When you’re craving something rich, chocolatey, and indulgent, but want a healthier, guilt-free option, these Fudgy Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies are the perfect solution. They offer the decadent, fudgy texture of traditional brownies, but with natural sweetness from sweet potatoes and wholesome ingredients like almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup. These brownies are a great choice for anyone following a vegan or gluten-free diet, or anyone looking for a nutritious alternative to store-bought treats.
The sweet potatoes bring a subtle earthy flavor and contribute to the rich, dense texture, while the cocoa powder delivers that deep chocolate taste you love. Plus, with the addition of healthy fats and plant-based ingredients, these brownies are both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or a post-workout treat, these brownies are bound to become a new favorite in your healthy dessert rotation.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup mashed)
- ½ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup almond flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Cinnamon or espresso powder (for extra depth)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Peel and chop the sweet potato. Steam or boil it until tender, which will take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, mash it or blend it until completely smooth to ensure there are no lumps in your batter.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder and almond flour into the wet mixture, and stir until you have a thick, well-combined batter. If desired, fold in dark chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
- Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. You want the brownies to remain fudgy in the middle, so don’t overbake them.
- Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them. This will help them firm up and achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. This will still provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
- Extra Protein Boost: For an extra boost of protein, add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the batter.
- Spiced Version: If you like a bit of spice, try adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick.
- Super Chocolatey: If you can’t get enough chocolate, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the brownies once they’ve cooled for an indulgent finish.
Tips for Success
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: For the best texture, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will allow them to firm up and help them hold their shape.
- Refrigerate for Extra Fudginess: If you prefer an even fudgier consistency, refrigerate the brownies for a few hours before serving. The cool temperature will enhance their dense, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Smooth Sweet Potatoes: Make sure the mashed sweet potato is completely smooth. Use a fork or potato masher to ensure there are no lumps, as any lumps in the batter can affect the final texture of the brownies.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your sweet potatoes are not naturally very sweet, feel free to add a little more maple syrup to the mixture to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Fudgy Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and decadent chocolatey goodness. They’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup and sweet potatoes, making them a guilt-free dessert that’s still rich and indulgent. Whether you’re following a vegan or gluten-free diet, or simply looking for a healthier version of your favorite treat, these brownies check all the boxes. They’re easy to make, full of nourishing ingredients, and utterly delicious! Enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite plant-based milk for the perfect snack or dessert.