
Yields:
9 - 12
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs
These sweet potato bars are a handheld twist on a classic Thanksgiving pie, offering a perfect blend of rich, buttery crust and creamy, spiced filling. Sweet potatoes need less sugar and fewer seasonings than pumpkin to achieve a similar delicious flavor, making this an easy yet equally delicious option if you want to mix up your sweet potato pie offerings. Picture serving these at your next holiday event—they will most certainly impress your guests or occupy your extra chatty aunt. Bonus: The handheld format makes them easy to serve and enjoy while avoiding those dreaded family holiday questions. Here are some tips on how to make it:
Ritz Cracker crust:
One of the secrets to these bars is the Ritz cracker crust. Its buttery and slightly salty flavor closely mimics traditional pie crust. If you're looking for an alternative, graham crackers work great too. The result is a crust that's flavorful and complements the sweet and spiced filling.
Roast, don’t boil:
To ensure the filling isn't too moist, I roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Roasting helps maintain a thick, creamy texture. This simple step makes a big difference in the final product, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
Make them ahead:
These bars are not only delicious but also convenient. They can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, making them ideal for holiday planning.
Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!
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Ingredients
Cooking spray
- 2 lb.
sweet potatoes
- 56
Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup
(1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus 6 Tbsp. melted
- 1 1/3 cups
(267 g.) plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
- 1
large egg
- 3
large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup
heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp.
ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp.
ground nutmeg
- 2 1/4 tsp.
pure vanilla extract, divided
- 3
large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp.
cream of tartar
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 400°. Grease an 8" x 8" baking dish with cooking spray, then line with parchment, leaving an overhang on all sides.
- Step 2Using a fork, poke holes all over potatoes and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast until tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse crackers until fine crumbs form. Add 6 Tbsp. melted butter and 2 Tbsp. sugar. Pulse until combined and mixture starts to stick together. Press cracker mixture into prepared dish in an even layer. Wipe out food processor.
- Step 4Peel potatoes with your hands—the skin will be easy to remove. Transfer flesh to food processor. Add egg, egg yolks, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 c. sugar, 1/2 c. softened butter, and 2 tsp. vanilla and pulse until smooth.
- Step 5Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Bake crust until fragrant and darkened in color, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Step 6Pour potato mixture into crust. Bake bar until center is set and slightly wobbly, 45 to 60 minutes. Let cool in pan.
- Step 7Meanwhile, in the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and remaining 1/2 tsp. vanilla on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. With the motor running, slowly pour in remaining 1/3 c. granulated sugar and beat until meringue is shiny and glossy.
- Step 8Spread meringue over bar in a swirling pattern. Continue to bake until meringue is set, about 5 minutes more. Turn on broiler. Broil, watching closely, until top is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Step 9Using parchment overhang, lift out bar and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares.
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