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There’s a certain magic that fills the air when autumn breezes in, and I can’t help but associate it with the warm, inviting aroma of sweet potato pie. I discovered this delightful twist on an old classic during my annual Thanksgiving prep—traditional pies can be a hassle to slice and serve, but what if you could enjoy that same comforting flavor in a portable bar? Enter my Easy Sweet Potato Pie Bars, a labor of love that simplifies dessert without sacrificing richness or flavor.

Picture this: creamy layers of sweet potato filling resting on a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with a fluffy meringue that’s perfectly toasted to golden perfection. These bars are ideal for gatherings, perfect for potlucks, or simply satisfying those cravings for something sweet and seasonal. Best of all, they’re easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Grab your apron and let’s dive into a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite this fall.

Why Love These Sweet Potato Pie Bars?

Irresistible Flavor: The blend of creamy sweet potato filling and warm spices creates a comforting taste that screams autumn.
Portable Delight: Perfectly cut into bars, they’re easy to share at gatherings, making dessert a no-fuss experience.
Simplicity: With minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in just a few steps.
Versatile Enjoyment: Pair with ice cream or drizzle with caramel to elevate this classic treat—even a dollop of whipped cream makes it festive!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy get-together, these bars are sure to impress and leave your guests wanting more.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Ingredients

• Perfect for Fall gatherings!

For the Crust

Graham Crackers – A crunchy base for these Sweet Potato Pie Bars; substitute with gluten-free options to make them allergy-friendly.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; using brown sugar can provide a richer flavor.
Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the flavors, making every bite more delicious.
Unsalted Butter – Binds the crust together; coconut oil serves as a great dairy-free alternative.

For the Filling

Orange-fleshed Sweet Potatoes – This provides a velvety texture and sweetness; avoid canned puree to keep it from being runny.
Eggs – They add necessary richness and help bind the filling.
Whole Milk – Contributes creaminess; for a dairy-free twist, use almond milk instead.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness to the filling; coconut cream can be swapped in for a dairy-free version.
Bourbon or Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor; feel free to skip the bourbon if you’re serving kids.

For the Spices

Ground Cinnamon – Essential for that warm, autumnal taste.
Ground Ginger – Complements the sweet potato beautifully; you might opt for pumpkin pie spice if you want convenience.
Ground Cloves – Adds a fragrant kick that rounds out the flavors.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the meringue for a perfect topping.

For the Meringue

Egg Whites – Essential for making a fluffy meringue; ensure they are at room temperature for the best results.
Additional Sugar – Needed for the meringue; a sugar syrup gives it that glossy texture.

Be ready to create your own slice of autumn bliss with these ingredients, transforming your gatherings into cherished memories!

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil for easy removal after baking. This helpful step keeps your sweet potato pie bars intact!
Blend graham crackers, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This forms a delightful crust packed with flavor.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely. A firm crust ensures your bars hold together beautifully!
Mix the sweet potato puree, sugar, eggs, milk, heavy cream, bourbon, salt, and spices in a mixing bowl until smooth. This creamy filling is the heart of your sweet potato pie bars!
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for about 40 minutes, or until set with a slight wobble in the center. Allow it to cool to room temperature to deepen the flavors.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a separate bowl until soft peaks form for the meringue. This bubbly mix will provide a fluffy topping to your pie bars!
Prepare a sugar syrup by heating sugar and water to 240°F. Gradually pour this syrup into the whipped egg whites, whisking until glossy and stiff peaks form.
Spread the meringue over the cooled sweet potato layer. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to toast until golden brown, creating a stunning finish to your sweet potato pie bars!
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing. This step is essential for neat cuts and makes the bars easier to serve.

Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of fall warmth.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pie Bars?

Looking to elevate your dessert experience? Here are some delightful pairings that perfectly complement these creamy, spiced bars.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich filling, turning each bite into a heavenly morsel.
Whipped Cream: A light dollop adds a touch of sweetness and creates a lovely, fluffy texture against the bars. It’s simply irresistible!
Toasted Pecans: Their crunch enhances the soft texture of the pie bars while providing a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A warm drizzle adds a touch of maple goodness that echoes the autumn flavors of the sweet potato. This sweet addition feels like a warm hug!
Caramel Sauce: The rich, velvety sweetness of caramel will elevate the dessert, creating a decadent experience as it pools on your plate.
Spiced Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chai or cinnamon-infused herbal tea pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness with warm spiced notes.
Coffee: A bold cup of coffee serves as the perfect contrast, enhancing the flavors in the bars while providing a delightful pick-me-up.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall spirit with this seasonal favorite, adding a creamy and spiced dimension that echoes the dessert’s profile.
Cranberry Sauce: Tangy and tart, cranberry sauce provides a refreshing element that brightens the palate after enjoying the rich bars.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate adds sophistication, creating a luxurious twist that will please any chocolate lover.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Choose Right Potatoes: Opt for fresh orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, like Beauregard or Centennial, to prevent your bars from becoming soggy.
Firmly Press Crust: Ensure you press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan; a well-compressed base helps maintain structure when slicing.
Watch the Meringue: On humid days, avoid making meringue, as moisture can ruin its texture; ensure all your tools are dry.
Cool Completely: Allow the baked sweet potato pie filling to cool to room temperature before adding meringue for better texture and flavor development.
Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing; this helps achieve clean, beautiful cuts while serving.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Variations

Customize your sweet potato pie bars to suit your taste buds and your kitchen pantry.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers to create a delicious crust without the gluten. Your friends with dietary restrictions will love you for it!
Dairy-Free: Swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil, and use almond milk in place of whole milk for a creamy yet dairy-free treat. You won’t miss the dairy!
Nutty Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for an extra crunch and deep, nutty flavor. It elevates the texture and makes each bite more satisfying.
Spiced Delight: Enhance the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an aromatic kick. These spices will echo the warmth of fall leaves and crisp air.
Make It Chocolatey: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the meringue for a decadent twist. Chocolate and sweet potatoes? Yes, please!
Maple Sweetness: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup in the filling for a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
Zesty Touch: Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for a bright contrast that cuts through the richness. It refreshes and uplifts the flavors beautifully.
Bourbon-Free: Omit the bourbon and replace it with an extra splash of vanilla extract for a comforting flavor without the booze. Perfect for family-friendly gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

These Sweet Potato Pie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic fall season! You can prepare the sweet potato filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the sweet potato puree, sugar, eggs, milk, heavy cream, bourbon, salt, and spices, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor. The crust can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, bake, and finish with the meringue for a delightful dessert that stays just as delicious! This approach makes holiday prep a breeze!

How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Refrigerator: Store covered Sweet Potato Pie Bars in the fridge for up to 4 days. For the best texture, enjoy them soon after adding the meringue.

Freezer: These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers for easy separation once thawed.

Thawing: To enjoy straight from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This maintains the creamy filling and prevents condensation from ruining the meringue.

Reheating: If preferred, reheat chilled bars in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to refresh the flavor; avoid microwave as it can make the texture soggy.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for the filling?
Absolutely! Look for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, specifically the Beauregard or Centennial varieties. They have the right sweetness and texture for this recipe. Avoid canned puree as it can lead to runny filling. Make sure they are firm and free of dark spots or blemishes!

How should I store Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
Store your Sweet Potato Pie Bars in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or placed in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For the best texture, I recommend enjoying them soon after the meringue is added, as it can become sticky over time.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Slice them and place them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container, being careful to avoid crushing the meringue. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their creamy texture.

What’s the best way to prevent the meringue from weeping?
To ensure your meringue stays fluffy and doesn’t weep, avoid making it on humid days as moisture can greatly affect it. Also, make sure to beat the egg whites and sugar until glossy and stiff peaks form. And remember, all your mixing tools should be clean and dry before whipping!

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and bake the crust a day in advance. Just wait to add the meringue until the day of serving to maintain the freshness and texture. Simply store the sweet potato layer covered in the fridge overnight.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, if you have dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute with gluten-free graham crackers and coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Also, you can omit the bourbon for a kid-friendly recipe. Just be sure to double-check any allergy concerns with your guests if you’re serving at a gathering.