Craving a rich, chocolatey treat that’s also good for you? These Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies are a delicious twist on healthy brownies recipes, offering a fudgy texture and satisfying sweetness without any added guilt. You’ll love how simple they are to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sweet Potato Puree: You can easily make your own by roasting or boiling sweet potatoes, then mashing them smooth. Canned sweet potato puree works too.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter are great for a neutral flavor. Peanut butter adds a more distinct taste.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good liquid sweetener alternatives.
- Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes) work for a vegan option, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips for less sugar, or sugar-free chips for a lower carb option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet potato puree
- 1/2 cup creamy nut butter (almond or cashew recommended)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree, nut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a consistent brownie batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together well. This step helps distribute the leavening evenly for perfect healthy brownies.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if you like. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious flourless sweet potato brownies.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Spice It Up: Include 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Espresso Boost: Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a mint chocolate twist.
Storage Instructions
Store your leftover Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze individual brownies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these brownies vegan?
A: Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 flax eggs for this recipe). The texture may be slightly denser.
Q: Do these brownies taste like sweet potato?
A: Not really! The sweet potato adds moisture and natural sweetness, but the dominant flavor is rich chocolate, making them excellent healthy brownies recipes.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter?
A: Absolutely! Almond butter and cashew butter are recommended for a neutral flavor, but peanut butter works if you enjoy that combination.
Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
Q: Are these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, since they are flourless, these sweet potato brownies are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?
A: You can reduce the maple syrup by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet brownie. The sweet potato also adds natural sweetness.
