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#### For the Filling:
– **Sweet Potatoes**: The key ingredient in this dish, sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture to the filling. It’s best to bake or roast the sweet potatoes before mashing them to bring out their natural sweetness.
– **Granulated Sugar**: Adds sweetness to the filling and helps balance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
– **Brown Sugar**: For an extra layer of richness, brown sugar is used in addition to the granulated sugar. It also adds a touch of caramel-like flavor.
– **Eggs**: Eggs give the filling structure and help it set as it bakes. They also contribute to the creamy texture.
– **Heavy Cream**: Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the filling, making it even more decadent.
– **Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves**: These warm spices are essential to the flavor profile of sweet potato pie. They add depth and warmth to the filling.
– **Vanilla Extract**: Vanilla extract provides a touch of aromatic sweetness that complements the spices in the filling.
– **Salt**: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the filling and enhances the overall flavor.
#### Optional Toppings:
– **Whipped Cream**: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense and rich pie bars.
– **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts**: For added texture and crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the bars before baking.
– **Cinnamon Sugar**: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the baked bars adds a sweet and spicy finish.
### Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering Sweet Potato Pie Bars. The process is simple, but there are a few tips and techniques that will help ensure your bars come out perfectly every time.
#### Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
The first step in making Sweet Potato Pie Bars is to prepare the sweet potatoes for the filling. While you could use canned sweet potato puree, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use fresh sweet potatoes.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork.
2. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly before peeling off the skin and mashing them with a fork or potato masher. You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed sweet potato for the filling.
#### Step 2: Make the Crust
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and stir until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, you can add a teaspoon or two of cold water to help it come together.
4. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to evenly cover the bottom. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the dough firmly into the pan.
5. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir until the spices are evenly incorporated into the sweet potatoes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs help create a smooth, custard-like filling.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. The filling should be smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the sweet potato filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
#### Step 4: Bake the Sweet Potato Pie Bars
1. Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they are fully cooled, you can refrigerate them for a few hours to help the filling set further.
#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Once the bars are cool and fully set, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
2. Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. If desired, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
3. Enjoy these delicious, easy-to-serve bars at your next gathering or family dinner!
### Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bars
1. **Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes**: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, roasted sweet potatoes rather than canned puree.
2. **Make Ahead**: These bars can be made a day or two in advance. They actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
3. **Customize the Spices**: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your taste. If you like a more pronounced spice flavor, add a little extra cinnamon.
4. **Check for Doneness**: To check if the bars are fully cooked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
5. **Serve with Toppings**: While these bars are delicious on their own, topping them with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make them even more indulgent.
### Conclusion: A Delicious Twist on a Southern Classic
Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a fantastic twist on the classic Southern dessert, offering all the flavors of a traditional sweet potato pie in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. With a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy, spiced filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next family gathering, holiday celebration, or special occasion.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of sweet potato pie or you’re looking for a new way to enjoy this classic dessert, these Sweet Potato Pie Bars offer a delicious, versatile, and visually stunning treat that everyone will love. Happy baking!
