Irresistible Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars: Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert & Pumpkin Pie Alternative
Say goodbye to the same old holiday desserts and welcome a delightful twist to your festive spread: Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars! This incredible treat offers a refreshing and equally delicious alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, perfect for those looking to try something new or simply seeking a stress-free dessert option. Featuring a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust, these bars are generously filled with a velvety smooth combination of naturally sweet pureed sweet potato, creamy ricotta cheese, and tangy Greek yogurt. The result is a vibrant, flavorful dessert that’s sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, and truly a standout at any gathering.
Let’s talk about the magic of the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving. It truly is one of the best holidays, isn’t it? A time when families gather, give thanks, and indulge in an abundance of incredible food. The expectation to “pig out” is practically built into the tradition! For many years, I’ve had the joy (and sometimes, the immense effort) of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my house, cooking everything from scratch. It’s a labor of love, but undoubtedly a lot of work. This year, however, I’m thrilled to be enjoying the feast at my in-laws’ place. What a treat to anticipate a more relaxing holiday, where I can savor the company and the meal without the intense kitchen prep! What are your plans for Turkey Day this year? Do you host, travel, or contribute to a potluck?
Before we dive deeper into this amazing recipe, one more question for you: are you a “pie person”? If so, which kind holds the top spot in your heart? My mom, for instance, whips up a killer chocolate mousse pie that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Honestly, picking a single favorite pie feels almost impossible, like choosing a favorite child – they all have their unique charms! However, if you’re someone who often shies away from baking because of the dreaded homemade crust, or if you’re simply not a fan of pumpkin pie, then I have the perfect Thanksgiving (or anytime-of-year) treat for you. These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars are your new go-to dessert for effortless elegance and unbeatable flavor.
Effortless Elegance: The Simplicity of Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
What makes these bars truly special is their incredible ease of preparation. The foundation is a straightforward graham cracker crust – simple enough for any home baker, regardless of experience level. Forget the stress of rolling out dough or worrying about a soggy bottom; this crust comes together quickly and bakes to a perfect, firm base. But the real star is the filling, which is unbelievably easy and utterly delicious. It’s a harmonious blend of tender sweet potatoes, creamy ricotta cheese, and a touch of tangy Greek yogurt, all brought together with eggs, a hint of salt, butter, and sugar. Just toss these ingredients into a food processor, blend until smooth and luscious, pour over the pre-baked crust, and slide it into the oven. It’s truly as easy as… well, as easy as making these bars!
I am absolutely smitten with this dessert. Beyond its vibrant, appealing bright orange hue, the filling itself is a revelation. It boasts an incredibly smooth, almost silken texture that melts in your mouth, bursting with rich, complex flavor. Many who try it immediately compare it to a pumpkin cheesecake, but I dare say it offers a unique depth and natural sweetness that elevates it even further. My husband, typically a tough critic, was utterly amazed by its incredible taste and couldn’t stop raving about it! What’s more, these bars offer a delightful bonus: the ricotta cheese and Greek yogurt contribute a good amount of protein, making each square surprisingly filling and satisfying. Could these genuinely be better than classic pumpkin pie? I believe so! This holiday season, I implore you to give these Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars a try. I promise you will not be disappointed; in fact, you might just find your new favorite holiday dessert.
Why Sweet Potatoes Make the Perfect Dessert Ingredient
Sweet potatoes are often celebrated for their savory applications, but their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them an ideal candidate for exceptional desserts. Rich in beta-carotene (which gives them their beautiful orange color), vitamins, and fiber, sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious; they also add a touch of wholesome goodness to your treats. When baked and mashed, they create a wonderfully smooth base that perfectly complements the rich creaminess of cheesecake. Their subtle earthy flavor pairs beautifully with warming spices and the tang of cheese and yogurt, resulting in a complex yet comforting profile that’s simply irresistible. Using sweet potatoes in these bars offers a unique twist on traditional flavors, making them feel both familiar and excitingly new.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
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Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1-1/2 lbs. total
- 18 graham crackers 9 oz total
- 1 cup sugar divided
- 1/2 cup plus 3 Tbsp butter softened to room temperature and divided
- 1/2 tsp. salt divided
- 1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 4 large eggs
- whipped cream for serving
Instructions
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To prepare the sweet potatoes, pierce their skin in two or three spots with a knife. Place them in the microwave and cook on high for 5 minutes. Flip the sweet potatoes over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. To check for doneness, prick with a fork; if there’s resistance, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until they are completely soft and cooked through. Once cooked and tender, remove them from the microwave and allow them to cool slightly.
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Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). For the crust, pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely crumbled. Add 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of softened butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the crumbs, then pulse again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is moist. Firmly press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake the crust for approximately 12 minutes, or until it appears dry and set. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF (160ºC).
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Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, peel off their skins and place the cooked sweet potato flesh into a clean food processor. Pulse the sweet potatoes until they are thoroughly mashed and smooth. Next, add the ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, the remaining 3 tablespoons of softened butter, and the remaining 2/3 cup of sugar to the food processor. Process until the filling is completely smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Carefully pour the creamy sweet potato mixture over the pre-baked graham cracker crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake at 325ºF (160ºC) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight jiggle. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. After cooling, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill until thoroughly cold, ideally for at least 1 hour, or even overnight for best results. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve them garnished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Enjoy your decadent, easy-to-make sweet potato dessert!
Notes
Serving & Customization Tips for Your Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Once your Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars are perfectly chilled, the real fun begins: serving them up! These bars are fantastic on their own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates them to an even more luxurious experience. For an extra touch of warmth and spice, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg over the whipped cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scattering of chopped pecans or walnuts could add delightful texture and flavor dimensions. These bars are also excellent for making ahead, which is a huge advantage during busy holiday preparations. Simply bake, cool, and refrigerate overnight, then slice and serve when guests arrive. They store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Discover More Delicious Bar Recipes…
If you’re a fan of easy, shareable desserts, then you’ll love exploring these other fantastic bar recipes. From classic comforting flavors to refreshing seasonal treats, there’s something here to satisfy every craving and occasion. These bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet treat at home!
Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Bars
Indulge in a delightful combination of sweet and savory with these amazing Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Bars. Featuring a rich, chewy base loaded with decadent chocolate chips and buttery butterscotch morsels, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that disappear quickly from any dessert table. Their perfect balance of flavors and satisfying texture make them an irresistible treat for any time of year.
Peppermint Ice Cream Cookie Bars
Cool down with a festive and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any celebration: Peppermint Ice Cream Cookie Bars! These bars combine a soft cookie base with a creamy, minty ice cream layer, all topped with delightful peppermint crunch. They are an ideal treat for winter holidays or a refreshing dessert during warmer months, offering a burst of cool flavor in every bite.
Skinny Granola Cookie Wedges
For a slightly healthier yet utterly satisfying option, try these Skinny Granola Cookie Wedges. Packed with wholesome oats and your favorite granola additions, these wedges offer a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness without all the guilt. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a smart snack, or a lighter dessert, proving that healthy can still be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
In conclusion, these Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they are an invitation to create new holiday traditions and enjoy a genuinely exceptional treat. Their ease of preparation, combined with their rich, smooth, and vibrant flavor, makes them an ideal choice for any occasion, especially when you want to impress without the stress. So, whether you’re looking for a fresh take on Thanksgiving desserts, a simpler baking project, or just a delicious new recipe to add to your repertoire, give these bars a try. You’ll be glad you did!