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Experience irresistibly moist brownies featuring the subtle sweetness and nutrition of mashed sweet potatoes. These fudgy treats balance rich cocoa with natural sweeteners for layers of flavor and an unbeatable gooey texture. Perfect for anyone seeking a gluten free and dairy free dessert that still hits every chocolate craving, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and the secret boost of vitamins in every bite. The one bowl method means easy cleanup and less mess so you can enjoy decadent brownies in less than an hour.
I made these after spotting a forgotten sweet potato in my pantry and now my daughter asks for them after school every week. Her friends always ask what makes the brownies so rich and no one has ever guessed the veggie twist.
Ingredients
- One cup mashed sweet potato: about two medium cooked and peeled brings moisture a touch of sweetness and fiber. Choose sweet potatoes with tight unblemished skins
- Half cup almond butter or peanut butter: gives classic chewy texture. Go for the smoothest kind you can find for even batter
- Quarter cup melted coconut oil: helps brownies stay moist. Pick cold pressed for fresh flavor
- Half cup pure maple syrup or honey: sweetens naturally without refined sugar. Grade A maple syrup is mild and blends perfectly
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: deepens the chocolate flavor. Stick with pure vanilla for best results
- Half cup unsweetened cocoa powder: gives deep chocolate flavor. Dutch processed for a darker richer taste or natural cocoa for lighter notes
- Half cup almond flour or oat flour: for a tender gluten free crumb. Store flour airtight and check dates for freshness
- One teaspoon baking powder: gives a slight lift to the brownies
- Quarter teaspoon salt: brightens the flavors and sharpens the chocolate. Use fine sea salt to dissolve easily
- Half cup dark chocolate chips: for gooey melty bits in the middle of each bite. Seventy percent cacao or higher brings bold chocolate
- Melted dark chocolate for drizzling (optional): but brings an indulgent finish. Look for good quality chocolate bars to melt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line an eight by eight inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it simple to lift the brownies once they are cooled and guarantees nothing sticks.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine mashed sweet potato almond butter melted coconut oil maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until very smooth and glossy so there are no lumps left and all the fat is fully mixed in.
- Blend in the Dry Ingredients:
- Add cocoa powder then sprinkle in almond flour baking powder and salt. Stir gently just until blended with no streaks of dry flour remaining. Overmixing will make brownies less fudgy so stop as soon as it looks uniform.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Toss in the dark chocolate chips and fold them through the thick batter for even chocolate pockets in every slice.
- Spread in the Pan:
- Spoon the batter into your lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes up evenly with nice edges.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pan in your oven and bake for twenty eight to thirty two minutes. The edges will be set and slightly pulling away from the pan. The center will look a touch soft which is perfect for that moist gooey texture when fully cooled.
- Cool Completely:
- Resist the urge to slice right away. Let the brownies cool fully in the pan on a rack. This helps set the crumb and keeps their centers rich and dense.
- Finish and Serve:
- For a final flourish drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top if you like. Slice into squares once cooled. Enjoy warm for melty centers or chill for perfect clean pieces. They are delicious plain or with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
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My favorite ingredient in these brownies is the dark chocolate chips that turn gooey in warm brownies. Every time I bake a batch the pan is empty before it has cooled and my kids ask to help mix next time so they can sneak a spoonful of batter. Last winter we brought a double batch to a block party and came home without a crumb.
Storage Tips
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store them a bit longer move them to the fridge where they will stay fresh for about six days. For keeping brownies even longer wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and group them in a freezer bag then freeze for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temp or microwave briefly for a gooey warm snack.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want vegan brownies use maple syrup and dairy free chocolate chips without honey. For nut free simply swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini and opt for oat flour over almond flour. If you do not have coconut oil melted unsalted butter will work too. Adding a scoop of chocolate protein powder boosts nutrition but cut back a little bit on the flour in that case.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. If you like a fancy finish swirl nut butter or sprinkle flaky salt on the batter before baking. For parties top with fresh berries after cooling or dust lightly with cocoa powder for a bakery inspired look. Swirls of white chocolate make them extra special for a celebration.
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Chocolate Brownies Around the World
The concept of brownies was born in the United States but creative spins like these are now popular everywhere. In Japan sweet potatoes are common in sweets which fits this recipe naturally. Many cultures use vegetables in desserts as a way to make treats both moist and interesting so these brownies build on a long tradition of wholesome creative baking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works well if unsweetened, preserving the right balance of natural sweetness and moisture for fudgy texture.
- → How do I achieve extra fudgy brownies?
Remove brownies from the oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Chilling them before slicing enhances moisture and gooey texture.
- → What flour alternatives keep brownies gluten-free?
Almond flour or oat flour are great gluten-free options that create a tender crumb without compromising texture.
- → Are these suitable for vegan preferences?
Yes, swapping honey for maple syrup and choosing dairy-free chocolate chips easily adapts the brownies for vegan choices.
- → Can the flavor be customized?
Absolutely. Add spices like cinnamon or espresso, fold in nuts, or swirl nut butters to personalize the flavor profile.
- → How should I store and reheat these brownies?
Store brownies airtight at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate up to six days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave as needed.