Sweet Potato Pecan Bars are a cozy, flavorful dessert that blends the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the crunch of roasted pecans. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, making a treat for friends, or simply craving a comforting snack, these bars are sure to impress. Bursting with warm spices and a rich, nutty texture, they are a delicious twist on traditional dessert bars.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into small pieces.
- Boil in water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Drain and mash sweet potatoes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour and half of the chopped pecans.
- Set aside; this mixture will create a crunchy, flavorful base for the bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cooled mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Gently fold in the flour-pecan mixture into the sweet potato filling.
- Spread evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
- Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or add whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips
- Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling to intensify their natural sweetness. Wrap in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes before mashing.
- Use medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with bright orange flesh for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the filling with the crust mixture; overmixing can make bars tough.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect flavor balance: Sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced.
- Textural contrast: Creamy sweet potato filling meets crunchy pecans.
- Versatile dessert: Enjoy as a snack, at holidays, or for potlucks.
- Nutrient-packed: Sweet potatoes add vitamins and natural sweetness.
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Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum for structure).
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Canned Sweet Potatoes: Use plain canned sweet potatoes, drained and mashed, to save time.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge; reheat in the oven for a warm, soft texture.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Pair with fresh fruits like sliced apples or pears for a refreshing touch.
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Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 10g (Saturated: 3g, Unsaturated: 7g)
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, choose plain canned sweet potatoes without added sugar or spices. Drain and mash before using.
How do I know when the bars are done?
Edges should be set and the center slightly firm. Toothpick test: clean or a few moist crumbs.
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Can I freeze the bars?
Absolutely! Wrap in plastic and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
What can I serve with them?
Delicious on their own, or with caramel, whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit.
These Sweet Potato Pecan Bars are a simple yet elegant dessert that combines creamy, naturally sweet sweet potatoes with crunchy, nutty pecans. With warm spices, rich flavor, and easy preparation, they’re a dessert everyone will love. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy snack, they’re a treat worth making again and again.
Irresistible Sweet Potato Pecan Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into small pieces.
- Boil in water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Drain and mash sweet potatoes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour and half of the chopped pecans.
- Set aside; this mixture will create a crunchy, flavorful base for the bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cooled mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Gently fold in the flour-pecan mixture into the sweet potato filling.
- Spread evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
- Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or add whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Choose firm, blemish-free sweet potatoes for optimal flavor.
- Roasting sweet potatoes intensifies sweetness.
- Store bars airtight for freshness; freeze leftovers up to 3 months.
- Can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple substitutions.
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