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Every time I make Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars with Praline Spread, I’m transported back to warm family gatherings filled with laughter and comfort. The incredible aroma wafting through my kitchen reminds me of those autumn afternoons where everyone sits around the table, enjoying each other’s company and sharing stories. The moment you take a bite, the creamy richness of the cream cheese paired with the sweet potato base just wraps around you like a warm hug. I can almost hear the giggles of my grandchildren as they savor each bite and ask for seconds. I know once you try this recipe, you’ll feel those delightful moments too.
How to make Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars with Praline Spread
Ingredients:
Let’s gather the ingredients for these delightful bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes): Sweet potatoes give this dish its lovely moisture and wonderful flavor. You can also use canned sweet potatoes for ease.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: This brings a lovely deep sweetness along with a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Helps to balance the flavors, making sure the bars are perfectly sweet without being overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: These are essential for structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Because every good dessert deserves a hint of vanilla goodness!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bars, giving them structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This helps the bars rise ever so slightly, making them fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that blends perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy depth of flavor that’s just divine in desserts.
- 1/4 tsp salt: A little pinch to balance the sweetness!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This will create that luscious creaminess you’ll love in every bite.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for the cream cheese layer): More sweetness to balance out the tang of the cream cheese.
- 1 large egg (for the cream cheese layer): Helps the cream cheese layer set just right.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cream cheese layer): Because we can never have enough vanilla!
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: These add a crunch and pair perfectly with the praline spread.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for the praline spread): Adds richness to the topping.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (for the praline spread): This brings that lovely, sweet caramel undertone.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream: Gives the praline a silky texture.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for the praline spread): Just a touch more vanilla to round off the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit to elevate all those sweet flavors.
What You’ll Need:
You’ll need some basic kitchen tools, such as:
- Mixing bowls for combining your ingredients.
- A whisk for blending everything together smoothly.
- A 9×13-inch baking pan for baking your bars.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- An oven, of course, set to 350°F (175°C) for that lovely baking temperature.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the delicious process of making these bars.
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Preheat your oven: The first step is to get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for achieving that perfect texture!
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Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make it much easier to remove the bars later.
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Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Add the sweet potatoes: Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until everything is fully blended. You want to see that beautiful golden color throughout.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step makes sure your spices are evenly distributed.
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Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and don’t overmix! This will help keep your bars tender.
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Spread the batter in the pan: Spoon the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Make the cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, the additional granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s super creamy. You’ll want this to be nice and smooth.
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Dollop and swirl: Take that luscious cream cheese mixture and dollop it over the sweet potato base. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it together—just enough to create that beautiful marbled effect.
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Bake to perfection: Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let it cool: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Patience allows the flavors to deepen and blend together!
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Make the praline spread: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, cooking and stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly thickened.
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Add pecans: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow the praline mixture to cool just a bit before spreading.
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Top and set: Spread the praline mixture evenly over the cooled sweet potato cream cheese bars. You’ll want to refrigerate them for 30 minutes to set the topping.
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Slice and serve: Once set, slice your bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them to your family and watch as their eyes light up!
Tips for Perfect Results:
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- Use fresh sweet potatoes: If you have fresh sweet potatoes, opt for those! They bring a lovely flavor that can’t be beaten.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so check your bars a bit earlier to avoid overbaking—nobody wants dry bars!
- Let them cool: Resist the temptation to cut into them right away; letting them cool allows for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Sides:
These Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars with Praline Spread are incredible on their own, but you can elevate the experience even more! Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream can also do wonders! For a lovely fall gathering, pair them with spiced apple cider or hot cocoa—the combination is delightful!
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Leftovers:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which we rarely do in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3 to 5 days. Just know that they never last that long around my family! To reheat, simply pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back the softness and enhance the flavor.
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Emotional Engagement:
When I made these bars for my family last Thanksgiving, they couldn’t stop talking about how delicious they were! This dish has become a new favorite in our home, and I absolutely love sharing it with friends and family. You’re going to love how easy it is, and I can’t wait for you to experience that first bite!
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FAQ Section:
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes will work just fine. Just make sure to drain them well before mashing.
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What if I don’t like nuts?
No problem! You can simply omit the chopped pecans from the praline spread. It’ll still taste amazing without them!
Can these bars be frozen?
They sure can! Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They should last about 3 months in the freezer.
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Can I use cream cheese spread instead of block cream cheese?
While using a spread might be tempting, I recommend sticking with block cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in this recipe.
In conclusion, I can’t wait for you to try these Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars with Praline Spread. They’ve become a staple in my kitchen and a cherished recipe in our family gatherings. Each bite is a lovely reminder of all those warm memories and laughter shared around the table. So, roll up your sleeves and give them a try! I can assure you, your family will be asking for a second helping, just like mine always do. Let me know how it turns out, and I’d love to hear about the smiles on your family’s faces as they indulge in this sweet treat. Happy baking!
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Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars with Praline Spread
Ingredients
For the sweet potato base
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes) Sweet potatoes give this dish its lovely moisture and wonderful flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup light brown sugar Brings a lovely deep sweetness along with a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Balances the flavors.
- 2 large eggs Essential for structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds vanilla goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Base of the bars giving them structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder Helps the bars rise slightly.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon A warm spice that blends perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Adds cozy depth of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
For the cream cheese layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Creates luscious creaminess.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar Balances the tang of cream cheese.
- 1 large egg Helps the cream cheese layer set.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds more vanilla flavor.
For the praline spread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter Adds richness to the topping.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar Brings sweet caramel undertone.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream Gives the praline a silky texture.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Rounds off the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans Adds a crunch.
- pinch salt Elevates the sweet flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until fully blended.
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, additional granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the sweet potato base and swirl gently to create a marbled effect.
Baking and Topping
- Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter for praline over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; let it cool slightly.
- Spread the praline mixture over the cooled bars and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.