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Sweet Potato Brownies

May 29, 2013 by Lindsay 66 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Hi Friends!

As promised, I’m here with a treat for you today! Healthy Sweet Potato Brownies!

These Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are sweetened with dates and so delicious and full of chocolate flavor you'd never guess they're somewhat healthy!

I’ve made two batches of these in the past week. They’re both gone. The original batch I made using Nuttzo!  (Check out tomorrow’s post for more info on how much I’m loving Nuttzo!) I actually came up with the idea for these brownies while I was thinking about how I could use the Chocolate Nuttzo to bake! Chocolate immediately made me think of brownies so I settled on those…but I hate how unhealthy most brownie recipes are. I decided I would try using dates to sweeten theses brownies and also threw in some sweet potatoes to keep them moist!

I made the first batch with chocolate Nuttzo and they passed the hubby test! That’s when I realized I might have a winner. Then I made a second batch to take to our Memorial Day cookout. My father-in-law loves peanut butter brownies so I used regular peanut butter for the second batch. Even my mother-in-law, who never eats dessert, ate one…so I call that a major win!

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Sweet Potato Brownies

sweet potato brownies
Print Recipe

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5 from 1 review

Vegetables in a brownie? You bet! But these tasty sweets will be gone before you have time to tell anyone.

  • Author: Author: Lindsay L
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • (8×8 pan)
  • 11/4 c chopped, pitted dates
  • 1/2 c cooked sweet potato, mashed
  • 3/4 c nut butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 c applesauce
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2/3 c dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Put the dates, sweet potato and nut butter in a food processor and process until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs and applesauce and process until mixed.
  3. Sift in the cocoa powder and baking soda and pulse until combined.
  4. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  5. Spoon into a greased 8×8 pan and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in comes out clean.
  6. Optional frosting: When cooled, top with nut butter, or melt nut butter and more chocolate chips in the microwave, stir to combine and spread over brownies.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

Pretty simple, right?

sweet potato brownies 1

A word of warning…these are not super sweet. So don’t expect a traditional brownie. For hubby and I, who don’t like super sweet stuff, they’re perfect. If you’re worried they won’t be sweet enough for you, adding the melted chocolate chip/pb frosting adds some sweetness! At our cookout, I served them frosted with a scoop of ice cream…DELISH! Also, they’re more like cakey brownies, not fudgy. My guess would be if you added another egg they’d be fudgier but I haven’t tried it.

IMG_5168

My best advice. Make these…serve them to your friends and family but don’t tell them the ingredients! I bet they’ll be a big hit!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Baking, Dessert Tagged With: Sweet Potato

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:04 AM

    Hmm, these sound delicious. Do you think I could substitute a flax egg for the egg?

    Reply
  2. Sarah MomRunningonEmpty says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:10 AM

    These sound divine!! I can’t wait to try them out 🙂

    Reply
  3. Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:11 AM

    If you won over a non-dessert lover, you have my interest for sure! Nah, actually I was sold from the title alone…LOVE sweet potatoes…in ANYTHING! And chocolate and peanut butter ALWAYS wins! Yum yum!

    Reply
  4. Katrina Ninjarina says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    I saw that title of this post and was like “whhaaaat?!” These look amazing! Must must try!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:23 AM

    I’m going to post this blog page on my mother-in-law’s FB page right now! She’s going to love this recipe!

    Reply
  6. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:45 AM

    My obsession – Butternut Squash! I hear that Sweet Potatoes & Butternut Squash are very similar in taste, but I cannot look at Sweet Potatoes… I had a BAD experience with them back in the day! LOL

    Reply
  7. Helen says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:46 AM

    I’m saving this recipe! Once I have all the ingredients, I’m going to make it. Thanks for sharing. It looks delicious! =)

    Reply
  8. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:56 AM

    So I’m pretty sure I didn’t do myself any favors by reading this recipe at 11 PM. I want ALL the brownies!! I’ve never had one with sweet potato in it, but I’m a big fan of those orange gems, so I can imagine they’d be great in brownie form as well.

    Reply
  9. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    May 29, 2013 at 5:17 AM

    I must make these asap! I love the ingredient list AND it’s everything that I have stocked in my kitchen all the time. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says

    May 29, 2013 at 5:49 AM

    What a neat idea to add sweet potatoes – sounds like the perfect combo! Awesome recipe!

    Reply
  11. Danielle @ It's A Harleyyy Life says

    May 29, 2013 at 6:13 AM

    wow total yum! I’m sure if my family knew what was in them they wouldn’t eat them but they would love them!

    Reply
  12. Mary Lou Harris says

    May 29, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    Love sweet potatoes! Will try this before the week is out.

    Reply
  13. Becky @ Olives n Wine says

    May 29, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Brilliant!! I made cinnamon rolls awhile back and included sweet potato as a secret ingredient – I didn’t tell my coworkers when I brought them into the office and the entire batch was devoured in less than an hour 🙂

    Reply
  14. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    May 29, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    so sweet potatoes are the magical ingredient!! i tried to make black bean brownies once and royally messed them up and my husband does not let me live that down!! so i might need to try these to redeem myself!! (and not tell him of course… until after!)

    Reply
  15. Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    I’m on a major chocolate kick lately, so I want to make these NOW! They look so good!

    Reply
  16. Coco says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    I think the pumpkin brownies work well, so these should be great too.

    Reply
  17. misszippy says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    Awesome recipe! Thanks for creating it and sharing it–I’m all over this!

    Reply
  18. Kat says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    WINNING and PINNING! 😉

    Reply
  19. Kierston @candyfit says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    One sound effect: mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

    Reply
  20. Mileage Mama says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    These look yummy. But what is the quantity of chocolate chips to stir in?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      May 29, 2013 at 8:33 AM

      as many as you want! i used about 2/3 cup

      Reply
      • Mileage Mama says

        May 29, 2013 at 2:08 PM

        As many as I want? I’m guessing two bags would be a bit much. 🙂

        Reply
  21. Meghan @ After the Ivy League says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    Pinned this recipe, these look so good! I love the simple, healthy list of ingredients too!

    Reply
  22. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    another reason to buy a food processor…. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    Since severely slashing sugar from our diet the last few years, it’s amazing how our taste buds have changed. Neither my husband and I can eat the super sweet desserts anymore, but this sounds fantastic! All my favorite ingredients. And I’m LOVING Nutzo, too!

    Reply
  24. Jaren@Kiwi Fit Blog says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    I can’t even begin to express how much of a brownie fan I am! Hot brownies with ice cream!! Omg!
    So can not wait to try this!

    Reply
  25. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    I was so excited for this recipe! I love Nuttzo. And sweet potatoes. Funny – I got sick of everything else during my competition prep, but sweet potatoes I still crave.

    Reply
  26. Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    THESE LOOK AMAZING!!!!! NEED! WANT! MUST HAVE!!

    Reply
  27. Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers says

    May 29, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Sweet potato AND nut butter?!?! Sounds wonderful!

    Reply
  28. Josie says

    May 29, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Oh yeah this looks and sounds delicious! I must try this. Sweet potato + brownie = warm and sweet comfort food!

    Lately I discover that it’s very possible to bake sweet desserts or muffins without adding any sugar or oil (inspired by you, Lindsay!) that calls for sweet potato and banana. I add chocolate whey protein powder to make it taste better plus extra protein to boost. Win-win as protein muffin and dessert altogether!

    Reply
  29. Ja @Ja on the RUN says

    May 29, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I have been waiting for this since you posted this on Instagram! Thanks!!! 🙂

    Reply
  30. Tamara says

    May 29, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    You are the most creative chef I know!
    Thanks for another winning recipe; pinned and definitely making these for ‘dessert night’ at my house!

    Reply
  31. Becky@TheSavedRunner says

    May 29, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    Oh my goodness I will have to try to make these for my fiance! But like you said, I won’t tell him what goes in them until after he tries it 😉

    Reply
  32. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    May 29, 2013 at 10:25 AM

    Oh those sound really interesting – love how few ingredients the recipe calls for too!

    Reply
  33. Jennifer F says

    May 29, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    Yummers! Sounds TDF!

    Reply
  34. Lindsay @FitandAwesome says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    Wow, these sound really good. I’m going to have to try them out this weekend. I have been melting a little almond butter on top of these banana quinoa muffins I make, and it’s soooo good. I bet it’s delicious mixed with some chocolate chips.

    Reply
  35. Erica @ Abbie and Erica's Adventures says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Wow! I love these. I’ve been trying to experiment with sweet potato in my baking – fun stuff!

    Reply
  36. Tanya says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    These look amazing! I bet they would be gone in a day at my house.

    Reply
  37. Clare @ Fitting It All In says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    look SO YUM!

    Reply
  38. Danica @ It's Progression says

    May 29, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    yum!! I love brownies, but you’re right, most recipes are far from healthier versions…I’ll definitely have to give these a try!
    p.s. In an evil (or maybe really good?!) sort of way, I LOVE bringing healthier versions of desserts to my family gatherings and not telling them what “secret” ingredients are in them hehe 🙂

    Reply
  39. jobo says

    May 29, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    I NEED these in my life! best idea eVER!

    Reply
  40. Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says

    May 29, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    I absolutely love every ingredient in these!! I want to make them right now!!

    Reply
  41. janetha says

    May 29, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    These look sooo good–I love the texture sweet potato gives to baked goods.

    Reply
  42. Jody - Fit at 55 says

    May 29, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    HOLY YUM!! I LOVE Nutzzo too so delish!!!!

    Reply
  43. She Rocks Fitness says

    May 29, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    How redunkulous is Nuttzo??? It’s the best and seriously don’t go a day with a heaping T. 🙂 These brownies looks so good…Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  44. Dallas says

    May 29, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    These look great! I really love brownies but also dislike how unhealthy many brownie recipes are … you can bet I’ll be trying these babies out! Thanks for all the amazing recipes, Lindsay! I am always so impressed by your healthy eats!

    Reply
  45. E @ adventure of E says

    May 29, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    Get in my belly!!
    These are paleo, too! Hurray! I’ll be trying these out VERY soon!

    Reply
  46. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says

    May 29, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    Holyyyyy moly!! And they are naturally sweetened too?!? Is this real life 😉
    IN. LOVE!

    Reply
  47. Karey @ Nutty About Health says

    May 29, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    They look awesome!! Can’t wait to try them, but I have a major sweet tooth, so thanks for the tip about the frosting. 🙂

    Reply
  48. Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says

    May 29, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    These look incredible! I will definitely be giving these a go 🙂

    Reply
  49. Kelly @ Nosh And Nourish says

    May 29, 2013 at 7:21 PM

    I love how cake-like and light/fluffy they look… and am surprised they turned out that way with the addition of the sweet potato! You go girl… I have dates and a sweet potato on the counter begging to be made into brownies — stat.

    Reply
  50. Victoria @ Reluctantly Skinny says

    May 29, 2013 at 8:23 PM

    sounds delicious! i love dessert food that’s actually healthy – then i don’t feel guilt about having seconds..and thirds!!

    Reply
  51. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    May 29, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    Looks amazing!!!

    Reply
  52. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says

    May 30, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    You are brilliant! There is not one bad ingredient in these, and they look amazing! I can’t wait to try them.

    Reply
  53. Carrie says

    May 30, 2013 at 2:57 PM

    Such a creative idea!! I am a huge sucker for sweet potato, so these are right up my alley!

    Reply
  54. Elle says

    May 30, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    I am pretty sure I love you!

    Reply
  55. Amanda says

    May 31, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    I made these yesterday and they are BY FAR the best brownies I’ve ever had!!! Thank you so much for bringing these into my life! 🙂 EVERYONE MUST TRY THESE! YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!

    Reply
  56. Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says

    May 31, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    i love pumpkin brownies so i’m sure these are great too! wonderful idea 🙂

    Reply
  57. Nutmeg Nanny says

    June 1, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Wow! I’m so intrigued by this recipe, I have to try this 🙂

    Reply
  58. Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear? says

    June 1, 2013 at 11:32 AM

    Hahahahahah omg I always make recipes and don’t tell my friends whats in it. These look AMAZING btw! I’m going to add them to my weekly recipe round up on my blog so be on the lookout for that on Tuesday 😉

    Reply
  59. MJ says

    August 12, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    Do you think these could be made w/ carob powder and carob chips? I can’t have chocolate. I know the taste wouldn’t be exactly the same, but I would think carob would complement the sweet potato (or pumpkin if you used that) quite well. Anyone tried it?

    Reply
  60. Lisa says

    January 17, 2014 at 8:09 PM

    I added one more egg and baked for 30 minutes… A bit more fudgy and delish. Thank you!

    Reply
  61. Susan says

    March 12, 2014 at 2:47 PM

    Does it matter what kind of nut butter we use? I’m not real familiar with the nut butter family beyond PB, and I’m not even sure that counts 🙂 I so want to make these and watch people eat them without knowing what they’re made with!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      March 12, 2014 at 2:51 PM

      i always use peanut butter. i think almond butter or sunflower seed butter would work just fine.

      Reply
  62. Virginia says

    July 27, 2014 at 2:49 PM

    Hi! I just stumbled upon your blog and I must say I LOVE IT! I would love to make these sweet potato brownies but I’m allergic to nuts and both your versions call for 3/4 cup of nut butter, do you know of anything I could change that for? Thanks!😊😊

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 27, 2014 at 7:09 PM

      you could try sunbutter (sunflowerseed butter) or wowbutter (soynutbutter)!

      Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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Questions? Comments? Email me: [email protected]

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