Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies

Are you craving something sweet and indulgent yet still wholesome? These sweet potato brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and nutritious ingredients. With a base of sweet potato puree and natural nut butter, these brownies are moist, fudgy, and loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just looking for a healthier dessert option, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet can offer a multitude of health benefits, from improved vision and immune function to better digestive health and enhanced brain function. Whether baked, boiled, roasted, or mashed, sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal. Enjoy their natural sweetness in these Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies and take advantage of their powerful health-promoting properties.

Enjoy!

xoxo

SiLLibake

Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies

The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are more than just a delicious and versatile root vegetable; they are also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes offer a range of health benefits that make them an excellent addition to any diet. Here’s a closer look at why sweet potatoes are so good for you:

1. Rich in Nutrients:

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of several essential nutrients, including:

Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are incredibly high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Just one medium sweet potato can provide over 400% of your daily vitamin A needs. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.

Vitamin C: This vitamin supports the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Potassium: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Fiber: Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, particularly when eaten with the skin. Fiber aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.

2. Antioxidant Properties:

Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which gives the vegetable its vibrant orange color. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can contribute to chronic diseases and aging. The antioxidants in sweet potatoes have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and other conditions.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Sweet potatoes contain nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as choline, which helps reduce chronic inflammation, and anthocyanins, found in purple sweet potatoes, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote gut health.

4. Blood Sugar Regulation:

Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index (GI), meaning they do not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. The fiber in sweet potatoes slows the absorption of sugar, making them a good option for individuals with diabetes or those looking to maintain steady blood sugar levels.

5. Improved Digestive Health:

The fiber content in sweet potatoes supports a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, contributing to a healthy microbiome.

6. Enhanced Brain Function:

Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in sweet potatoes, particularly the anthocyanins in purple varieties, may have neuroprotective effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, potentially improving memory and cognitive function.

7. Boosted Immune System:

The high levels of beta-carotene in sweet potatoes are particularly beneficial for the immune system. Vitamin A is essential for the normal function of the immune system, helping to maintain the health of mucous membranes in the gut and respiratory tract, which act as barriers to infections.

Healthy Sweet Poato Brownies

Yield 12-16 Squares

Prep: 10 min

Cook Time: 20 min

Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies

Indulge in rich, fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies. These healthier treats combine deep cocoa flavor with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and creamy nut butter. Moist, gooey, and dotted with chocolate chips, they’re pure, guilt-free bliss!

Ingredients:

· 3/4 cup sweet potato puree

· 1 cup natural peanut or almond butter (or an allergy-friendly substitute)

· 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

· 6 tbsp oat flour (or white, spelt, or almond flour)

· 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for the top, optional)

· 1/2 cup coconut sugar

· 6 tbsp cocoa powder

· 1/4 tsp cinnamon

· 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

· 1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare an 8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well.
2. Prepare the Nut Butter:
If your natural peanut or almond butter is thick and difficult to stir, gently heat it until it softens and becomes easier to mix.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened nut butter, sweet potato puree, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix them in with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed. Then, add the cocoa powder and oat flour to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly to form a thick batter.
5. Incorporate Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you love chocolate, you can add a few extra chocolate chips on top for an extra indulgent touch.
6. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The brownies should look slightly underdone when you take them out; this is the key to achieving a fudgy texture.
7. Cool and Set:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. They will firm up as they cool. If they still seem too gooey after cooling, you can loosely cover the pan and refrigerate for a few hours to help them set.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Brownies:

Homemade Sweet Potato Puree:
If you’re making your own sweet potato puree, bake or steam the sweet potatoes until they are soft, then mash or blend until smooth. This ensures a fresh, additive-free puree that enhances the flavor and texture of your brownies.

Flour Substitutes:
Feel free to experiment with different types of flour based on your dietary needs or preferences. Almond flour adds a slightly nutty flavor, while spelt flour provides a denser texture.

Sweetness Level:
Coconut sugar provides a subtle caramel flavor and a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. However, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less coconut sugar to suit your taste.

These sweet potato brownies are not just a treat but a testament to how delicious healthy baking can be. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for keeping all to yourself when you need a chocolate fix. Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every bite of these delectable brownies!
Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies Storage: