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.
I have never encountered a more unique and exquisite recipe with sweet potatoes! The only dessert with the sweet potatoes that comes to my mind instantly is a childhood memory of them boiled, rolled into balls and deep fried and then dunked in a spiced syrup 🙂
I am so glad you all were able to explore the DeKalb Farmers’ Market. It is definitely an adventure! Thanks for heading East for FBF and I hope you will come back again soon for some more Southern hospitality and sweet tea! Miss you guys!
Those look positively delicious! Combines two of my favorite foods. I think I’ll definitely have to make those for some of our holiday parties this Fall and Winter.
Wow, these look AMAZING!!! I’ve never used sweet potato in sweet dishes, but I definitely will be after seeing this post as these sweet potato bars with chocolate look SO delicious and beautiful.
PS I love you photos, they are always so beautiful and amazing. I’m in awe.
my compliments to the baker! you’ve created something really different and totally delicious!
What a unique idea- love it!
Hey Guys, glad you had a nice time in Atlanta. It really is a wonderful place once one knows where to go and how to get there;) I’m from Atlanta/Decatur, and my favorite thing to do when I go home is eat lunch at The Dekalb Farmer’s Market. I’ve been going there since I was the baby in my Mom’s cart (smile).
Oh, and your sweet potato bars look wonderful-so nice!
Sweet potato desserts are by far some of the most underrated options in the fall.
Pies, bars, cookies, all are heavenly and guaranteed to add to your caloric combustion for the upcoming holiday season (which is a very good thing I might add).
I am so making these this weekend. thanks for making me run out to get sweet potatoes!
The moment I saw this recipe I knew I HAD to make it. Your food posts have been looking increasingly delicious lately!!
Now there’s a flavour combination you don’t see every day!
Amazing combination. 3 ingredients I LOVE!! I can’t wait to try these.
Oh my, I am going crazy for these sweet potato bars. I am way into sweet potatoes whether in sweets or savories. With chocolate, ginger, cream & graham cracker I am more than swooned. So great to read Atlanta was a great time & the FBF was a huge success.
Holy cow! These have been bookmarked and will be made ASAP! Perfect fall treat 🙂 🙂
Sweet potatoes and chocolate? I cannot wait to try these. I have 50 pounds of sweet potatoes from my garden just begging for a little creativity! These might go on my Thanksgiving menu…
I have eaten sweet potatoes my entire life and never once had them with chocolate. These bars look divine!