Sweet potato pie is a beloved classic, deeply rooted in American comfort food culture and especially popular during the fall and holiday season. But what if you could enjoy all that creamy, spiced goodness in a format that’s easier to serve, easier to store, and perfect for sharing? Enter Sweet Potato Pie Bars — a modern, crowd-friendly twist on the traditional pie that delivers the same nostalgic flavor in neat, handheld squares.

These bars combine a buttery crust with a silky sweet potato filling spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. They’re rich without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming, and structured enough to slice beautifully. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a potluck, a bake sale, or just a cozy weekend treat, sweet potato pie bars are guaranteed to impress.

Unlike traditional pie, which can be delicate and tricky to slice, dessert bars are forgiving and travel-friendly. They chill well, freeze beautifully, and taste even better the next day — making them ideal for make-ahead desserts. If you love sweet potato pie but want something simpler and more versatile, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Pie Bars

There’s a lot to adore about this recipe, but here are a few standout reasons it deserves a permanent spot in your dessert rotation:

Classic flavor, modern format – All the cozy taste of sweet potato pie in easy-to-cut bars
Perfect texture – Creamy filling with a firm, buttery base
Great for crowds – Ideal for parties, holidays, and family gatherings
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling
Beginner-friendly – No pie crust anxiety here

Ingredients

Crust

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Salt
Cinnamon

Sweet Potato Filling

Mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Lift the bars out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. Roast or boil them until tender, then mash smoothly.
Don’t overbake — the center should be just set to keep the filling creamy.
Chill before slicing to get clean, professional-looking bars.
Taste your filling before baking and adjust spices if needed.

Easy Variations

Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans mixed with brown sugar over the filling before baking.
Maple Flavor: Swap some of the sugar for pure maple syrup.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter and coconut milk.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato pie bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

A dollop of whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Hot coffee or spiced chai
A drizzle of caramel sauce

They’re perfect as a Thanksgiving dessert, fall bake sale item, or cozy evening treat.

Fun Food Fact

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which gives them their vibrant orange color and converts to vitamin A in the body. This makes sweet potato desserts one of the rare treats that offer both comfort and nutritional benefits.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead: Bake a day early for best flavor and texture.

Sweet Potato Pie Bars take everything you love about traditional sweet potato pie and make it more practical, more shareable, and just as indulgent. Once you try them, they’ll become a fall baking staple you’ll come back to year after year.