Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of sweet potatoes with a crunchy graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. With their creamy filling and tall toasted homemade vegan marshmallows on top, these bars stand out as a unique treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a crunchy crust creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are suitable for various occasions—Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or even a cozy family dinner.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layers of creamy filling topped with toasted marshmallows not only taste great but also look stunning on any dessert table.
• Customizable Options: Adapt the recipe to suit your taste by experimenting with different spices or toppings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Sweet Potato Pie Bars successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. Gather your kitchen essentials before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Ideal for making the crust quickly and evenly by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth, fluffy filling when beating together the sweet potato puree and other ingredients.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Sweet Potato Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Crust

• 18 full graham crackers (270 grams)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (169 grams), melted

For the Filling

• 2 cups fresh sweet potato puree (16 ounces or 454 grams)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (356 grams)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (119 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Marshmallow Topping

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup (120 grams)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a food processor, pulse together the graham crackers, sugar, and salt until finely crushed.
• Add melted butter and mix until combined.
• Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh sweet potato puree with granulated sugar.
• Beat in eggs one at a time until well mixed.
• Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream while stirring continuously.
• Mix in vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

• Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 40–45 minutes or until set in the center.
• Allow cooling completely before proceeding to the marshmallow topping.

Step 4: Prepare Marshmallow Topping

• In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine light corn syrup, water, and salt; bring to a boil without stirring.
• Once boiling, carefully pour this syrup mixture into beaten egg whites while mixing on high speed.
• Continue beating until glossy and cool.

Step 5: Finalize Your Bars

• Spread marshmallow topping evenly over cooled pie bars.
• Use a kitchen torch or broiler to toast marshmallows lightly if desired.
• Cut into squares and serve! Enjoy your Sweet Potato Pie Bars!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Sweet Potato Pie Bars make a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during the fall season. They can be served in various ways that enhance their flavors and presentation.

Casual Gatherings

• Warm or Cold: Serve the bars warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing bite.
• With Whipped Cream: Top with homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Holiday Celebrations

• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a festive platter alongside other seasonal desserts like pumpkin pie and apple crisp.
• Garnished with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Family Dinners

• Paired with Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to complement the sweet potato flavor.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Cut into smaller squares and include them in a brunch buffet with coffee and pastries.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Creating perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the filling light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Toast Marshmallows Carefully: If making homemade marshmallows, toast them slowly to prevent burning.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Pairing Sweet Potato Pie Bars with complementary side dishes enhances your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Crispy Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the bars.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a savory touch that contrasts nicely with dessert.
3. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunch and pairs well with the soft texture of the pie bars.
4. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from apples or pears adds a delicious fruity note.
5. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, complements the sweetness beautifully.
6. Chilled Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of pie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potato puree is key for flavor and texture. Avoid canned sweet potatoes as they can be watery and less flavorful.
• Incorrect crust preparation: Crust mixing needs to be thorough. Ensure the graham cracker crumbs are well combined with melted butter and sugar for an even texture.
• Overbaking the filling: Watch baking time closely. Baking too long can dry out the filling, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
• Skipping the egg whites: Egg white whipping is essential for achieving a fluffy topping. Don’t skip this step or your marshmallow topping won’t rise properly.
• Using too much sugar in the topping: Balance sweetness by measuring sugar carefully. Sweet potato filling is naturally sweet, so adjust added sugar accordingly.
• Not letting bars cool completely: Cooling time is crucial before cutting. Allow them to set in the fridge for better slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sweet Potato Pie Bars?

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a delicious dessert made with a graham cracker crust, creamy sweet potato filling, and topped with fluffy homemade vegan marshmallows.

How do I make Sweet Potato Pie Bars vegan?

You can make these bars vegan by replacing eggs with a suitable egg substitute such as flaxseed meal mixed with water, and using plant-based milk instead of whole milk.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While you can use canned sweet potatoes, it’s best to use fresh ones for optimal flavor and texture. Fresh sweet potato puree gives the best results.

How do I customize my Sweet Potato Pie Bars?

You can add spices like nutmeg or allspice, mix in chopped nuts, or even swirl in caramel sauce for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are not only a delightful fall treat but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to impress! Try adding your favorite toppings or spices to make them uniquely yours.