic pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a seasonal autumn-inspired treat.
• Pecan Crunch Crust: Mix finely chopped pecans into the graham cracker base for a nutty, textural enhancement that complements the creamy sweet potato filling.
• Maple Meringue Magic: Substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup in the meringue topping and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of rich, caramelized flavor.
• Bourbon Vanilla Boost: Incorporate a splash of bourbon into the sweet potato filling and use vanilla bean paste instead of extract to create a more complex, sophisticated dessert bar.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort meets dessert perfection in these sweet potato pie bars. Creamy spiced filling nestles atop a buttery graham cracker crust, delivering pure autumn warmth that will make your gathering memorable.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Ingredients:

• 2 cups (16 ounces / 454 grams) sweet potato puree
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 1 teaspoon fine salt

Base and Binding Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 18 full graham crackers
• 12 tablespoons (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) light corn syrup
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare your baking workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and heating to 350°F (175°C). Carefully line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Transform graham crackers, granulated sugar, and kosher salt into fine crumbs using a food processor. Gradually incorporate melted unsalted butter, pulsing until the mixture resembles moistened sand-like texture.
3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Blend sweet potato filling ingredients using an electric mixer, whisking until completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently pour the vibrant orange mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust.
5. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness. Remove and let cool to room temperature, allowing the filling to set completely.
6. Create the marshmallow meringue topping by whipping egg whites and cream of tartar until soft, billowy peaks form. Simultaneously, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
7. Heat the sugar syrup until it reaches exactly 240°F (116°C) on a candy thermometer. Carefully stream the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuously beating on medium-high speed.
8. Incorporate vanilla extract and continue whipping until the meringue becomes glossy and forms stiff, dramatic peaks. Spread the marshmallow meringue evenly across the cooled pie bars.
9. Position the pan under the broiler or use a kitchen torch to caramelize the meringue until golden brown and beautifully toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Make the crust ahead of time to ensure a crisp, sturdy base that holds up perfectly when cutting bars.
• Use fresh sweet potatoes for the richest, most authentic flavor that elevates this classic dessert.
• Calibrate your candy thermometer carefully when making the marshmallow topping to achieve the perfect glossy, golden finish.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to get clean, precise slices that look professionally made.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain the texture and taste of your delectable dessert.
• Optional broiling creates a beautiful caramelized topping that adds a professional bakery-style touch to your homemade bars.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 352 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 218 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg