Description
These Sweet Potato Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the hearty texture of whole wheat flour and oats. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and studded with chocolate chips, they are perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert. Easy to prepare using simple ingredients, this recipe results in soft, moist bars that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a boost of fiber and vitamins.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Preparation
- 3/4 Cup roasted and mashed/pureed sweet potato
Dry Ingredients
- 1 Cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 Cup brown sugar
- 1 Egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Add-Ins
- 1/2 Cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: You can either bake the sweet potato at 425°F (220°C) for 45-55 minutes until soft, then scoop out the flesh, or peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks and boil in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash or puree the sweet potatoes until smooth using a food processor. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, quick cooking oats, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the room temperature egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Sweet Potato with Wet Mix: When the mashed sweet potato has cooled off a bit (it can be warm but not hot), add it to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the sweet potato and wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Scoop and spread the batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy as a nutritious snack or dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute regular all-purpose flour if white whole wheat flour is not available.
- Make sure the mashed sweet potato is not too hot when mixing with the wet ingredients to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
- Chocolate chip quantity can be adjusted or omitted for a plain sweet potato bar.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
