Easy & Decadent Sweet Potato Pie Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Topping
Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday dessert! These **Sweet Potato Pie Bars** take everything you love about classic sweet potato pie and transform it into a convenient, delicious bar format. Featuring a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust beneath a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling and crowned with a golden, toasted marshmallow topping, these bars are simply irresistible. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, offering a delightful twist on a beloved tradition. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make treat!
This recipe for homemade Sweet Potato Pie Bars is one of my go-to desserts, especially during the autumn and winter holiday seasons. It’s a wonderfully easy baked recipe that uses fresh, wholesome sweet potatoes, ensuring a vibrant flavor and smooth texture. Every time I bring these to a potluck or family dinner, they disappear quickly, proving to be a consistent crowd-pleaser that everyone raves about.
If you’re already a fan of our traditional sweet potato pie recipe and the delightful Sweet Potato Cookies, then you are absolutely going to adore this fresh and exciting variation. These sweet potato bars bring all the comforting flavors you cherish in a new, portable, and equally delicious package, making them ideal for holiday entertaining or a special treat at home.
Table of contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Crust Ingredients
- Sweet Potato Filling Ingredients
- Marshmallow Topping Ingredients
- Delicious Variations to Try
- How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars: Step-by-Step Guide
- Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Bars
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Dessert Bar Recipes
Why This Sweet Potato Pie Bar Recipe Works So Well
There are countless reasons why these sweet potato pie bars are destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. First and foremost, they strike the perfect balance of sweetness, ensuring a rich, satisfying flavor without being overly sugary. The sweet potato pie filling boasts an incredibly creamy, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious contrast to the other components. This luscious filling is baked within a homemade graham cracker crust, providing that essential, delightful crunch in every bite.
To elevate this dessert to pure perfection, the sweet potato mixture is generously topped with a layer of roasted mini marshmallows. When lightly broiled, these marshmallows achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue and a wonderfully gooey texture, adding another dimension of flavor and visual appeal. What truly makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity. Despite its gourmet taste and festive appearance, it’s made with common pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes, making it surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll be amazed at how easily these stunning and delicious sweet potato bars come together!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Crafting these delectable sweet potato pie bars requires a selection of fresh and simple ingredients, thoughtfully divided into three key components: the crust, the rich sweet potato filling, and the irresistible marshmallow topping. Opting for high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, ensuring a dessert that is both flavorful and perfectly textured.
Crust Ingredients
The foundation of these sweet potato pie bars is a classic graham cracker crust, offering a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the rich filling. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham Crackers: We recommend using full sheets and crushing them yourself for the freshest crumbs. This can be done easily in a food processor or by hand. Alternatively, you can save time by purchasing pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs from your grocery store.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to the crust, enhancing its overall flavor profile. If you find yourself without brown sugar, don’t worry! You can explore The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes to ensure your crust is still perfectly balanced.
- Melted Butter: Essential for binding the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar together, creating a firm yet tender crust.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the full flavor of the graham crackers and brown sugar.
Sweet Potato Filling Ingredients
The heart of this dessert is its creamy, spiced sweet potato filling. Using fresh sweet potatoes ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Large Sweet Potatoes: Freshly baked sweet potatoes are key for that authentic flavor and smooth, rich texture. They bring a natural sweetness and earthy depth to the bars.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is a game-changer, providing both sweetness and an incredibly smooth, creamy consistency to the filling. It helps to bind the ingredients together and contributes to the decadent mouthfeel. If you’re feeling ambitious, it’s surprisingly easy to make Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk.
- Softened Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the filling, contributing to its luxurious texture.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the sweet potato filling set properly during baking. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for sweet potato desserts, cinnamon provides warmth and a classic aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a fragrant and comforting note to the filling.
Marshmallow Topping Ingredients
No sweet potato pie bar is complete without a delightful topping. We opt for a classic toasted marshmallow layer that adds a gooey, caramelized finish.
- Mini Marshmallows: This size is ideal for the topping as they melt and brown evenly, creating a beautiful golden crust without overwhelming the bars. If you only have regular-sized marshmallows on hand, you can easily cut them into smaller pieces to achieve a similar effect.
You can find the complete, detailed ingredient list with precise measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post, designed for easy printing and reference!
Delicious Variations to Try with Your Sweet Potato Pie Bars
While the classic sweet potato pie bar recipe is perfect as is, it also lends itself beautifully to creative customizations. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to tailor the bars to your personal preferences or to add an extra special touch for specific occasions.
- Change the Crust: The graham cracker crust is a timeless choice, but you have many options. Feel free to substitute it with a different cookie crust, such as crushed gingersnaps for a spicier kick, vanilla wafers for a milder sweetness, or even shortbread cookies for a buttery richness. For ultimate convenience, you can also use a good quality store-bought pie crust, though we recommend pressing it into a bar shape for easier serving.
- Topping Alternatives: The toasted marshmallow topping is a beloved classic, providing a wonderful gooey texture and caramelized flavor. However, if marshmallows aren’t your preference, consider a light and airy whipped cream topping, a dollop of cream cheese frosting for added tang, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache for extra decadence. For a more sophisticated touch, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or coconut flakes can also be delightful.
- Enhance the Sweet Potato Filling: The base filling is rich and flavorful, but you can certainly add extra spices or sweeteners. A touch of maple syrup can introduce a wonderful autumnal note, while a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger can deepen the overall spice profile. A splash of bourbon or rum can also add a sophisticated warmth, especially for adult gatherings.
- Add Nuts for Texture: For those who enjoy a textural contrast, mixing in finely chopped pecans or walnuts directly into the sweet potato filling can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Ensure the nuts are toasted lightly beforehand to bring out their full aroma.
- Citrus Zest: A little bit of orange or lemon zest grated into the sweet potato filling can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing aromatic lift.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these sweet potato pie bars is a straightforward process, broken down into manageable steps that ensure a perfect result every time. Follow along for a delicious dessert!
- Step 1 – Bake Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preparing your sweet potatoes. Using a fork, generously poke holes all over the sweet potatoes. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting. Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil to help them steam and cook thoroughly while keeping the moisture locked in. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. The exact baking time may vary based on the size and thickness of your sweet potatoes, so larger ones might need a little longer. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for easy handling and proper mixing later on.
Step 2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: While your sweet potatoes are cooling, it’s time to tackle the crust. Start by crushing the graham crackers. You can achieve fine, even crumbs by pulsing them in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, simply place the graham cracker sheets in a large zip-top bag and crush them thoroughly with a rolling pin until they form fine crumbs. Once you have your crumbs, transfer them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix these crust ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and resemble wet sand. This ensures that the crust will hold its shape beautifully when baked.
Step 3. Bake the Crust: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out later. Transfer the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the bottom of a glass or your hands, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to create a compact crust. This step is essential for a sturdy base that won’t crumble. Bake the crust in the preheated oven (ensure it’s at the correct temperature for the crust, which is often different from the sweet potato baking temperature – check the recipe card for precise temperatures) for 15-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. A well-baked crust is crucial for texture and structure.
Step 4. Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: While the crust is baking and cooling slightly, prepare the luscious sweet potato filling. Once your baked sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the foil and peel off the skins, which should come off easily. Place the cooked sweet potato flesh in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. Then, add all the other filling ingredients to the bowl: sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, room temperature eggs, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix the batter thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is completely smooth and uniform. This ensures an even consistency and flavor throughout your bars.
Step 5. Bake the Bars: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the prepared sweet potato filling evenly over the baked graham cracker crust in the 8×8 inch pan. Gently spread the filling to the edges of the pan using a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know the sweet potato bars are done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. The filling might have a slight jiggle, but it should not be liquid. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
Step 6. Cool and Chill: This is a critical step for perfect bars! After baking, allow the sweet potato bars to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. This can take several hours. Once cooled, transfer the baking pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling allows the filling to fully set, making the bars easier to slice and ensuring they hold their shape beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the chilled bars. Place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and lightly toasted. This adds a fantastic caramelization and a gooey texture that is truly irresistible.
Step 7. Slice and Enjoy: Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted and the bars are thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of sweet potato bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the dessert into even squares or rectangles, typically 12 servings from an 8×8 inch pan. For clean cuts, you can wipe the knife blade clean between each slice. Serve these delightful sweet potato pie bars immediately and savor every sweet, creamy, and crunchy bite!
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Achieving bakery-quality sweet potato pie bars is easier than you think with a few expert tricks. These pro tips will help ensure your bars are perfectly baked, beautifully presented, and utterly delicious from crust to topping.
- Baking Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time: This recipe is incredibly forgiving and actually benefits from a little prep work. Baking your sweet potatoes a day or two in advance is a fantastic time-saver. Simply bake them, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the filling. You can also use leftover cooked sweet potatoes if you have them, just ensure they are plain and unseasoned. Always make sure the sweet potatoes are completely cooled before incorporating them into the filling mixture; hot potatoes can affect the texture of the batter and potentially cook the eggs prematurely.
- Crafting the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust: The base of your bars is crucial. For the best texture, ensure your graham crackers are crushed into fine, uniform crumbs. A food processor makes this task effortless, but placing them in a sturdy zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin works just as well. Once crushed, combine them thoroughly with the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. The mixture should feel like damp sand. When pressing the mixture into the baking pan, use the flat bottom of a drinking glass or your knuckles to create a very firm, even layer. A well-pressed crust is essential for a stable base that won’t crumble when sliced.
- The Importance of Cooling and Chilling: Patience is key for these sweet potato bars! After baking, it’s absolutely vital to allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. This allows the filling to begin setting. Then, the real magic happens in the refrigerator. We recommend chilling the bars for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This extended chilling period allows the sweet potato filling to firm up completely, making it much easier to slice into neat, clean bars without any mess. Don’t skip this step!
- Serving with Toasted Marshmallows: The marshmallow topping is best added right before serving. Once the bars are fully chilled and you’re ready to impress your guests, scatter the mini marshmallows over the top. Then, place the pan under a preheated broiler for just 2-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them, as marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds! This quick broiling creates a beautifully toasted, gooey, and caramelized marshmallow layer that adds so much flavor and a beautiful golden-brown finish to your sweet potato bars, making them taste truly amazing.
- Greasing and Lining Your Pan: Always line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This simple step makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan before slicing, ensuring clean cuts and easy removal without damaging the delicate crust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Here are some common questions we receive about making sweet potato pie bars, along with our best advice to help you achieve perfect results every time.
While it might seem like a convenient shortcut, we highly recommend using fresh sweet potatoes to make this recipe. Fresh sweet potatoes offer a superior flavor, a richer texture, and a natural sweetness that canned varieties simply can’t replicate. Canned sweet potatoes often have a higher water content and may contain added sugars or syrups, which can alter the consistency and overall taste of the filling. We have not tested this recipe with canned sweet potatoes, and the results may not be the same. The texture of the filling could become too runny and might not set as well as desired, leading to a less satisfying bar. For the best outcome, stick with freshly baked and mashed sweet potatoes.
Absolutely, this is one of the biggest advantages of sweet potato pie bars! This dessert is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, making it perfect for holiday entertaining or busy weeks. You can prepare the entire recipe, including baking the crust and the filling, a day or two before you plan to serve it. After the bars have cooled completely at room temperature, chill them in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to fully set, making the bars incredibly easy to slice. When you’re ready to serve, simply add your marshmallow topping and broil briefly until golden. It’s a quick and easy dessert solution that everyone will love, allowing you to focus on other tasks on the day of your event.
Leftover sweet potato pie bars are a delicious treat! To keep them fresh, place any remaining bars in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you’ve already added and toasted the marshmallow topping, they will still store well, but the marshmallows might lose a bit of their crisp texture over time. For longer storage, you can also freeze these bars. Freezing sweet potato pie (and by extension, these bars) is a great option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
For this recipe, an 8×8 inch square baking pan is ideal. This size yields bars with a good thickness and ensures even baking. If you only have a 9×13 inch pan, you can still use it, but be aware that your bars will be thinner, and the baking time for both the crust and the filling will likely be reduced. Always adjust cooking times and keep a close eye on your bars to prevent overbaking if using a larger pan.
More Easy Dessert Bar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of these sweet potato pie bars, you’re in for a treat! Dessert bars are fantastic for feeding a crowd, easy to transport, and generally simpler to make than traditional pies or cakes. Explore some of our other favorite easy dessert bar recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Easy Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: A festive and colorful treat perfect for holiday parties.
- Strawberry Shortcake Bars: A summery delight, bringing the classic dessert into an easy bar format.
- Magic Cookie Bars: Also known as Seven-Layer Bars, these are packed with a variety of textures and flavors.
- Pumpkin Bars Recipe: Another fall favorite, perfect for autumn gatherings and Thanksgiving.
- Scotcheroos Recipe: A no-bake classic with a delightful butterscotch and chocolate topping.
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Combining two beloved desserts into one irresistible bar.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and sharing these Sweet Potato Pie Bars. If you do, please consider leaving a star recipe rating and a comment to let us know what you think!
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Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 8 full Graham Crackers crushed into crumbs
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Butter melted
- 1/8 tsp Salt
For the Filling:
- 3 Large Sweet Potatoes
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 ounces
- 1/4 cup Butter softened
- 2 Large Eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Topping:
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
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Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap in foil. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes until the potatoes are soft. You may need more cook time depending on the size of your sweet potatoes.
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Allow the sweet potatoes to cool.
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Reduce the oven temperature down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Line an 8X8 baking dish with parchment paper.
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Crush up the graham crackers in a food processor to make graham cracker crumbs.
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Mix together the crust ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl. Then press this mixture into the bottom of the 8X8 baking pan.
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Bake the crust for 15 minutes to 25 minutes.
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While the crust is baking, prepare the filling mixture. Remove the foil and the skin from the sweet potatoes.
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Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add in all the other filling ingredients to the bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
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Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Cook until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until ready to serve.
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When serving, top with the mini marshmallows and broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the marshmallows slightly.
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Slice into squares and the bars are ready to serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
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