Sweet Potato Brownies

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I LOVE healthier versions of desserts! Mainly because the taste is never compromised and I know I can add some nutrients into my body while enjoying my sweets at the same time. Desserts like this can also be enjoyed as a snack and dare I say… breakfast! (I mean with ingredients like this, why not?)

These brownies really have some superstar ingredients packed with nutrition.

Sweet potatoes: Great source of fiber, vitamin A (awesome for healthy vision and your immune system), and antioxidants

Oat flour: More protein and fiber than white flour; high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; can reduce bad cholesterol; control blood sugar levels

Coconut oil: The medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) in coconut oil are healthy fats that provide fast acting energy; good for brain health and heart health

Almond butter: High in monounsaturated fat which is linked to a reduction in heart disease and blood glucose control; high in vitamins and minerals; high in fiber and protein

Makes: About 9 servings

Preparation: 20 minutes for potato to cook + 10 minutes for remaining prep

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

• 3 cup oat flour (about 1 cup blended oats)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cacao powder or cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder 

• 1/4 tsp salt 

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon 

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled (about once cup once puréed)

• 1.5 tbsp coconut oil (melted or solid)

• 1 tsp vanilla 

• 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1/2 cup almond butter (or alternative nut butter)

• 2-3 tbsp Chopped walnuts (Optional)

• 2-3 tbsp Dark chocolate chips (Optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x9 or 8x8 brownie dish with parchment paper.

2. Chop up sweet potato into small cubes. Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the sweet potatoes to the water and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

3. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the hot, boiled sweet potato, coconut oil, vanilla, maple syrup and almond butter. Blend until smooth.

4. In a bowl, mix together the oat flour, cacao powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and the wet ingredients from the blender. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts, saving some to sprinkle on top.

5. Pour into the brownie dish and bake for 30 minutes on center rack.

6. Let cool and enjoy!