Name: Sweet Potato Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes (cooked); 2 small bananas; 1/2 cup plant-based milk; 1 1/2 cup ground oats; 2/3 cup sugar of choice; 8 tbsp cocoa powder; 5 tbsp ground hemp seeds; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 2 tsp baking powder

Sweet Potato Brownies are about to revolutionize your dessert game. Forget everything you thought you knew about fudgy, decadent brownies! These aren’t your average chocolate treats. What makes these sweet potato brownies so incredibly special, you ask? It’s the secret ingredient – the humble sweet potato – that lends an unbelievably moist, tender crum extractb and a subtle, earthy sweetness that perfectly balances the rich chocolate. I used to think brownies had to be purely indulgent, but these gems prove that you can have your cake (or brownie!) and eat it too, with a touch more goodness. People absolutely adore them because they deliver that deep chocolatey satisfaction we all crave, without the heaviness or guilt. Prepare to be amazed by how this simple vegetable transforms a classic into something truly extraordinary. Get ready for your new favorite dessert obsession!

Sweet Potato Brownies

Welcome, fellow sweet treat enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious: Sweet Potato Brownies. Forget your average brownie; these are a revelation. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they offer a fudgy, rich chocolate experience without the refined sugar overload. The secret? Sweet potatoes and bananas, which not only add a natural sweetness and moisture but also a surprising depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. These are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier indulgence, a fun baking project with kids, or simply a way to use up some ripe bananas and sweet potatoes. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes (cooked (see notes))

2 small bananas ((see notes))

1/2 cup plant-based milk

1 1/2 cup ground oats ((see notes))

2/3 cup sugar of choice ((see notes))

8 tbsp cocoa powder ((I used Dutch-Process))

5 tbsp ground hemp seeds (or any ground nuts/seeds (see notes))

1 tbsp cinnamon ((optional))

2 tsp baking powder

Notes on Ingredients:

Before we begin extract, let’s clarify a few things about our star ingredients.

Sweet Potatoes: For the best results, I recommend baking your sweet potatoes until they are very tender. You can do this by piercing them with a fork and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife. Alternatively, you can microwave them. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh. You’ll need about 1 to 1.5 cups of mashed sweet potato.

Bananas: Overripe bananas are your best friend here! The spottier and browner, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. These will contribute significantly to the moisture and sweetness of the brownies, so don’t be tempted to use underripe ones.

Ground Oats: You can easily grind rolled oats into a flour-like consistency using a food processor or a high-powered blender. This acts as our flour base, making these brownies gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Sugar of Choice: I’ve found that a mix of coconut sugar and maple syrup works wonderfully, but feel free to use your preferred sweetener. This could be brown sugar, date sugar, or even a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake. The amount can be adjusted slightly to your taste preference.

Ground Hemp Seeds: Ground hemp seeds add a lovely nutty flavor and healthy fats. If you don’t have hemp seeds, you can use ground almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds. The key is to have them finely ground to incorporate seamlessly into the batter.

Cooking Instructions:

Now that we have our ingredients prepped and ready, let’s get down to the delicious business of creating these incredible brownies.

Prepare Your Sweet Potato and Banana Base

First things first, we need to create our moist and flavorful base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potato flesh and the peeled ripe bananas. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash them together until they form a relatively smooth puree. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps; they’ll add character! This pureed mixture is the heart of our brownies, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and a beautiful color.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Sweetener

To the sweet potato and banana mash, add your plant-based milk. Whisk everything together until well combined. Next, stir in your sugar of choice. Whether you’re using granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, ensure it’s fully incorporated into the wet ingredients. This step helps to dissolve the sugar and begin extract the process of creating a fudgy texture.

Add Dry Ingredients and Mix

Now it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ground oats, cocoa powder, ground hemp seeds (or your chosen ground nuts/seeds), cinnamon (if using), and baking powder. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of unincorporated cocoa or baking powder in your finished brownies. Once whisked, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix everything together with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the oats (if not gluten-free) too much, resulting in tougher brownies. You want a thick, fudgy batter.

Prepare the Baking Pan and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the brownies out once they’re baked. This also helps with easy cleanup! Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using your spatula. If you like, you can add some extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top at this stage for added texture and flavor.

Bake and Cool to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-35 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 25-minute mark. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crum extractbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this will lead to dry brownies. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Once cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.

These Sweet Potato Brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, where their fudgy goodness truly shines. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy this delightful and guilt-free treat!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly delightful way to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic dessert! These sweet potato brownies are a fantastic treat because they cleverly incorporate the natural sweetness and moisture of sweet potatoes, resulting in incredibly fudgy and decadent brownies that are also packed with nutrients. They offer a wonderful balance of rich chocolate flavor with a subtle, earthy undertone, making them a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert option for yourself or want to impress guests with a unique bake, these sweet potato brownies are sure to be a hit.

To make them even more special, I love serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a richer experience, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the chocolate notes beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chocolate chips (dark or milk, your preference!), chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter into the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

I truly encourage you to give these sweet potato brownies a try. They’re surprisingly simple to make and the results are wonderfully satisfying. I’m confident you’ll be amazed at how delicious a healthier brownie can be!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree works wonderfully and can save you a step. Ensure you use 100% pure sweet potato puree, not pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that will alter the taste of your brownies.

How long do these sweet potato brownies last?

These brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze remarkably well, making them a great make-ahead dessert!

Can I make these vegan?

With a few simple substitutions, you can easily make these vegan! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a vegan butter alternative. Ensure your chocolate chips are also vegan.

Sweet Potato Brownies

Fudgy and delicious brownies made with sweet potato and banana, a healthier alternative to traditional brownies.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
16

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (cooked)
2 small bananas
1/2 cup plant-based milk
1 1/2 cup ground oats
2/3 cup sugar of choice
8 tbsp cocoa powder
5 tbsp ground hemp seeds
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
Step 2
Mash the cooked sweet potatoes and bananas together in a large bowl until smooth.
Step 3
Stir in the plant-based milk, ground oats, sugar of choice, cocoa powder, ground hemp seeds, cinnamon (if using), and baking powder until well combined.
Step 4
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Step 5
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 6
Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Easy Sweet Potato Brownies – Rich Decadent Treat

Sweet Potato Brownies