Deliciously Fudgy Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies: The Ultimate Vegan & Gluten-Free Fall Treat

Experience the perfect blend of rich chocolate and subtle sweetness with these incredibly fudgy brownies, crafted with wholesome sweet potato and creamy SunButter. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and loaded with vegan dark chocolate chips, this easy one-bowl recipe is your go-to for a decadent yet guilt-free fall dessert.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about sharing a freshly baked dessert, especially when it’s met with delighted faces and requests for the recipe. I often find myself in this sweet situation, particularly when friends gather. As a food blogger, there’s always an unspoken expectation to conjure up something extraordinary, even on a relaxed Saturday.

While I cherish the creative process, whipping up a new recipe isn’t always at the top of my weekend to-do list, especially after a busy week of recipe development. My friends, thankfully, understand that my kitchen isn’t always a pristine baking wonderland ready for spontaneous creations. So, when a beloved couple visited last weekend, they had the distinct pleasure of being the first to try these new sweet potato brownies.

“Dessert, anyone?” I offered, extending a container of leftover brownies that had been the stars of a photoshoot earlier in the week. The reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. My friends absolutely adored these Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies, and I have no doubt you will too!

What makes these brownies truly special is their simplicity and wholesome ingredients. They come together effortlessly in just one bowl, combining the natural sweetness and moist texture of sweet potato with the rich, creamy goodness of SunButter and plenty of decadent cacao powder. It’s a recipe that promises a truly “fudge-y” experience without any of the fuss, making it perfect for both impromptu entertaining and a cozy night in.

Why These Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies Are a Must-Try

Beyond their delicious taste and incredible texture, these brownies boast an impressive nutritional profile and cater to various dietary needs. They are a delightful deviation from traditional brownie recipes, offering a unique twist that’s both healthy and utterly satisfying.

• Naturally Sweetened: We ditch refined sugars in favor of pure maple syrup, which provides a lovely caramel-like sweetness that complements the sweet potato beautifully.
• Allergen-Friendly: Made with SunButter (a sunflower seed butter), these brownies are a fantastic nut-free alternative for those with peanut or tree nut allergies. They are also naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour.
• Vegan & Plant-Based: Completely free of animal products, these brownies are perfect for vegans and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based treats into their diet.
• Rich in Nutrients: Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins (especially Vitamin A) and fiber, adding a healthful boost and incredible moisture to every bite.
• Incredibly Fudgy Texture: The combination of sweet potato puree and SunButter creates an irresistibly moist and dense brownie that melts in your mouth.
• Easy One-Bowl Cleanup: Minimizing dishes is always a win! This recipe streamlines the baking process, making cleanup a breeze.

Here’s What You Need to Make These Decadent SunButter Sweet Potato Brownies:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal, yet impactful, list of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor.

• Sweet Potato Purée: The secret to their incredible moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness. Canned purée works perfectly for convenience.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice, adding a warm, rich depth that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
• No-Sugar-Added SunButter: This sunflower seed butter is key for a nut-free, creamy texture and a hint of savory balance.
• Raw Cacao Powder: For an intense, unprocessed chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Baking Powder: A touch of leavening to give the brownies a slight lift without compromising their fudginess.
• Almond Flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies gluten-free and adding a delicate, tender crumb.
• Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips: Essential for pockets of gooey, melted chocolate goodness throughout.

That’s it! Just a handful of wholesome ingredients come together to create a truly unforgettable dessert.

How to Make These Easy One-Bowl Brownies

The simplicity of this recipe is one of its greatest assets. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these delightful brownies come together, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or a casual baking session.

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Then, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it meticulously with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This simple step is a game-changer for easy removal and clean slicing once your brownies are baked.

2. The Sweet Potato Secret

This recipe cleverly utilizes canned sweet potato purée to drastically cut down on prep time. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. However, if you prefer to make your own purée, simply bake or boil a sweet potato until tender, then mash it until smooth. Just be mindful that homemade purée can sometimes be thicker than its canned counterpart, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of plant-based milk to achieve the right consistency if your batter seems too stiff.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato purée, pure maple syrup, and the star of the show, No-Sugar-Added SunButter. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and beautifully smooth.

I specifically chose No-Sugar-Added SunButter for this recipe because its neutral, slightly savory flavor is absolutely excellent in baked goods, offering a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness of the maple syrup and sweet potato. It lends an incredible creaminess and moisture to the brownies without the need for any additional oils, making them even healthier. Plus, this particular variety of SunButter often has a hint of sea salt, which magically enhances and draws out the natural sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Add Your Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins

1. Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, sift the raw cacao powder and baking powder directly into your wet mixture. Sifting helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, even distribution of flavor and leavening. Stir these until they are just combined, careful not to overmix.

2. Incorporate Almond Flour

Now, add in the almond flour. Gently stir until you achieve a thick, rich brownie batter. The batter will be dense, which is exactly what we want for those ultra-fudgy results. Again, avoid overmixing; stir just until no dry streaks remain.

3. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Finally, it’s time for the chocolate chips! Fold them into the batter with a spatula until they are evenly dispersed. I personally love using mini dark chocolate chips in this recipe because they spread more evenly and ensure chocolate in every bite, but any size or flavor of vegan chocolate chip will work beautifully. Feel free to get creative here!

Optional Mix-Ins: Want to add more texture or flavor? Consider folding in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a sweet and salty contrast. A dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice blend would also enhance that cozy fall vibe.

Bake to Perfection: More Chocolate Is Always Better!

1. Prepare for Baking

Carefully transfer the thick brownie batter into your parchment-lined baking dish. Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, spread the batter into an even layer, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan. This helps the brownies bake uniformly.

For an extra touch of decadence and that classic bakery-style cracked top, generously sprinkle additional vegan dark chocolate chips over the surface of the batter before baking. Because, let’s be honest, you know you want to!

2. Baking Time and Doneness

Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. The precise baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The brownies are typically done when the edges begin to subtly pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top feels mostly firm to the touch. For fudgy brownies, it’s crucial not to overbake them. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, indicating they are still gooey inside.

3. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven. This next step is vital for the perfect fudgy texture and clean slices: allow them to cool slightly in the pan. Resist the urge to cut into them immediately! As they cool, the brownies will set, becoming denser and easier to handle.

When they are mostly cool (warm, but not hot), use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into neat squares. Enjoy them immediately while they are still slightly warm and incredibly gooey, or let them cool completely for a firmer, chewier texture.

How to Enjoy and Store Your Decadent Brownies

These Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion when a rich, warm pan of gooey chocolate is calling your name. Their moist, deeply chocolatey, and delightfully fudgy profile makes them an instant favorite.

Perfect Serving Suggestions:

• Warm and Gooey: Enjoy them straight from the oven (after cooling slightly) for the ultimate warm, molten chocolate experience.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair a warm brownie with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla or coffee ice cream for an epic dessert.
• Coffee Companion: They make a fantastic accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of plant-based milk.
• Customization is Key: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor profiles! Add a swirl of raspberry jam before baking, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, or even a touch of chili powder for a hint of spice.

Storage Tips:

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Chilling them actually enhances their fudginess, making them even more dense and delicious.

Did I mention they’re also fantastic for spontaneous entertaining? If you’re planning ahead or have made a large batch, you can easily freeze them for long-term storage. Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and gooey again.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade sweet potato purée?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to make your own sweet potato purée, simply bake or boil a sweet potato until it’s very soft, then mash it thoroughly or blend it until completely smooth. Just note that homemade purée can sometimes be thicker than canned, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of plant-based milk to achieve the right batter consistency.

Can I substitute SunButter with another nut butter?

While SunButter gives these brownies their unique allergen-friendly quality and distinct flavor profile, you can experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter if allergies aren’t a concern. The taste and texture might vary slightly, but they should still be delicious. However, for the true SunButter brownie experience, stick with the sunflower seed butter!

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

I recommend using high-quality vegan dark chocolate chips for the best flavor. Mini chocolate chips disperse more evenly throughout the batter, ensuring chocolate in every bite. However, any size or even chopped dark chocolate bars will work just fine. Make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they are dairy-free for a truly vegan brownie.

Are these brownies really healthy?

These brownies are a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. They are made with wholesome ingredients like sweet potato, maple syrup (instead of refined sugar), and SunButter. While they are still a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, they offer more nutrients and fewer processed ingredients than many store-bought or standard homemade brownies. They are also vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined-sugar-free.

How long do these brownies last, and how should I store them?

Store leftover Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.

If You Make These Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies, Please Let Me Know!

Your feedback fuels my kitchen creativity! If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review. Your insights are invaluable and help me create even more delicious “yums” for you.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your amazing creations. I love seeing what you bake!

For more delicious plant-based recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest page. You can pin this recipe and discover many others to add to your baking list.

Looking for more healthier brownie options? You’ll love my 1-Bowl Butternut Brownies, my delightful Pumpkin Almond Butter Brownies, and my classic Super Fudgy Vegan Brownies.

Love what you’re seeing and want more plant-based goodness delivered straight to your inbox? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter. You won’t miss a single update!

XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by SunButter but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!

Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen