If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and nutritious, these Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies are the perfect solution! Packed with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and rich cocoa flavor, these brownies are moist, fudgy, and 100% plant-based. They’re ideal for anyone following a vegan diet or just looking for a healthier twist on classic brownies.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through an easy and delicious recipe for Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies that will satisfy your chocolate cravings without any dairy or eggs.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
These brownies are rich, decadent, and guilt-free. Sweet potatoes add moisture and sweetness while also providing a nutrient boost, making these brownies a healthier alternative to traditional ones. Plus, they’re super simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.
- Rich and Fudgy: You’ll love the rich, chocolatey flavor and fudgy texture.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, so you can reduce the need for added sugars.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: These brownies are made without any animal products, making them perfect for those on a vegan diet.
Vegan Sweet Potato Brownie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed)
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of almond flour (or any gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil, melted
- 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of vegan dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: If you haven’t already cooked the sweet potatoes, roast or boil them until tender. Once cooked, mash them until smooth and set aside.
- Make the Flax Eggs: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, flax eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick batter forms.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): For an extra chocolatey treat, fold in the vegan dark chocolate chips at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy these fudgy vegan brownies as a healthy dessert or snack!
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes for Best Flavor
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavor of the brownies. If you’re short on time, boiling also works, but roasting is preferred for the best results.
2. Use Flax Eggs
Flax eggs are a great vegan substitute for eggs and help bind the brownies together. To make a flax egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
3. Customize with Toppings
These brownies are delicious on their own, but feel free to customize them with toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of almond butter for extra flavor and texture.
Why Make Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies at Home?
Making Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies at home allows you to enjoy a healthier, plant-based version of your favorite treat. You’ll be able to control the ingredients and ensure that your brownies are free of refined sugars, dairy, and eggs.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They also have a lower glycemic index than regular potatoes, which means they won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar. Adding sweet potatoes to brownies makes them a healthier and more nutritious treat. Learn more about the Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes here.
Budget-Friendly and Customizable
These brownies are budget-friendly and can easily be customized to your taste preferences. You can add vegan chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in some almond butter for an extra treat.
Guilt-Free Indulgence
You can indulge in these brownies knowing they’re made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking for a healthier dessert option.
For more healthy dessert inspiration, check out our recipe for Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread for another delicious and nutritious treat.
FAQs About Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe already calls for almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. You can also use any gluten-free flour blend to suit your needs.
How do I store these brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Make sure they are unsweetened and plain. Drain and mash them before using in the recipe.
Conclusion
Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone looking for a healthier, plant-based dessert. Packed with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, these brownies are moist, fudgy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a treat at home, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in the most nutritious way possible.
So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delicious vegan brownies today!