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If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly combines the rich flavors of fall with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, look no further than these Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars. With a velvety cheesecake layer and a smooth, spiced sweet potato filling, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, bringing a dessert to a party, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The creamy texture of the cheesecake paired with the natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potato makes every bite a little piece of heaven. With a buttery graham cracker crust that provides the perfect crunch, these bars are not just a dessert—they’re a showstopper. So, get ready to fall in love with the comforting and delicious flavors of this fall-inspired dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Fall Flavors

The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla paired with sweet potato make this dessert an ideal choice for fall and winter gatherings.

2. Two Desserts in One

These bars combine the richness of cheesecake with the comforting sweetness of sweet potato pie, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.

3. Make-Ahead and Easy to Serve

Unlike traditional cheesecakes, these bars can be made ahead of time and cut into neat, bite-sized portions, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

4. Velvety Texture

The creamy cheesecake layer complements the smooth and fluffy sweet potato filling, creating a texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.

5. Customizable Toppings

Top with whipped cream, toasted pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor and elegance.

Ingredients

Graham cracker crumbs
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter (melted)
Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream
Roasted sweet potatoes (peeled and mashed)
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Brown sugar
Heavy cream

Variations

Crust Variations: Swap the graham cracker crust for a ginger snap crust or a gluten-free alternative for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based sour cream for a vegan version of these bars.
Nutty Topping: Add a crunchy pecan or walnut topping for a bit of texture and nuttiness.
Spiced Version: Increase the spices to taste, adding more cinnamon or a touch of ground ginger for a spicier kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal of the bars.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and slightly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.

Step 4: Make the Sweet Potato Layer

In a separate bowl, combine the mashed roasted sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the heavy cream and stir until smooth and well-blended. Gently spread the sweet potato mixture on top of the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Carefully place the filled pan back in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be slightly jiggly but firm. Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, carefully slice the bars into squares. Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped pecans, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Let the Cheesecake Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps maintain the smooth texture of the cheesecake layer.
Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake Filling: Overmixing can cause the cheesecake layer to crack during baking. Mix just until smooth and combined.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, lump-free batter, ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Chill Before Slicing: For the cleanest slices, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before cutting.

How to Serve

These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars are perfect on their own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine. Serve them as a stand-alone dessert at a holiday dinner or as a fun addition to a potluck or party spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for several days if properly stored.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

While these bars are best served chilled, if you prefer them slightly warmed, you can gently heat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potato for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potato puree for the roasted sweet potato, but be sure to choose a version without added sugar or spices.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the graham cracker crust with gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie option.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are golden, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy sour cream to make these bars dairy-free.

5. Can I add nuts to the cheesecake filling?

Absolutely! You can mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the cheesecake filling for extra texture and flavor.

6. How can I make the sweet potato layer smoother?

Make sure your sweet potatoes are mashed well and use a hand mixer or blender to smooth out the mixture before spreading it on top of the cheesecake layer.

7. Can I use pumpkin instead of sweet potato?

Yes! You can substitute pumpkin puree for the sweet potato for a similar texture and flavor.

8. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Make sure to avoid overmixing the filling, and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.

9. Can I add more spices to the sweet potato layer?

Yes, feel free to add more cinnamon or a touch of ground ginger for extra warmth and spice.

10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars need time to chill in the refrigerator before serving, so they’re perfect for making ahead of time.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, spiced sweet potato filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With their rich flavors and silky textures, they are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether served at a holiday dinner or as a special treat, these bars bring all the cozy warmth of fall and winter into one delicious bite. Make them for your next gathering, and watch them disappear!