🍠 Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
Description
These gooey, chocolatey vegan sweet potato brownies are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence! Naturally sweetened and loaded with nutrients, they use mashed sweet potato as the base for moisture and richness. Perfect for dessert lovers who want a healthy alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
📋 Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, baked and mashed (about 1½ cups)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup for a lower-cost option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup almond flour or oat flour
- 2 tbsp nut butter (e.g., almond, peanut, or cashew)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, dairy-free for vegan)
🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potato, maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing (they firm up as they cool).
📌 Notes
- Roast your sweet potato for better flavor—boiled works, but roasting brings out the natural sweetness.
- Use oat flour for a gluten-free version.
- The brownies will be fudgy rather than cakey—this is intentional!
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
💡 Tips
- Want more sweetness? Add 1–2 tbsp coconut sugar or a mashed banana.
- For extra protein, use a scoop of vegan protein powder and reduce the flour slightly.
- Top with crushed nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Make them nut-free by using sunflower seed butter and oat flour.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes about 9 square brownies.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Brownie, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and add-ins used.
💪 Health Benefits
- ✅ High in fiber – sweet potatoes and cocoa are both gut-friendly.
- ✅ No refined sugar – maple or agave are natural alternatives.
- ✅ Vegan and dairy-free – perfect for plant-based diets.
- ✅ Rich in antioxidants – cocoa and sweet potatoes both provide them.
- ✅ Lower glycemic index – slower energy release compared to regular brownies.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Can I freeze these brownies?
A: Yes! Freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potato?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
Q: Can I replace the cocoa powder with carob?
A: Yes, use the same amount of carob powder for a caffeine-free version.
Q: Do these taste like sweet potato?
A: Not really! The cocoa and syrup balance the flavor. Most people can’t tell.
Q: Can I make them oil-free?
A: Yes! The nut butter acts as both a binder and fat—no oil needed.