Sweet Potato and Chocolate Bars
sweet potato bars recipe
Amongst all the overflowing bins of Fall fruits and veggies, sweet potatoes hold a special place in our hearts. The variety and diversity of colors and flavors keep our Autumn menu continually interesting and keep us inspired. Loved beyond the holidays down here, the sweet potatoes were gorgeous copper prizes begging to be cooked.
For Fall and Thanksgiving dessert recipes, the classic pumpkin pie always makes a showing. But if we’re always looking for something different, that’s why we came up with the recipe a few years ago. This recipe was such a popular hit back in 2010, that we also included in our Bountiful cookbook.
Video: Sweet Potato Bars with Chocolate Recipe
The craving for sweet potato still fill our lungs and led to the inspiration for this recipe. Starting with one of my favorite bar crusts (a graham cracker crust with fresh ginger), they were next layered with a dark chocolate softened with bit of milk, then finished off with beautiful, sweet potato pie filling. Top ’em with a dollop or two of whipped cream if you really want to go crazy! And add some extra vanilla to the whipped cream, it’s delicious. Here’s a great recipe for homemade vanilla extract.
This sweet potato bars recipe is perfect sweet bite to satisfy everyone after the big savory turkey and ham feast. Enjoy and hope you all are having a blast planning this weeks Thanksgiving menu.
-Diane and Todd
Post was originally published in 2010 and re-published in 2018 with recipe updates & video.
Sweet Potato Bars w/ Chocolate
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (150g) (from about 9 whole graham crackers)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (55g)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g - or 1 stick) , melted
Chocolate Layer Ingredients
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (80ml)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (175g)
Sweet Potato Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet potato puree (see note below recipe)
- 2 large eggs , slightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground cloves
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (110g)
- 1 1/2 cups half & half (360ml)
Optional Topping Ingredients
- whipped cream
- pecan halves , for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the crust ingredients and mix thoroughly (graham cracker crumbs, ginger, brown sugar, salt, and butter). Press the mixture into a 9x9-inch (2.5 quart or 23cmx23cm) baking dish.
- Make the chocolate filling: Stovetop: In a saucepan, combine the cream and chocolate. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and completely combined with the cream. Microwave: In a microwave safe bowl, combine the cream and chocolate. Microwave for 45 seconds. Stir and mash the chocolate chips, and then continue melting in 15 second intervals, stirring and mashing in between, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the crust; tilt and gently shake the pan to spread the mixture evenly. Set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the sweet potato filling.
- Make the sweet potato filling: In a bowl, combine the sweet potato filling ingredients and mix well (sweet potato puree, egg, salt, cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, and half & half). Gently pour the sweet potato filling over the chocolate layer.
- Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the outer inch appears set; the center should still slightly wiggle when shaken. Set aside to cool, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Slice with a clean knife into even squares, wiping the knife clean between each cut. Serve with optional whipped cream and/or chopped nuts.
Wow, I never thought potato would compliment the taste of chocolate! This is a must try recipe, and will definitely try it tonight! Thank you for sharing this one!
Thanks Marc! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Do you have to adjust the recipe if using milk chocolate?
Thank you for sharing !
Thank you for sharing !
These bars look absolutely delicious! I don’t have any heavy cream on hand…do you think I could sub milk? Thanks!
It could possibly work, we haven’t tried it with whole milk. If it works for you would love to know so we can share your experience with others. Thanks!
Genius! I have never ever ever thought about sweet potatoes bars!!!!!! They look incredible!!
Anyone know if the chocolate for this recipe should be UNSWEETENED or not? Surprised it’s not specified, and I don’t want to mess up the recipe. Thanks!
It is for regular dark chocolate, not unsweetened. Ingredients are listed by how we find them labeled in the stores. Rarely if ever do we see dark chocolate labeled as “sweetened”, it is a given. However if it is “unsweetened” it is always labeled that way. Our recipes follow the same suit.
So sweet! I love the pecan garnish on end like that.
Do you know if these would freeze well?
I am trying to get into baking more and your wonderful post and mouth-watering photos just pushed me over the edge. Thank you! I will definitely be adding you to my blogroll.
Do you know how long these will last in the fridge? I want to make them ahead for a party this weekend.
We’ve had batches we’ve kept for a week and they were still great. After a few days the crust starts to get a little softer, but it is still delicious.
oh awesome. sweet potato bars….unbelievable. i bet i would try it, & would love to have more such recipes from you.
These look so good! I love sweet potatoes but would never have thought to put them in a bar…let alone with chocolate! Thanks for sharing! I’m glad your experience with Atlanta was much improved this go round.
wow sweet potato and chocolate. whodathunkit. this looks delicious!