Sweet potatoes and pecans come together in the most decadent way in these Caramel Pecan Sweet Potato Pie Bars. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and flavorful sweet potato filling, and a rich caramel pecan topping. The combination of textures and flavors will surely have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s dive into making these irresistible bars!
Introduction
If you love sweet potatoes, caramel, and pecans, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Caramel Pecan Sweet Potato Pie Bars. A sweet, creamy sweet potato filling sits atop a graham cracker crust, topped with a gooey, caramelized pecan topping that adds the perfect crunch and sweetness. These bars are a dream come true for dessert lovers and are ideal for any celebration or holiday gathering. With a relatively simple recipe, you can create a showstopping dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Tools Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Servings:
- 15 bars
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Pecan Topping:
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps in the sweet potato mixture. Pour the sweet potato filling over the baked graham cracker crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Place the dish back into the oven and bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles. You can test this by gently tapping the pan or inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Pecan Topping
While the bars are cooling, it’s time to make the caramel pecan topping. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until it begins to boil. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and salt. Let the topping cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cooled sweet potato layer.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Pour the warm caramel pecan topping evenly over the cooled sweet potato layer. Spread it gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface. Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set properly. This will also help the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
After chilling, remove the bars from the refrigerator and slice them into 15 equal bars. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Use fresh sweet potatoes: For the best flavor, cook fresh sweet potatoes and mash them yourself. This will ensure a smoother texture and richer taste than using canned sweet potatoes.
- Chill the bars thoroughly: The caramel pecan topping needs to set properly for the best texture. Don’t skip the chilling step—it ensures the bars will hold together and not become too gooey when sliced.
- Customize the topping: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them for walnuts or almonds. Just make sure to toast the nuts before adding them to the caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time, making them a great dessert for parties or holiday gatherings. Just be sure to store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday parties.
- Serve them as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
- They also make a great addition to a dessert table, paired with other classic favorites like pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the bars. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a substitute. Be sure to drain and mash them well before using.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the crust gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or another type of gluten-free cookie crumbs. Check the label of your graham crackers to ensure they are gluten-free.
3. How can I make the caramel topping dairy-free?
To make the caramel topping dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free option.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. They can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Can I use a different nut for the topping?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the caramel sauce.
Conclusion
These Gooey Caramel Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Pie Bars are a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy. The combination of the graham cracker crust, sweet potato filling, and caramel pecan topping makes for a dessert that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a craving for something sweet, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and you’ll be baking these bars time and time again!
