Sweet Potato Brownies

Brownies are a beloved treat for many folks, especially since there are so many ways to customize the dessert. While brownie recipes can span from classic chocolate to flavored versions with mint, caramel or even cookie dough, another unexpectedly delicious option is sweet potato brownies. This tuber-centric variation makes great use of pureed sweet potatoes for incredible texture and flavor. Gooey brownie lovers, this one’s for you!

This quick and easy sweet potato dessert combines sweet potato puree, baking cocoa, oat flour and other typical brownie ingredients to create a fudgy texture. Plus, chocolate brownies with sweet potato are gluten-free and don’t require butter or milk. Bake a batch to share with friends and family, or simply enjoy the healthy-ish sweet treat on a weekday afternoon.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Brownies

• Sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree is the key ingredient in these brownies, playing a role in the texture, moisture and flavor. You can buy canned sweet potato puree or make your own at home. If you want, you can even swap in canned pumpkin.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is necessary for adding sweetness to the brownies.
• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is another secret ingredient that adds depth of flavor and complex texture to these chocolate brownies with sweet potato.
• Oil: Canola oil adds moisture. If needed, you can swap in vegetable oil.
• Egg: Just one egg helps these brownies rise in the oven. Baking with room-temperature eggs will ensure they are easily incorporated into the mixture.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is added to almost every baking recipe for good reason. Just a small amount enhances the flavor of these brownies.
• Baking cocoa: Cocoa powder is the key to adding chocolate flavor to brownies. We think that unsweetened cocoa powder is best for this sweet potato brownie recipe.
• Oat flour: Oat flour is a fine type of flour made from ground oats. In this recipe, oat flour provides a light structure for the brownies and also makes them a gluten-free dessert. If the GF aspect is important to you but you don’t have oat flour at home, you can choose to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in its place.
• Baking powder: While this sweet potato brownie recipe calls for just 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, that small amount is crucial. It will help the brownies rise while baking.
• Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness in these brownies.
• Chocolate chips: Why not add more chocolate? Choose dark or semisweet chocolate chips. Some chips will be folded into the batter, while the rest will be sprinkled on top before the brownies are baked.

Directions

Step 1: Beat the sweet potato mixture

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat the sweet potato puree, sugar, peanut butter, oil, egg and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth, two to three minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Now would be a great time to grease the baking pan. Use an 8-inch square baking pan for these chocolate brownies with sweet potato.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

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Sift in the baking cocoa, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine.

Editor’s Tip: A key brownie mistake to avoid is overmixing the batter. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined to make the best brownies.

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Fold in half the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the brownies

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Spread the batter into the greased 8-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle the top with the remaining chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts, if desired. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the brownies cool on a wire rack.

Editor’s Tip: Overbaking will result in dry brownies. When the edges begin to crinkle and crack, it’s a tell-tale sign your brownies are done. Inserting a toothpick in the center will help you double-check.

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Sweet Potato Brownie Variations

• Try other nuts: Walnuts are a great addition to brownies, but you can certainly choose another option. Try adding chopped pecans or even pistachios. Mix the nuts into the batter or just use them as a topping.
• Add frosting: Frosting might make these brownies even better. Skip topping the brownies with chocolate chips and nuts before baking and instead spread chocolate frosting over the baked, cooled brownies. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips and nuts on top of the frosting for garnish.
• Go for a sweet and salty combo: Love the pairing of sweet and salty? These rich brownies are perfect for that. When the brownies come out of the oven, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top.

How to Store Sweet Potato Brownies

Sweet potato brownies are an excellent treat to keep on hand. Store the cooled, cut brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. Stored in the fridge, the brownies will last up to five days.

Can you freeze sweet potato brownies?

Do you have plenty of leftover brownies, or were you hoping to bake a batch or two ahead of time? Either transfer the brownies to an airtight container or wrap them in a layer of storage wrap. If wrapped in storage wrap, add another layer of protection by wrapping them in aluminum foil or placing them in a freezer bag. Store the brownies in the freezer for up to two months, and thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.

Sweet Potato Brownie Tips

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How do you get brownies out of the pan easily?

Greasing the square baking pan will work just fine, but if you want to make it that much easier, turn to parchment. Create a parchment sling by cutting a rectangle that’s 8 inches on one side and longer on the other, about 12 inches. Place that in the bottom of the baking pan before adding the batter. That way, once the sweet potato brownies are baked and cooled, all you have to do is lift up the overhanging sides.

How can you make sweet potato puree?

You can certainly use canned sweet potato puree for these brownies, but you can also make your own. For a quick solution, puree a can of cooked sweet potatoes in the food processor. To make these entirely from scratch, grab whole sweet potatoes from the produce section and roast the sweet potatoes without any spices. Once cooked, remove the skins and puree the sweet potatoes. This is also a great option if you already have leftover cooked, unseasoned sweet potatoes.

What can you serve with sweet potato brownies?

Chocolate brownies with sweet potato make a great grab-and-go snack. You can pair a brownie with a cup of coffee for a midday sweet treat. Another excellent way to serve brownies? Place a warm brownie on a plate and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Leave the ice cream on its own, or drizzle the top with chocolate fudge sauce or salted caramel sauce for an extra-special dessert.