When the air turns crisp and sweet potatoes are in season, there’s no better dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall than these rich, creamy Sweet Potato Cheesecake Squares. This recipe combines the velvety smoothness of classic cheesecake with the natural sweetness and warmth of spiced sweet potatoes. These squares are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent with a cup of coffee.
Unlike traditional cheesecake, this version is baked in bar form, making it easy to slice and serve. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors: a buttery graham cracker crust, a lush sweet potato cheesecake filling, and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
✅ Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and warmly spiced.
✅ Ideal for Entertaining: Portable, sliceable, and guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Crust:
Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 ½ cups): Forms the buttery, crisp base.
Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Adds moisture and a rich molasses sweetness.
Cinnamon (½ tsp): Infuses the crust with warm flavor.
Melted Butter (6 tbsp): Binds the crumbs and adds richness.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The star ingredient, providing the creamy, tangy base.
Mashed Sweet Potato (1 cup, cooked): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and autumn flavor.
Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Balances the tang of the cream cheese.
Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and help the cheesecake set.
Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors.
Cinnamon (½ tsp) & Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Classic warm spices for depth.
Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool while preparing the filling.
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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add mashed sweet potato and sugar; beat until combined.
3. Mix in eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
4. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, spices, and salt. Blend until silky smooth.
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Step 3: Assemble & Bake
1. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.
3. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Serving Suggestions
✨ Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
✨ Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
✨ Garnish with toasted pecans for crunch.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Squares
🔹 Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling for richer flavor.
🔹 Ensure cream cheese is truly softened to avoid lumps.
🔹 Chill fully before slicing for clean, neat squares.
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Why This Recipe is a Fall Favorite
Sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness and natural creaminess, while the cheesecake layer offers a rich contrast. Combined with warm spices and a buttery graham crac
ker crust, these cheesecake squares are everything we love about autumn desserts—comforting, nostalgic, and utterly delicious.