When I’m looking for a wholesome snack that satisfies my sweet cravings without the guilt, these Sweet Potato Snack Bars always come to my rescue. Imagine biting into a chewy, rich bar that boasts the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, perfectly complemented by creamy almond butter and a hint of warm cinnamon. They’re not just tasty; they pack a nutritional punch with fiber and healthy fats, making them a fantastic alternative to those sugary granola bars lining supermarket shelves.
I first whipped up this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon, searching for a way to use the leftover sweet potato puree in my fridge. Little did I know these bars would become a family favorite—ideal for breakfast on the go or a midday pick-me-up. Plus, the adaptations are endless! Whether you’re dodging nuts or experimenting with different sweeteners, this recipe is adaptable to fit your dietary needs. If you’re ready to swap out processed snacks for something homemade and satisfying, let’s dive into these delightful Sweet Potato Snack Bars!
Why are Sweet Potato Bars a must-try?
Unique Flavor: The sweet potato gives these bars a naturally sweet flavor, enhanced by almond butter and cinnamon.
Nutritious Goodness: Packed with fiber and healthy fats, they keep you fueled throughout the day.
Adaptable Recipe: Adjust for nut-free or different sweeteners easily, making them suitable for various diets.
Quick Bites: Perfect for breakfast or after workouts, they’re a convenient snack anytime.
Homemade Delight: Ditch the store-bought sugary alternatives and savor these wholesome bars right from your kitchen!
Sweet Potato Bars Ingredients
For the Batter
- Sweet Potato Puree – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; canned pumpkin puree works as a great substitute for a similar flavor.
- Almond Butter – Adds creaminess and healthy fats; swap with sunflower seed butter or tahini for nut-free options.
- Maple Syrup – Acts as a natural sweetener; adjust to taste based on your sweetness preference.
- Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats – Provides structure and a chewy texture, essential for the perfect Sweet Potato Bars.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Adds extra heartiness, making the bars more satisfying.
- Ground Flax Seed (Flax Meal) – Contributes omega-3s and binding properties; you may omit if sensitive to fiber.
- Hemp Seeds or Chia Seeds – Boosts protein and nutrients, making these bars even healthier.
- Fine Salt – Enhances flavor balance, ensuring the sweetness shines through.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the sweet potato flavor.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Offers a delightful sweetness and chocolate flavor; substitute with dark chocolate or omit to reduce sweetness.
Optional Toppings
- Additional Mini Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle on top before baking for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Dried Fruits or Nuts – Mix in for added texture and flavor variations!
How to Make Sweet Potato Bars
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
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Mix puree: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, almond butter, and maple syrup. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended and creamy.
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Add dry ingredients: Stir in both the quick and old-fashioned rolled oats, ground flax, hemp seeds, fine salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
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Fold in chocolate: Gently fold half of the mini chocolate chips into the mixture. Then, spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
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Top with chips: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the batter. Tap the pan on the counter to settle the mixture evenly.
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Bake the bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Look for a lightly golden edge and a set center to ensure they are perfectly baked.
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Cool before cutting: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up, making cutting them into squares easier.
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Store properly: Store the bars at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months wrapped individually.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of honey or nut butter before serving for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Bars
Room Temperature: Keep the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days for the best freshness.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the Sweet Potato Bars for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their chewiness and flavor.
Freezer: Wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a quick snack when you need one!
Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Potato Snack Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the sweet potato puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and dry ingredients, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the mixture in the prepared pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips, and bake as directed. To maintain the bars’ chewy texture, ensure they cool completely before cutting and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious and nutritious snacks ready to go whenever you need!
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Bars
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Smooth Puree: Ensure the sweet potato puree is smooth for the best texture. A blender works wonders if using whole sweet potatoes.
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Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; check at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking and maintain that perfect chewy texture.
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Nut-Free Swaps: If using a different nut or seed butter, be aware that it may change the flavor profile of these Sweet Potato Bars.
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Customize Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup according to your taste preference for optimal sweetness; start with less and add more if needed.
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Mix-Ins Optional: Feel free to substitute mini chocolate chips with dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor variety!
Sweet Potato Bars Variations
Customize these luscious Sweet Potato Snack Bars to suit your taste and dietary preferences, creating a snack that’s uniquely yours!
- Nut-Free: Swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free delight, perfect for school lunches.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave for a different kind of sweetness; adjust to taste for a sugar boost.
- Fruit-Filled: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy fruit flavor that combines beautifully with the sweet potato.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for a kick of warmth and complexity in flavor.
- Boost Texture: Mix in puffed quinoa or brown rice for an added crunch, making your bars even more exciting to munch on.
- Choco-Lover’s Twist: Go for dark chocolate chips instead of mini ones for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Protein-Packed: Include protein powder into the batter for an extra boost that’s perfect for post-workout energy!
- Savory Version: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt and crushed rosemary for an unexpected savory twist that balances sweetness.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Bars?
Enjoy these delicious bars with a variety of complementary flavors and textures to create the perfect snacking experience.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang, enriching the flavor while providing protein for an extra energy boost.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mixture of fresh fruits brings brightness and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars, making for a playful balance.
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Nut Butter Dip: Pair with your favorite nut or seed butter for a boost of healthy fats; it creates a fun and indulgent snack that could become a go-to!
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of melted dark chocolate on top for a decadent finish—this elevates the sweet potato bars into a sophisticated dessert.
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Herbal Tea: Sipping on a warm cup of herbal tea enhances the experience, its soothing aroma blending perfectly with the cinnamon notes in the bars.
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Oatmeal: Serve alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal for a hearty breakfast option; the textures meld beautifully, creating a filling meal that’ll keep you satisfied.
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Smoothie: Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-packed smoothie that complements the wholesome ingredients in the sweet potato bars.
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Coffee: Enjoying a cup of coffee brings a comforting warmth, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the snack bars, making it a delightful pair for your early mornings.
Sweet Potato Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. The best ones are medium-sized with vibrant orange flesh; these provide the perfect sweetness and moisture. If they’re too large, they may contain a lot of starch, which can affect the texture of your Sweet Potato Bars.
How should I store my Sweet Potato Bars?
I recommend keeping your Sweet Potato Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re properly sealed to maintain their chewiness and freshness!
Can I freeze Sweet Potato Bars?
Yes, you can! Wrap each of your Sweet Potato Bars individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. For a quick snack, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
What if my bars turn out too dry?
If your Sweet Potato Bars happen to be a bit dry, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to check them at the 18-minute mark. Also, you can increase the moisture by adding a little extra almond butter or sweet potato puree next time. Remember, the batter should be thick but not dry!
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
Very! You can easily adapt this recipe to be nut-free by replacing almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. Additionally, you can skip the chocolate chips or opt for dairy-free ones to ensure the recipe meets dietary needs.
What other ingredient substitutions can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Instead of almond butter, you can use peanut butter or cashew butter if you prefer. For a sweeter touch, try using honey or agave syrup in place of maple syrup. You can even mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a delightful twist in your Sweet Potato Bars.
Irresistible Sweet Potato Bars for Healthy Snacking Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, almond butter, and maple syrup. Stir well until fully blended and creamy.
- Stir in the quick and old-fashioned rolled oats, ground flax, hemp seeds, fine salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix until evenly combined.
- Gently fold half of the mini chocolate chips into the mixture. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the batter. Tap the pan on the counter to settle the mixture evenly.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for easier cutting.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for a week, or freeze for up to 2 months wrapped individually.