Sweet Potato Pie Bars

As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, it’s the perfect time to enjoy seasonal desserts that embody the spirit of fall. One such delightful treat is the Sweet Potato Pie Bar, which combines the traditional flavors of sweet potato pie with the convenience and charm of a bar cookie. Here’s how you can make these delicious bars at home.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 18 full graham crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 2 cups (16 ounces) sweet potato puree
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil.
2. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers, sugar, and salt until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on a rack.

For the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all filling ingredients and beat until well blended.
2. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and return to the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
3. Allow to cool to room temperature.

For the Topping:

1. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. In a saucepan, bring the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt to a boil. Cook until the mixture reaches 240°F.
3. Slowly drizzle the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites, continuing to beat the mixture.
4. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until glossy and thick.
5. Spread the topping over the cooled filling. Use a broiler or a torch to lightly brown the topping until golden.

Additional Information

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Calories: 320 per serving
• Servings: 12

Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a fantastic treat that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy spiced sweet potato filling, and a fluffy marshmallow-like topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any fall gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this autumn-inspired dessert!