Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies

Vegan sweet potato brownies are a super dense and moist brownie compared to others - almost like fudge. Topping them with peanut butter tames the richness of the cocoa and adds a salty element to the treat. Cook up this amazing healthy vegan brownie recipe and watch them disappear.

Sweet potatoes may arguably be my favorite food. I've never met a form of sweet potato I don't like - fries, baked, mashed, cubed, diced real tiny, or even snuck into a dessert or breakfast loaf (see chocolate sweet potato loaf for more on that).

Adding sweet potatoes to baked goods not only adds some natural sweetness but also changes the texture making it denser and richer.

The combination of vegan chocolate and sweet potatoes works perfectly in brownies because the rich, strong flavor of the cocoa really camouflages the flavor of sweet potato so you get all the benefits in the texture along with all the fudgy flavor you expect in a brownie.     

Want more plant-based dessert inspiration? This creamy chocolate avocado pudding, beet energy balls, and blackberry chocolate cupcakes will definitely do the trick.

If you enjoy sweet potatoes, then I know you’re going to love these sweet potato biscuits and sweet potato latkes.

Why This Recipe Works

• A healthier snack alternative. While still a sweet to be enjoyed in moderation, these vegan brownies contain more nutrition than other brownies.
• Easy to make. All you have to do is mix them up, bake them in the oven, and watch them disappear.
• So fudgy and chocolatey. The best part about these brownies is how they taste! They are guaranteed to satisfy.
• Oil-free. Baking with sweet potatoes means you can skip the oil yet still have moist and delicious sweet treats. 

What Goes Into This Recipe

All you need are six ingredients to make the best sweet potato brownies, most you may already have on hand.

• Sweet potatoes: Cooked sweet potatoes are mashed into these vegan brownies. You can cook them using any method you prefer…baking, boiling, or roasting. But I find boiling or baking makes a smoother mashed sweet potato for the vegan brownies.
• Cocoa powder: This easy pantry staple gives the dairy-free brownies a dense, rich chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose flour: A basic baking staple when making brownies.
• Maple syrup: To add more sweetness to your vegan brownies. The maple flavor is perfect with sweet potatoes.
• Vegan chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips give these brownies a more intense flavor and additional moisture. 
• Creamy peanut butter: Optional but a drizzle over the top really adds something to the brownies. 

How To Make This Recipe

• 1) Cook the sweet potatoes using your method of choice. Then remove from the heat and allow to cool.
• 2) Once cool, peel (if necessary) and place the cooled, softened potatoes in a food processor and process until smooth. 

• 3) Add the flour and maple syrup and cocoa powder.  Process again until smooth but not runny, this vgan brownie batter is on the thicker side. 

• 4) Finally, add vegan chocolate chips to the food processor and process for only a few seconds to mix them in.

• 5) Pour brownie batter into a greased or lined 8X8 pan, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

• 6) Remove from the oven and spread about a half cup of creamy peanut butter over the top. It helps to do this when the brownies are still warm, as the PB will spread more easily.

• 7) Pop the final product in the fridge and slice when completely cooled. 

Expert Tips 

• Brownie batter is rather thick. If it feels too thick add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thinner consistency.
• Drizzled peanut butter: For a drizzled look, thin the peanut butter out with a bit of warm water and place in a pastry bag with a fine tip (or plastic sandwich bag with the corner cut) and drizzle over the top. 
• Chunkier chips: Stir them in with a wooden spoon or spatula rather than using the food processor.
• Add in: Feel free to add crushed nuts, more vegan chocolate chips, or anything else to the top of these vegan brownies to make your taste buds sing!

FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerator: Once baked, these vegan brownies should be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freezer: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
• Serving: These brownies taste great served straight from the fridge or you can let them warm up to room temperature by sitting them on the counter before serving.

More Vegan Dessert Recipes

• Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
• Vegan Chocolate Pie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
• Vegan Coconut Pineapple Pie
• Vegan Pear Crisp

Photos by Alfonso Revilla