If there’s one dessert that can instantly bring the cozy, spiced comfort of fall into your kitchen, it’s these 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars. They’re rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet — yet so simple, you could practically make them with your eyes closed. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night craving, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients and one baking pan, you’ll have a dessert that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Benefits
These sweet potato pie bars check all the right boxes. They’re:
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Quick to Make – From start to finish, you can be serving these in under an hour.
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Minimal Ingredients – Only 5 pantry-friendly staples are needed.
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Foolproof – Even if you’ve never baked before, this recipe will come out perfectly.
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Perfectly Seasonal – The warm spices and creamy sweet potato filling are made for fall and holiday celebrations.
They’re a little slice of comfort, no matter the season.
Suitable For
This recipe shines in so many situations:
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Holiday tables – They’re just the right balance of nostalgic and unique.
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Potlucks and parties – Easy to transport and slice.
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Beginner bakers – A great recipe to build confidence.
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Make-ahead treats – They store beautifully for a few days, so you can prep ahead of time.
Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Core Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bars:
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Mashed sweet potatoes – Use cooked and cooled sweet potatoes for the smoothest texture. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
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Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and creaminess without extra sugar or cream.
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Large egg – Helps bind the filling so the bars slice cleanly.
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Pumpkin pie spice – That cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. You can also use your own mix.
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Graham cracker crust – Store-bought works for speed, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
Substitutions and Tips
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Spice swap – No pumpkin pie spice? Use 1 tsp cinnamon plus a pinch of nutmeg.
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Crust flexibility – Swap the graham cracker crust for a vanilla wafer or gingersnap crust for a twist.
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Dairy-free option – Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular.
Best Sweet Potatoes for Sweet Potato Pie Bars
For the best flavor and color, choose orange-flesh varieties like Beauregard or Jewel. They’re naturally sweet and give your bars that vibrant golden-orange hue. While boiling is fine, roasting your sweet potatoes will caramelize their sugars and make the filling richer.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
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9×9-inch baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk or electric mixer
Nice-to-Have Tools
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Silicone spatula for scraping the bowl clean
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Cooling rack for even cooling
How to Make 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, but each step plays a part in creating those perfectly creamy, gently spiced bars with a tender crust. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate heat ensures the filling bakes evenly without over-browning the crust. If your oven runs hot, consider placing the pan in the center rack for the best results.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth—no lumps allowed. The creamier your mixture, the silkier your bars will be once baked.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Pour the filling into your graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. A smooth surface now means an even, picture-perfect top later.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and just starting to turn golden at the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when it doesn’t jiggle in the center when you give the pan a gentle shake.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool the bars completely in the pan before slicing. If you can, chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours—the texture becomes extra creamy, and the slices will hold their shape beautifully.
Tips for Success
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Don’t rush the cooling – Cutting into warm bars may cause the filling to spread and lose its shape.
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Enhance the spice – Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a bolder flavor.
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Make your own crust – If you have the time, a homemade graham cracker crust adds a touch of buttery richness that’s worth the extra step.
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Prevent soggy crust – Bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling if you like extra crispness.
How to Store 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars
At Room Temperature
Because the filling contains egg, these bars should not be left out for more than 2 hours.
In the Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen after the first day, so they’re even better as leftovers.
Freezing Tips
Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and bake them up to 2 days in advance, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes—just make sure to drain them well and mash until completely smooth.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk. The texture will be the same, with a subtle coconut note.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Related Recipes
If you loved these 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars, try these other irresistible sweet treats from recipeseasys.com:
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Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Chewy, buttery, and loaded with coconut and toffee bits.
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Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies – A healthy twist on sweet potato baking for mornings on the go.
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Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake – Warmly spiced, gluten-free, and perfect for tea time.
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Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes – Soft, lightly sweet cookies with a nostalgic flavor.
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Ever Southern Peach Cobbler – A classic dessert with a juicy peach filling and golden topping.
Conclusion
These 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars are the kind of dessert that makes life a little sweeter without making your kitchen a mess. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for your holiday table. With a velvety filling, a buttery crust, and the perfect balance of spice, they’re bound to be a recipe you come back to year after year.
Print
5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, spiced sweet potato pie bars made with just 5 simple ingredients. Perfectly creamy, easy to make, and ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
- 1 (15 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg mix)
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Cool completely before slicing. Chill for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Add whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
- Homemade crust adds richer flavor.
- Enhance spice with a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: sweet potato dessert bars, 5-ingredient sweet potato pie bars, pumpkin spice dessert, holiday sweet potato recipe
