Gooey Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the rich, creamy layers of these Gooey Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars, perfect for any autumn gathering or holiday celebration! The delectable combination of a buttery yellow cake crust and a smooth cheesecake-like sweet potato topping creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Adapted from a classic pumpkin recipe, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that disappeared at our Thanksgiving dinner before the turkey was even served. Enjoy warm from the oven with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an unforgettable dessert experience that will have your guests asking for seconds. These bars have officially earned their spot on our annual holiday dessert list!
16
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (dry mix)
melted butter
8 tablespoons (melted)
egg
1 (beaten)
peeled mashed sweet potato
2 1/2 cups (cooked and mashed)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
softened butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (sifted)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon (none)
eggs
3 (beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, yellow cake mix, and 1 beaten egg. Use an electric mixer to blend until well combined.
3
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to evenly spread and gently press it down to form a firm crust layer. Set aside.
4
In another mixing bowl, beat together the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, softened cream cheese, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Add in the vanilla extract, sifted confectioners' sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until just combined.
6
Incorporate the 3 beaten eggs into the sweet potato mixture, blending thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
7
Carefully pour the sweet potato mixture evenly over the prepared cake crust, smoothing it out if necessary.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set yet slightly soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
9
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. For the best experience, serve warm topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
1.9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gooey Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars?
They are a rich dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust and a smooth, cheesecake-like sweet potato topping seasoned with autumn spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is needed for these bars?
You will need a 13x9-inch baking dish, which should be greased before use.
What ingredients make up the crust?
The crust consists of one 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix (dry), 8 tablespoons of melted butter, and one beaten egg.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
You need 2.5 cups of sweet potatoes that have been peeled, cooked, and mashed until smooth.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, 8 ounces of cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the sweet potatoes.
How much butter is required for the topping layer?
The sweet potato topping requires 4 tablespoons of softened butter.
What type of sugar is used in the sweet potato mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar.
Which spices give the bars their autumn flavor?
The bars are flavored with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
How many eggs are used in the topping?
Three beaten eggs are incorporated into the sweet potato mixture.
How long should the bars bake?
Bake the bars for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
The center should be set but still slightly soft to the touch, and a toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Should I let the bars cool before serving?
Yes, allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares, though they are excellent when served slightly warm.
What is a recommended topping for serving?
A dollop of freshly whipped cream is recommended for the best dessert experience.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each bar contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per bar?
There is 1.9 grams of protein in each serving.
Is the yellow cake mix prepared according to the box instructions?
No, you use the dry yellow cake mix as an ingredient for the crust without following the box instructions.
What equipment is needed to mix the crust?
An electric mixer is recommended to blend the melted butter, cake mix, and egg for the crust.
Is vanilla extract included in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to the sweet potato topping.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 11 total ingredients.
Can these bars be served at Thanksgiving?
Yes, they are highly recommended for Thanksgiving and holiday dessert lists.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
They have a firm, buttery crust and a gooey, creamy topping.
Are these bars considered a comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as a comfort food and are perfect for autumn.
Is the confectioners' sugar added directly to the mix?
The confectioners' sugar should be sifted before being mixed into the sweet potato topping.
What category of recipe is this?
This recipe is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
Can this recipe be adapted for pumpkin?
Yes, this recipe was originally adapted from a classic pumpkin dessert recipe.
How should the crust be placed in the pan?
Use a spatula to evenly spread and gently press the mixture down to form a firm crust layer.