Okay, hear me out: sweet potato…brownies! I know, I know, it sounds kinda crazy, but trust me on this one. These aren’t just *good* for you, they’re downright delicious. We’re talking fudgy, chocolatey goodness that you can actually feel good about eating. My best friend Sarah made these for me years ago when I was trying to cut back on sugar, and honestly, I thought she was nuts. Sweet potatoes in brownies? But wow, was I wrong! They were amazing!
Since then, I’ve tweaked and perfected her sweet potato brownies recipe. It’s now my go-to for a healthier treat. And I’ve been baking for over 20 years, so I know my desserts! These sweet potato brownies are easy to whip up, and they’re always a hit – even with the picky eaters in my family. Seriously, you HAVE to try these!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Brownies
Okay, so why should you make *these* brownies instead of, you know, regular ones? Here’s the deal:
- They’re actually good for you! (Hello, sweet potatoes!)
- Super easy to make – even I can’t mess them up.
- Seriously fudgy texture. Like, melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup. No refined sugar crash!
- Gluten-free? Yep! Just use almond flour.
Healthier Indulgence
Let’s be real: brownies aren’t usually health food. But these sweet potato brownies? They’re packed with nutrients! Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A and antioxidants. Plus, you’re getting fiber, which helps keep you full and happy. It’s like a little hug for your body, disguised as a brownie. I can feel good about eating them and I bet you will too!
Easy Baking Recipe
Don’t be scared off by the “healthy” part. This recipe is seriously simple. Throw everything in a bowl, mix it up, bake it, and BAM! Sweet potato brownies. Even if you’re not a star baker (and trust me, I have my moments!), you can totally nail this. I promise – if *I* can do it, so can you. It’s practically foolproof!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Brownies
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed SMOOTH. (No lumps, please!)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the good stuff!)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (makes ’em gluten-free!)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup, okay?)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (mmm, vanilla!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but c’mon!)
How to Make Sweet Potato Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into warm, fudgy sweet potato brownies in no time. First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll also want to grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan. Trust me, you don’t want these sticking! Now, let’s get started!
Preparing the Batter for Sweet Potato Brownies
Grab a big bowl – we’re gonna mix everything together! Throw in your mashed sweet potato, cocoa powder, almond flour, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until it’s nice and smooth. It’ll be a kinda thick batter, so don’t worry if it’s not super runny. Next, add your baking soda and salt. Mix it until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Finally, stir in those chocolate chips (if you’re using them, and you totally should!).
Baking Your Sweet Potato Brownies
Pour that batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Now, into the oven it goes! Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Not wet batter, just moist crumbs, okay? Keep an eye on them – ovens can be a little crazy sometimes, so adjust the time if you need to. Careful when you take them out, it’s hot!
Cooling and Cutting the Sweet Potato Brownies
This is the hardest part: waiting! Let those sweet potato brownies cool *completely* before you even think about cutting them. I know, it’s torture, but trust me, they’ll be so much easier to cut if you let them cool down. Plus, the flavor gets even better as they cool. Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Brownies
Want to take your sweet potato brownies from “good” to “OMG, these are amazing!”? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to make them absolutely perfect. Trust me; these little tweaks make a HUGE difference!
Sweet Potato Prep
Okay, so the sweet potato is kinda the star here, right? I find the best way to cook them is to bake them! Just poke a few holes with a fork and bake at 400°F until they’re super soft. Then, let it cool a bit and mash it until it’s totally smooth. No chunks allowed! This makes for the best brownie texture, trust me.
Chocolate Chip Choices
Don’t underestimate the power of good chocolate chips! I usually go for semi-sweet, but dark chocolate chips are also amazing if you like a richer flavor. Or, hey, why not mix ’em? White chocolate chips would be interesting too! It’s your brownie adventure, so have fun with it!
Sweet Potato Brownies: Variations and Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you’ve got the basic sweet potato brownies recipe down. Now it’s time to get creative! These brownies are like a blank canvas – you can totally customize them to your liking. Wanna add a little spice? Go for it! Feeling nutty? Throw some in! Let’s make these brownies your own!
Add-Ins and Swirls for Sweet Potato Brownies
How about some chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch? Or maybe some dried cranberries for a festive touch? A swirl of peanut butter on top before baking is also AMAZING. Seriously, just dollop some on and swirl it with a knife. You won’t regret it! Oh, and a dash of cinnamon? Yes, please!
Serving Your Sweet Potato Brownies
Warm brownies are the best, right? Serve ’em with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. A simple dusting of powdered sugar works too! Honestly, they’re pretty great on their own, too!
Storing Your Sweet Potato Brownies
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These sweet potato brownies are great the next day (or even the day after that!). Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay nice and fudgy. And if you want to warm them up? A few seconds in the microwave does the trick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Brownies
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about sweet potato brownies. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. And if you have more questions, just ask in the comments! I’m always happy to help you bake the perfect batch of these yummy treats.
Are Sweet Potato Brownies Healthy?
Well, they’re definitely healthier than regular brownies! You’re getting vitamins and fiber from the sweet potato. Plus, we’re using maple syrup instead of refined sugar. So, yes, you can totally feel good about indulging in these a little bit! They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without all the guilt.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Brownies?
Yep, absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them out at room temperature or nuke them in the microwave for a few seconds. They’ll be just as fudgy and delicious as the day you baked them!
Can I Make Sweet Potato Brownies Vegan?
Totally! You’ll just need to swap out the eggs. I’ve had good luck using flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). Or you could try applesauce! It makes them extra moist. Just experiment and see what works best for you!
Nutritional Information for Sweet Potato Brownies
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! The nutritional information below is just an estimate. It’ll change depending on the exact ingredients you use (like, what brand of chocolate chips or maple syrup). So, take it with a grain of salt, okay? Just wanted to give you a general idea. Basically, enjoy your sweet potato brownies!
Enjoy Your Sweet Potato Brownies!
Okay, time to get baking! I really hope you try these sweet potato brownies. Let me know what you think in the comments below! And hey, if you loved ’em, share this recipe with your friends! Happy baking!
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Sweet Potato Brownies: Sinfully Delicious 20 Min Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy sweet potato brownies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, cocoa powder, almond flour, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add baking soda and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to your liking.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
