These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars are a yummy twist on the classic dessert! With a creamy filling made from sweet potatoes, cream cheese, and warm spices, they taste like fall on a plate.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a dessert that’s both sweet and a little healthy? I love cutting them into squares and serving them at gatherings—everyone always asks for the recipe! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These create a sweet, crunchy crust. If you don’t have them, try using crushed cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Sweet potato: Fresh, baked sweet potatoes are the best choice. If you’re in a pinch, canned sweet potato puree works, but avoid those with added sugar or spices to keep flavors balanced.
Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use a low-fat cream cheese, but the texture won’t be as rich.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg gives warmth and flavor. Feel free to adjust these spices to your taste—adding a bit more cinnamon is always a treat!
How to Make Sure Your Cheesecake Layer is Smooth and Creamy?
A smooth cheesecake layer is essential for these bars. Here are some tips to achieve that creamy texture:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Beat the cream cheese thoroughly before adding other ingredients. This helps to break down any lumps. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the egg as this can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking.
What’s the Best Way to Cool and Set the Bars?
For the best texture, cooling and setting are key:
- After baking, let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to firm up the layers. This helps with easier slicing.
- Using the parchment paper to lift the bars out makes cutting and serving much easier!
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars! Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. 😊
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sweet Potato Layer:
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato (preferably baked or steamed, not canned)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need around 40-45 minutes of baking time. Plus, allow at least 4 hours (or overnight) for chilling, so plan to make these ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges to make lifting the bars out easier once they’re done.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture looks like wet sand.
3. Press the Crust:
Take the crumb mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it’s even. You can use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to help you press it down. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned, then take it out and let it cool.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a larger bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and well combined, but be careful not to overmix!
5. Pour the Cheesecake Layer:
Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
6. Make the Sweet Potato Layer:
In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, and flour. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
7. Add the Sweet Potato Layer:
Pour the sweet potato mixture over the cheesecake layer in the pan, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake the Bars:
Put the pan back into the oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. The sweet potato layer should be set, and the center should barely jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
9. Cool and Chill:
After baking, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or even overnight to let them set fully.
10. Cut and Serve:
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars!
Trust me, these bars are a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet potato goodness, making them a delightful treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Crust Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought graham cracker crust works perfectly. Just skip the steps for making the crust and move directly to adding the cheesecake layer.
Can I Substitute Fresh Sweet Potatoes with Canned Ones?
You can use canned sweet potato puree, but make sure it doesn’t contain added sugars or spices. If you choose canned, reduce the brown sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container to freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Other Spices in the Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices. You can add a pinch of allspice or a splash of maple syrup for an extra flavor boost. Just adjust according to your personal taste preferences!
