If you’ve been on the hunt for a guilt-free indulgence that still satisfies your chocolate cravings, then you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe. It brilliantly transforms humble sweet potatoes into decadently fudgy brownies loaded with rich cocoa and melty chocolate chips. These brownies are moist, tender, and not overly sweet, making them the perfect treat to enjoy any time. Plus, sneak in some veggies while you’re at it! Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to dessert for both everyday comfort and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, wholesome, and each one plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible brownie fudginess.
- Mashed cooked sweet potato (1 cup): This adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful soft texture without overpowering the chocolate.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Provides richness and helps create that tender crumb everyone loves in brownies.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens just right while giving structure to the batter.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Adds subtle caramel notes and keeps the brownies delightfully chewy.
- Large eggs, room temperature (2): Bind all the ingredients and contribute to the moist, cakey texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the deep chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The foundation that holds the brownies together while keeping them soft.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Loads the brownies with intense chocolate flavor and enriches color.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Just enough to give a slight lift without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the chocolate notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): These pockets of melted chocolate make every bite extra special.
How to Make Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The natural moisture of the sweet potato helps the sugars dissolve perfectly here, setting a luscious base for your batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs along with the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until you have a well-combined, silky batter. These eggs seal in moisture and add richness to the brownies, while the vanilla ties all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and chocolate powder, avoiding any clumps that could affect the texture of your brownies.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix here; you want to preserve the fudge-like softness that makes these sweet potato brownies so irresistible.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Once the batter looks lovely and thick, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. They create those delightful gooey bits throughout that make each bite decadently chocolatey.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This timing strikes the perfect balance between fudgy and firm.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. Cooling tightens the texture and makes for cleaner cuts, giving you picture-perfect brownies every time.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make your brownies feel extra special. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the top for a touch of elegance. For a decadent twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt brilliantly balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
These brownies are a star dessert on their own, but pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a tangy berry compote lightens the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte also pairs perfectly, making for a satisfying and comforting dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, cut your brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve them on mini skewers alongside marshmallows and strawberries for a brownie kabob. You can also layer warmed brownies with whipped cream in individual glasses for a parfait-style treat. This Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe really shines when you let your creativity take center stage.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and fudgy, maintaining their wonderful texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste whenever you want a quick treat.
Reheating
If you like your brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F. This wakes up the chocolate chips and softens the brownies, making them taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure the canned sweet potato is plain and unsweetened. Drain any excess liquid and mash well before measuring to avoid making your batter too wet.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking flour blend to make the Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
How can I make these brownies vegan?
To veganize this recipe, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Note that baking time or texture might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is essential for the rich chocolate flavor here, so it’s best not to skip it. If you’re in a pinch, hot cocoa mix could work, but the brownies won’t be as intense or fudgy.
Why are my brownies not fudgy?
Overbaking is the most common cause of dry brownies. Follow the baking time carefully and test with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are what you want. Also, avoid overmixing your batter to keep the texture tender.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got all the secrets to this wonderful Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. These brownies are a delicious way to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic treat, impress friends, and comfort yourself with each fudgy bite. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the natural sweetness and nutrition of mashed sweet potatoes, resulting in a healthier yet indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and cocoa evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly moist. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 9 squares. This cooling process helps set the brownies for a fudgy texture.
Notes
- Use roasted or steamed sweet potato without any seasoning to keep the flavor pure and balanced.
- Do not overbake the brownies to maintain their fudgy texture; check for doneness at 25 minutes.
- These brownies develop richer flavors if allowed to rest overnight before serving.
