Sweet Potato Brownies

Featured in: Sweet Treats

These rich, fudgy brownies use mashed sweet potato and black beans to create a naturally gluten-free and fiber-packed dessert. Sweetened with pure maple syrup and enhanced with cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, the batter blends smoothly before baking to a moist texture. Optional nuts add crunch, while simple preparation suits all skill levels. Perfect for a wholesome sweet treat with added protein and fiber.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:18:00 GMT
Sweet potato brownies, rich and dark, topped with chocolate chips, perfect for dessert. Pin
Sweet potato brownies, rich and dark, topped with chocolate chips, perfect for dessert. | garlicgroove.com

Rich, fudgy brownies made healthier with sweet potato and black beans—naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber and protein.

I first tried these sweet potato brownies when searching for a healthier dessert option and was amazed how rich and satisfying they are even without traditional flour. They quickly became a staple for sharing at family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Cooked sweet potato: 1 cup (240 g), mashed (about 1 medium)
  • Black beans: 1 can (425 g/15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Pure maple syrup: 1/2 cup (120 ml) (or honey)
  • Coconut oil: 1/4 cup (60 g), melted (or unsalted butter)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (50 g)
  • Oat flour: 1/3 cup (40 g), certified gluten-free if needed
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Dark chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (90 g), dairy-free if needed
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional, 1/3 cup (35 g)

Instructions

Preheat pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Blend beans and sweet potato:
In a food processor, combine black beans and mashed sweet potato. Blend until completely smooth.
Add wet and dry ingredients:
Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, oat flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend again until well combined and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Stir in chocolate chips and nuts:
Gently stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if using, by hand.
Spread batter:
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake:
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve:
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
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| garlicgroove.com

These brownies have become a favorite for movie nights and potlucks, especially because even picky eaters love them and never guess they're packed with beans and veggies.

Required Tools

Food processor or blender, 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan, mixing bowl, spatula, parchment paper (optional).

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts if using nuts. Possible traces of soy or dairy in chocolate chips. Gluten-free when certified oat flour is used. Check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each brownie: 145 calories, 6g total fat, 22g carbohydrates, 3g protein.

Warm sweet potato brownies, square-cut and fudgy, ready to be enjoyed with a cold glass of milk. Pin
Warm sweet potato brownies, square-cut and fudgy, ready to be enjoyed with a cold glass of milk. | garlicgroove.com

These sweet potato brownies are perfect for meal prep or surprise desserts. Every bite is satisfyingly rich while still wholesome!

Sweet Potato Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies made healthier with sweet potato and black beans, naturally gluten-free and fiber-rich.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
50 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, No gluten

Components

Vegetables & Legumes

01 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (about 1 medium)
02 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Baking Ingredients

01 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
02 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted or unsalted butter
03 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed)
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-Ins

01 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
02 Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.

Step 02

Blend Sweet Potato and Beans: In a food processor, combine black beans and mashed sweet potato. Process until completely smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, oat flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until well combined and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 04

Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in chocolate chips and nuts by hand if using.

Step 05

Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Step 06

Bake Brownies: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 07

Cool and Slice: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Necessary tools

  • Food processor or blender
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • May contain tree nuts if nuts are used.
  • Chocolate chips may contain traces of soy or dairy.
  • Gluten-free if certified oat flour is used.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 145
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 3 g