If you’re craving a treat that’s a little nostalgic, a touch rustic, and absolutely irresistible, Sweet Potato Pie Bars might just become your new obsession. Imagine all the creamy richness of sweet potato pie, layered lovingly onto a buttery graham cracker crust, then crowned with gooey toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans. These bars are what family gatherings, cozy weekends, and potlucks dream of—the kind of dessert that magically disappears whenever you set it out. If you’ve never tried Sweet Potato Pie Bars, consider this your invitation to indulge in the comforting magic of sweet potatoes, spices, and a little southern charm.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sweet Potato Pie Bars is how each carefully chosen ingredient adds its own special touch to the final masterpiece. From the golden crust to the spiced filling and playful topping, every element brings texture, flavor, and pure joy to each gooey bar.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the unsung heroes of the crust, providing a delicate crunch and a toasty, caramelized foundation for the bars.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure both to the crust and the creamy sweet potato filling.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the crust and adds a rich, velvety flavor that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Mashed Cooked Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, lending gorgeous color, subtle sweetness, and creamy texture to the filling.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a hint of molasses for that unmistakable southern richness.
Evaporated Milk: Gives the filling its silky, custard-like texture.
Large Eggs: Essential for setting the filling so the bars hold together beautifully when sliced.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant finish.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Ground Nutmeg: Brings subtle complexity and that familiar holiday aroma.
Ground Cloves: Packs a punch of aromatic spice that elevates the filling.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, so every flavor pops.
Mini Marshmallows: Toast up beautifully in the oven and provide a fun, gooey finish on top.
Chopped Pecans (optional): Add a toasty, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with sweet potato and spice.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat

Start your Sweet Potato Pie Bars adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy bar removal later. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your bars lift out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish. To help, use the bottom of a measuring cup for an extra-smooth crust. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool while you whip up the filling for your Sweet Potato Pie Bars.

Step 3: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, both sugars, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat everything together until the filling is smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This spiced mixture is the heart of your Sweet Potato Pie Bars, so be sure to taste and swoon over the aroma as you go!

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the sweet potato filling over your prebaked crust. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and just barely jiggles. Your kitchen will smell like a sweet southern bakery, making the wait totally worth it.

Step 5: Add the Marshmallow & Pecan Topping

Carefully remove the baked bars from the oven and immediately shower the top with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. Return the pan to the oven for 5 more minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and turn golden brown. This gooey, crispy layer truly sets Sweet Potato Pie Bars apart from any other dessert bar you’ve ever tasted.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience is key here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. The filling needs time to set for those clean, beautiful slices. Use the parchment overhang to lift the whole thing out and onto a cutting board, then cut into bars—16 is the standard, but go larger or smaller to suit your needs. Now, get ready to enjoy or serve!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Garnishes

While the gooey marshmallow and toasty pecan topping are plenty fabulous on their own, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your Sweet Potato Pie Bars turns each slice into a showstopper—perfect for holidays or anytime you want to impress.

Side Dishes

These bars shine all on their own, but they pair beautifully with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. If you’re serving them as part of a holiday spread, set them out with coffee, hot cocoa, or a spicy chai to really let those warm, comforting flavors sing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your Sweet Potato Pie Bars into small squares and arrange them in miniature cupcake liners for a party tray. You can also make dessert parfaits: layer chopped bar pieces with whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham crackers in clear glasses. For festive gatherings, tie them in parchment and twine for a perfectly portable treat—your guests will love the extra touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Sweet Potato Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll remain moist and flavorful, making them a great candidate for prepping ahead of time.

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? You’re in luck: these bars freeze fantastically. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their best texture and taste for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your Sweet Potato Pie Bars slightly warm (and who could blame you?), pop a bar into the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that marshmallowy softness and makes the spices even more aromatic—like a slice of autumn, anytime you want.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain and mash them very well so your filling is smooth. Fresh roasted sweet potatoes do give a richer flavor, but canned can be a quick, handy swap in Sweet Potato Pie Bars.

Is it okay to skip the pecans or swap them for another nut?

Totally! If you (or your crowd) aren’t pecan fans, simply leave them out or try chopped walnuts or almonds instead. Or just go all-in on the marshmallow topping alone for a nut-free version.

Can I make Sweet Potato Pie Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you easily can! Simply choose certified gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and double-check that all your other labeled ingredients are gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife (wiping between cuts) for the cleanest slices. Chilling them in the fridge for an hour before cutting can also help achieve perfect, bakery-worthy bars.

Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are perfect for making ahead! Prepare and chill them the day before, then let them come to room temperature just before serving—or serve them cold, as they’re delicious either way.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about welcoming friends and family with a fresh batch of Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Their golden crust, creamy filling, and playful topping are sure to spark conversation and bring joy to any occasion. If you haven’t made these bars yet, now is the perfect time—grab your ingredients and share the sweetness!

Sweet Potato Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delectable Sweet Potato Pie Bars. A buttery graham cracker crust cradles a luscious sweet potato filling, topped with a layer of gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time!

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the dish and bake for 8 minutes.
Prepare the filling: Beat together sweet potatoes, sugars, milk, eggs, butter, vanilla, spices, and salt. Pour over crust.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until set. Add marshmallows and pecans, bake for 5 more minutes.
Cool, slice, and serve!