If you’re searching for a dessert that combines health benefits with mouthwatering flavor, look no further than sweet potato blondies. These delightful treats give a new twist to the traditional brownie, packing a punch of nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth. With their rich texture and subtle sweetness from the sweet potato, these blondies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or sharing with friends at a gathering.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Blondies Recipe
The love for sweet potato blondies stems from their versatility and the way they can fit into various dietary preferences. They are naturally gluten-free, thanks to the use of coconut flour, making them suitable for those who are gluten-sensitive. Not to mention, the sweet potatoes offer a host of health benefits, including being high in vitamins and antioxidants.
But let’s not just stop at health benefits; the flavor is what truly captivates your taste buds. The rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter blends perfectly with the sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes. And what could be better than a bit of melted chocolate dispersed throughout? These blondies are truly a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make dessert a joy rather than a guilty pleasure.
With a quick look at the preparation process, you’ll see that they are simple enough for even beginner bakers. In no time at all, you can whip up a batch that will impress everyone. Whether you’re planning a baking day with family or just looking for a weekend project, sweet potato blondies can fit the bill!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Blondies
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of sweet potato blondies:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (from 1-2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup creamy all-natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
These ingredients work together to create rich, moist, and flavorful blondies that you and your loved ones will adore. The measurements can be adjusted slightly based on personal preferences, but these proportions will yield the best results.
How to Make Sweet Potato Blondies
Creating your sweet potato blondies begins with a few preparation steps to ensure everything is ready for baking. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give your blondies just the right temperature for baking while you prepare your batter.
Next, you’ll want to prepare an 8” x 8” baking tin by lightly greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will help ensure your blondies come out without sticking, making for easier slicing later on.
When your tin is ready, it’s time to prepare your sweet potatoes. If you choose to microwave them, be sure to pierce each potato with a fork to prevent steam build-up, then steam for about 3-5 minutes until they are fork-tender. Once done, let them cool before scooping out the insides and discarding the skins. Alternatively, you can boil peeled sweet potatoes for about 10-12 minutes until they are also fork-tender.
Now that you have your mashed sweet potato, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients in a bowl. Combine the creamy peanut butter, real maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Afterward, add 1 cup of the mashed sweet potato to the bowl, along with the coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips to add that delicious chocolatey goodness. Then, spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking tin. For an extra treat, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.
Now it’s time to bake! Place your tin in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean when they are ready. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting and serving. This cooling time is essential for helping the blondies set and reach their full flavor potential.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Blondies
Serving sweet potato blondies can be as simple or as creative as you want it to be. You can enjoy them warm right out of the oven for a gooey treat, or you can let them cool and serve them at room temperature.
For an elegant touch, try plating your blondies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for presentation. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate your dessert experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your blondies with a scoop of yogurt for a delightful contrast.
Don’t forget that these blondies can also be served as a snack or breakfast treat. Their wholesome ingredients make them a great option for an energy boost during the day or a satisfying start to your morning.
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Blondies
To ensure your sweet potato blondies turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips.
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: For optimal flavor, look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid those with blemishes or soft spots.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser blondies.
- Test for Doneness: The toothpick test is key—make sure it comes out clean to confirm your blondies are ready. Be cautious not to overbake them, as they can become dry.
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried fruit can add extra flavor and texture to your blondies.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them retain their shape and makes it easier to cut clean pieces.
How to Store Sweet Potato Blondies
To maintain the freshness of your sweet potato blondies, it’s important to store them properly. Once they are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days.
If you wish to extend their lifespan, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to a week.
You can also freeze your blondies! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variations of Sweet Potato Blondies
There are plenty of ways to customize your sweet potato blondies to keep them exciting. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.
- Swirl It: Try adding a peanut butter or chocolate swirl by dolloping some on top before baking and using a knife to create swirls.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, for an added layer of sweetness.
These variations can help you discover new flavor profiles while still enjoying the primary sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about making sweet potato blondies:
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes in blondies?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can try using canned pumpkin or mashed bananas, though it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How can I make these blondies vegan?
You can substitute the creamy peanut butter with any nut or seed butter and replace the maple syrup with agave syrup. Make sure to check the chocolate chips for dairy-free options!
Are sweet potato blondies healthy?
Yes, they are healthier than traditional blondies due to the use of sweet potatoes, peanut butter, and coconut flour. They provide vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber.
Sweet Potato Blondies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (from 1-2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup creamy all-natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional: additional chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare an 8” x 8” baking tin by lightly greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for about 3-5 minutes until fork-tender, then cool and mash them. Alternatively, boil peeled sweet potatoes for 10-12 minutes.
Mixing
- In a bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Add the mashed sweet potato, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
Baking
- Spread the batter in the prepared baking tin and sprinkle more chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.
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