Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

Category: Sweet Endings

These brownies combine mashed sweet potatoes with cocoa and almond butter to create a moist and fudgy dessert. Natural sweetness from maple syrup balances the rich chocolate notes, while coconut oil keeps the texture tender and glossy on top. The addition of dark chocolate chips offers gooey pockets in every bite. Baked in under an hour, they’re easy to prepare in a single bowl and suit gluten- and dairy-free diets. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, they deliver a sweet yet wholesome experience with fiber and vitamins from sweet potatoes.

Choose smooth sweet potatoes for the best texture, blend wet and dry ingredients carefully, and bake until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cooling fully before slicing ensures clean cuts and gooey centers. Customize with drizzled chocolate or nut swirls for added luxury. Store airtight at room temperature for several days or freeze to enjoy later, maintaining their fudgy texture.

A woman in a chef's uniform poses for a picture.
Updated on Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:42:51 GMT
A plate of chocolate cake with chocolate drizzle. Pin
A plate of chocolate cake with chocolate drizzle. | applefoodie.com

This easy sweet potato brownie recipe is a game changer for chocolate lovers looking for a more wholesome treat. The sweet potato gives these brownies a naturally rich sweetness and a gooey texture, while almond butter and coconut oil build a fudgy bite. Maple syrup takes the place of refined sugar, and cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor in each piece. Everything comes together in one bowl and bakes up glossy on top with pockets of melted chocolate throughout. Whether you want to enjoy them warm on a quiet evening or bring a crowd pleasing dessert to a party, these brownies promise pure comfort with a secret nutritious boost.

I first tried these out with a leftover cooked sweet potato and was shocked by how rich and chocolatey they turned out. Now my daughter asks for them regularly as an after school pick me up.

Ingredients

  • Mashed cooked sweet potato: about two medium provides moisture and gentle sweetness. Look for smooth skinned potatoes with no blemishes
  • Almond butter: makes the brownies chewy and fudgy. Use creamy almond butter for an even batter
  • Coconut oil: melted keeps the brownies moist. Cold pressed coconut oil gives the cleanest flavor
  • Pure maple syrup: balances out the cocoa and adds a natural sweetness. Grade A delivers the purest taste
  • Vanilla extract: deepens the chocolate notes. Go for true vanilla not imitation
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: brings in classic chocolate flavor. Dutch processed gives a darker result but natural cocoa can work too
  • Almond flour or oat flour: provides structure while keeping the brownies gluten free. Choose fresh flour without any off smells
  • Baking powder: helps the brownies rise slightly for a tender crumb
  • Fine sea salt: highlights the chocolate flavors. Use good quality sea salt for the purest taste
  • Dark chocolate chips: create gooey chocolate pockets throughout. Seventy percent or higher cacao makes for a more intense chocolate flavor
  • Melted dark chocolate (optional for drizzling): brings extra richness for presentation or special occasions

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set oven temperature to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Line an eight by eight inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl combine mashed sweet potato almond butter melted coconut oil maple syrup and vanilla. Stir until smooth and glossy with no streaks of unmixed ingredients
Blend in the Dry Ingredients:
Add cocoa powder almond flour baking powder and sea salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Stop mixing once no dry flour is visible to keep the brownies fudgy
Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently add dark chocolate chips into the batter. Give just enough folds to distribute chips so they melt evenly in each slice
Spread in the Pan:
Transfer the thick batter to the lined baking pan. Level the surface with a spatula for even baking and consistent squares
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for twenty eight to thirty two minutes. The edges should feel set while the center looks slightly underbaked. This ensures the trademark gooey texture
Cool Completely:
Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan before cutting. This helps set the fudgy center and avoids crumbling
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled slab if desired. Once set slice into squares and enjoy with friends or pack away for later
Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. Pin
Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. | applefoodie.com

The first time I baked this for my family the entire tray disappeared before it even cooled down. Now it is our holiday staple and we double the recipe just to have enough to share with neighbors.

Storage Tips

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for three days or refrigerate up to six days. For longer storage wrap pieces tightly and freeze in a sealed bag. Frozen brownies thaw quickly overnight or with a short warm up in the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make vegan brownies use a dairy free chocolate chip and stick with pure maple syrup. For nut free options swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini and use oat flour instead of almond flour. Melted butter can take the place of coconut oil if you are okay with dairy. You can even boost the protein by sneaking in some protein powder and reducing the amount of flour a bit.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving these brownies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic experience. Fresh berries add color and brightness while a swirl of nut butter or a pinch of sea salt before baking gives a flavor upgrade. At parties a white chocolate drizzle or light cocoa dusting instantly makes them look bakery ready.

Chocolate cake with peanut butter and chocolate drizzle. Pin
Chocolate cake with peanut butter and chocolate drizzle. | applefoodie.com

Chocolate Brownies Around the World

Brownies known for their American origins have taken on new life with sweet potato in other cultures. In Japan sweet potatoes are common in desserts giving earthy sweetness to classic treats. Across cultures adding vegetables to sweets shows there is a long tradition behind this delicious twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can canned sweet potato puree be used?

Yes, canned puree works well if it's unsweetened to preserve the intended flavor and natural sweetness balance.

→ How to achieve extra fudgy centers?

Remove the brownies from the oven when edges feel firm but centers are still slightly soft. Chilling before slicing enhances the gooey texture.

→ What flour alternatives keep these gluten-free?

Both almond flour and oat flour provide a tender crumb while keeping the brownies gluten-free.

→ Are these suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes. Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips to make the brownies fully vegan.

→ Can the flavor profile be customized?

Absolutely. Add spices such as cinnamon or espresso powder, fold in nuts, or swirl in nut butters for unique variations.

→ What’s the best way to store and reheat brownies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 6 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

Moist brownies blending sweet potatoes, chocolate, and maple syrup for a fudgy and indulgent treat.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
By: Tyla

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Serves (9 brownies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 2 medium)

→ Fats and Sweeteners

02 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
03 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
04 1/3 cup pure Grade A maple syrup
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

06 1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
07 3/4 cup almond flour (or oat flour for gluten-free option)
08 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Add-ins

10 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)

→ Optional

11 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate for drizzling

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

Step 03

Add cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and sea salt to the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain fudgy texture.

Step 04

Fold in dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.

Step 05

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.

Step 06

Bake 28 to 32 minutes until edges are firm and center remains slightly soft to ensure a fudgy interior.

Step 07

Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan, which helps achieve clean slices and a balanced texture.

Step 08

If desired, drizzle with melted dark chocolate before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes & Tips

  1. Let sweet potatoes cool before mashing to achieve a smooth batter and avoid clumps.

Necessary Equipment

  • 8x8 inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almond butter, almond flour)
  • May contain soy and dairy if conventional chocolate chips are used; opt for dairy-free versions to avoid dairy allergens

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 14.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22.5 g
  • Proteins: 4.1 g