If you are craving a dessert that brings together indulgence and nutrition in the most delightful way, look no further than this Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe. These brownies are wonderfully rich and fudgy, with natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness from the sweet potato that makes every bite uniquely satisfying. Using wholesome ingredients like oat flour and almond butter, this recipe transforms a classic dessert into something that feels both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or to impress friends with a healthier twist on a classic treat, these sweet potato brownies deliver on flavor and texture without any guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a simple yet thoughtfully chosen lineup of ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe. Together, they balance sweetness, moisture, and richness while adding layers of flavor and interesting textures.
- Sweet potato purée: Provides natural sweetness and moisture, making the brownies wonderfully fudgy.
- Maple syrup: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the earthiness of sweet potatoes.
- Almond butter or peanut butter: Supplies healthy fats and a creamy texture that binds the batter together.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Avocado oil (or melted vegan butter, coconut oil, or olive oil): Keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- Cocoa powder or cacao powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and natural antioxidants.
- Sea salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to create a soft crumb without compromising fudginess.
- Oat flour: Provides structure with a mild, nutty flavor and is great for gluten-free diets.
- Chopped raw pecans or walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (optional): For an extra burst of melty, rich chocolate.
How to Make Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potato purée
Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until they’re impeccably soft. You can boil, bake, or steam them depending on what’s most convenient. After cooking, scoop out the flesh carefully and mash it into a smooth purée until there are no lumps. You’ll need about one full cup for this recipe. This simple step is crucial because the creamy purée not only adds natural sweetness but also keeps the brownies moist and tender without needing lots of oil or sugar.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato purée with the maple syrup, almond or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and avocado oil. Whisk or use an electric mixer to blend everything until it’s incredibly smooth and uniform. This mixture forms the luscious base of your brownie batter and ensures each bite is rich, velvety, and satisfying.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, oat flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Make sure to break up any lumps so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This blend gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor and just the right texture, with oat flour keeping things gluten-free and adding a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato.
Step 4: Bring wet and dry together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the brownies stay soft, tender, and fudgy. At this stage, fold in your choice of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, and if you love extra chocolatey goodness, toss in the dairy-free chocolate chips.
Step 5: Prepare the baking dish
Grease your 8Ă—8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour your luscious brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula so every square bakes perfectly uniform.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake the brownies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 25 to 30 minutes. Check their doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This means the brownies are perfectly fudgy and cooked through without being dry.
Step 7: Cool and slice
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them set beautifully, making slicing effortless and the texture just right. Once cooled, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies look stunning and taste even better when garnished thoughtfully. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top adds a professional touch and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your sweet potato brownies alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience. Fresh berries offer a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly, making every bite refreshing and irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe into mini brownie parfaits layered with yogurt and fruit, or cut them into bite-size pieces and serve on toothpicks for a party platter. You can also sandwich a spoonful of nut butter or vegan frosting between two brownies to create decadent brownie sandwiches that will wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week without losing moisture or flavor. Keeping them covered well ensures they maintain their tender, fudgy texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When wrapped properly, they stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and melty texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato purée for this Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use plain canned sweet potatoes without added sugars or spices for the best flavor and consistency.
Is it necessary to use oat flour, or can I substitute another flour?
Oat flour is recommended for its mild flavor and gluten-free properties, but you can substitute with whole wheat or all-purpose flour if you prefer, keeping in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Can these brownies be made nut-free?
Yes, swap out the almond or peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or a seed-based alternative, and use a nut-free oil like coconut or olive oil to keep it safe for nut allergies.
Are these brownies vegan?
Yes! By using plant-based ingredients such as maple syrup, dairy-free chocolate chips, and vegan butter or oil, this Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe is entirely vegan.
How fudgy are these brownies compared to traditional ones?
They are wonderfully fudgy with a moist crumb thanks to the sweet potato and almond butter, but with a lighter, slightly earthy twist that sets them apart deliciously.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about making a dessert that tastes indulgent yet feels wholesome, and this Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe does exactly that. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor or texture. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and enjoy the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and natural sweetness that will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and more!
Print
Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Deliciously moist and naturally sweetened sweet potato brownies made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter, cocoa powder, and oat flour. These vegan and dairy-free brownies offer a healthy twist on a classic treat, providing a rich chocolate flavor with the added nutrition of sweet potatoes and nuts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet potato purée (see instructions)
- â…” cup maple syrup
- ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons avocado oil (or melted vegan butter, coconut oil, or olive oil)
- ½ cup cocoa powder or cacao powder
- ÂĽ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- â…” cup oat flour
- ½ cup chopped raw pecans (or walnuts)
- ÂĽ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potato: Cook the sweet potato by boiling, baking, or steaming until soft. Then scoop out the flesh and mash into a smooth purée to yield approximately 1 cup of sweet potato purée.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato purée, maple syrup, almond or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and avocado oil. Whisk or use an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, oat flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir well to avoid clumps and ensure an even mixture.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips if you are using them, ensuring an even distribution.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease or line an 8Ă—8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Sweet potato can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before mashing.
- Use certified gluten-free oat flour if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- For added flavor, try substituting pecans with walnuts or other favorite nuts.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips are optional but add a nice texture and extra chocolate richness.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
