These Caramel Pecan Sweet Potato Pie Bars transform the beloved flavors of sweet potato pie into convenient, hand-held dessert bars. With a spiced graham cracker crust, velvety sweet potato filling, and decadent caramel pecan topping, these bars offer the perfect balance of textures and fall flavors in each delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect alternative to traditional sweet potato pie with all the flavor in a convenient bar form
Three distinct layers create an impressive dessert with minimal effort
Make-ahead friendly for holiday gatherings and special occasions
The combination of creamy sweet potato filling with crunchy, buttery pecan topping is irresistible
Easier to serve and share than traditional pie, especially for larger gatherings
A wonderful way to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes into a dessert

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs form the foundation of our crisp, slightly sweet crust. They provide that classic graham flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato filling. You can purchase pre-made crumbs or make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor.

Brown sugar adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor to both the crust and topping. It melts beautifully into the caramel and brings a richer sweetness than white sugar alone would provide.

Cinnamon brings warm, aromatic spice to multiple layers of this dessert. It’s essential for creating that classic fall flavor profile that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.

Unsalted butter creates structure in the crust and richness in the caramel topping. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content precisely, though salted butter can work in a pinch.

Sweet potatoes are the star of this dessert, providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a velvety texture. For the smoothest filling, choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and ensure they’re fully cooked and mashed well.

Granulated sugar balances the earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes without overwhelming them. It dissolves easily into the filling for a smooth texture.

Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the filling without making it too heavy. Its concentrated milk proteins help the filling set properly.

Eggs provide structure to the sweet potato filling, helping it firm up during baking while maintaining a custard-like texture. They also contribute to the smooth mouthfeel of the filling.

Nutmeg pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and sweet potatoes, adding a subtle warmth and complexity to the spice profile. Use freshly grated for the best flavor if possible.

Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the filling and adds depth. Pure vanilla extract yields the best results.

Heavy cream creates the luscious texture in the caramel topping. Its fat content ensures a smooth, rich caramel that sets up beautifully.

Pecans provide the essential crunch and nutty flavor that makes the topping so irresistible. Toasting them lightly before adding to the caramel will intensify their flavor.

Salt is crucial in all three layers to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors. Even a small amount makes a significant difference in the final taste.

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Sweet Potato Filling: In a large bowl, beat together mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Pour the sweet potato filling over the baked crust and smooth the top.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles. Remove from oven and let cool.
Prepare the Caramel Pecan Topping: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until it begins to boil. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans and salt.
Assemble the Bars: Pour warm caramel pecan topping evenly over cooled sweet potato layer. Spread gently with a spatula.
Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 15 generous bars, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or family dinners. The total preparation requires about 3 hours and 5 minutes, broken down as follows:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, making these bars a satisfying dessert option.

Variations

Maple Pecan Version: Replace the caramel with pure maple syrup (reduced slightly to thicken) mixed with the pecans for a different flavor profile.

Spiced Version: Add a pinch of ginger, cloves, and allspice to the sweet potato filling for more complex fall flavors.

Coconut Addition: Mix 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes into the pecan topping for added texture and tropical flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle: After the bars have chilled, drizzle melted dark chocolate across the top for an extra decadent touch.

Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and egg replacer in the filling. The result won’t be identical but will satisfy plant-based eaters.

Mini Bars: Prepare in a mini muffin tin with a smaller amount of crust pressed into each cup for bite-sized desserts (reduce baking time accordingly).

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: These bars will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often improve after the first day as they meld together.

Freezer Storage: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Cut them into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need.

Thawing Instructions: Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator for best results. You can also thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.

Serving Temperature: These bars are delicious straight from the refrigerator, but for enhanced flavor, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Reheating (Optional): While typically served cold or at room temperature, you can warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a warm dessert. Be careful not to overheat as the caramel can become too runny.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and mash thoroughly. However, fresh sweet potatoes generally provide better flavor and texture. If using canned, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly as canned versions often contain added sweeteners.

How do I know when the sweet potato filling is fully baked?

The filling should be set around the edges and have just a slight jiggle in the center, similar to a pumpkin pie. It will continue to firm up as it cools. If you insert a knife about an inch from the edge, it should come out clean.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a holiday gathering?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making 1-2 days ahead. The flavors actually improve as they sit in the refrigerator. Just keep them covered and add any optional garnishes just before serving.

What’s the best way to cut clean bars?

For clean cuts, chill the bars thoroughly (at least 2 hours or overnight). Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This prevents sticking and gives you bakery-quality presentation.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else?

Yes, you can use gingersnap cookies, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust. Just pulse them into fine crumbs and use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

My caramel topping hardened too quickly. How can I fix this?

If your caramel hardens before you can spread it, gently warm it again over low heat while stirring constantly. Add a teaspoon of heavy cream if needed to loosen the consistency. Next time, work quickly when spreading the topping.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Standard graham crackers contain wheat, making these bars not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust to make a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar in the sweet potato filling by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. However, the caramel topping needs the sugar for proper consistency, though you could use slightly less and add a bit more pecans.

Why did my sweet potato layer crack?

Cracking usually happens from overbaking or cooling too quickly. Next time, bake just until set and allow the bars to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating. A water bath during baking can also help prevent cracks.

How can I tell if my sweet potatoes are cooked enough for mashing?

Sweet potatoes should be fork-tender throughout before mashing. When pierced with a fork, there should be no resistance. For this recipe, baking sweet potatoes until soft (about 45-60 minutes at 400°F) often yields better flavor than boiling.

Conclusion

These Caramel Pecan Sweet Potato Pie Bars bring together the best of traditional sweet potato pie with the convenience of a hand-held dessert. The combination of spiced graham cracker crust, velvety sweet potato filling, and indulgent caramel pecan topping creates a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving tradition or simply a seasonal treat to enjoy throughout fall, these bars deliver rich flavor in every bite. Their make-ahead nature makes them perfect for entertaining, while their sliceable format makes them easier to serve and share than traditional pie. Try this recipe once, and it may just become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes in dessert form.

Caramel Pecan Sweet Potato Pie Bars