Description
Silky sweet potato cheesecake bars blend Southern comfort with creamy indulgence, marrying rich spices and smooth cream cheese. Guests will savor each luxurious bite of this elegant dessert that promises warmth and delightful flavor in every delectable square.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 2 eggs
- 1 additional egg
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
Spices and Flavoring:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
- Create the graham cracker crust by thoroughly mixing crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, compacting it to form a solid base.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, carefully blending after each addition to maintain a silky consistency.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, stirring until the filling is completely uniform.
- Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Prepare the sweet potato topping by whisking mashed sweet potato with brown sugar, egg, warming spices, and heavy cream until completely smooth.
- Carefully drizzle the sweet potato mixture over the cheesecake filling, using a knife to create delicate swirling patterns.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set and develop deep, rich flavors.
Notes
- Prevent crust crumbling by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring a compact base that holds together when sliced.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky-smooth filling without lumps, creating a velvety texture.
- Reduce potential cracking by baking cheesecake in a water bath or placing a pan of water on the bottom rack, which helps maintain consistent oven moisture.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same delicious crumbly crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg