Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie with a velvety texture, each bite offering a burst of deep chocolate flavor perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of cherries.
The aroma of cocoa and toasted almonds fills the air, wrapping you in a comforting embrace that evokes a sense of warmth and home.
Why does this matter to me? Because these brownies have become a family favorite, especially on busy weeknights when we crave a quick, satisfying dessert or on lazy Sunday afternoons when we gather for a cozy supper.
I remember a day when an unexpected guest arrived, and I needed a dessert that was both impressive and easy to whip up.
These sweet potato brownies came to the rescue, delighting everyone with their unique twist on a classic treat.
Ready to experience the magic yourself? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with rich chocolate and sweet cherry notes.
- Uses pantry staples like almond flour and cocoa powder for convenience.
- Offers a healthier twist with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes.
- Provides a fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate craving.
- Perfect for a crowd, serving up to 12 people easily.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato — make sure well mashed, no lumps
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder — choose high-quality for best flavor
- 1/2 cup almond flour — opt for finely ground for smoother texture
- 1/4 cup maple syrup — pure maple syrup preferred
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted — use virgin for subtle coconut flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — pure vanilla extract recommended
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda — check for freshness
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — fine sea salt works well
- 1/2 cup pitted cherries, chopped — fresh cherries enhance flavor
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips — at least 70% cacao for richness
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to guarantee the brownies don’t stick.
Gather all your ingredients and equipment to have everything ready for use. This preparation step helps streamline the process and guarantees a smooth baking experience.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Combine mashed sweet potato, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond flour in a mixing bowl.
Verify the sweet potato is well mashed and free of lumps for a smooth batter. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients, verifying they’re evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Use a wooden spoon to incorporate these wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well combined, creating a uniform consistency.
Add Rising Agents
Add baking soda and salt to the batter.
Mix thoroughly to guarantee these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is vital for proper rising and flavor balance in the brownies.
Fold in Extras
Fold in chopped cherries and dark chocolate chips.
Use a gentle folding technique to incorporate these ingredients without deflating the batter. Chopped cherries add a fresh, fruity element, while the chocolate chips enhance richness.
Pour & Spread
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, guaranteeing it reaches all corners of the dish. Even spreading guarantees uniform baking and texture throughout the brownies.
Bake & Test
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Pay attention to the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can affect the fudgy texture.
Rest & Serve
Allow the brownies to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting helps the brownies set, making them easier to cut and enhancing their fudgy texture. Slice and serve warm for the best experience. Enjoy the rich, chocolaty flavor with a hint of cherry sweetness.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a gluten-free option, verify that the almond flour is certified gluten-free or substitute it with coconut flour, keeping in mind the different absorption rates.
- To make the brownies vegan, replace the dark chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips.
- If maple syrup is unavailable or too costly, you can use honey or agave syrup as a sweetener alternative.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with oat flour or all-purpose flour, adjusting the quantity as needed for consistency.
You Must Know
- Preheat Correctly: Verify your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the brownies inside to guarantee even cooking.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes Thoroughly: Make sure the sweet potatoes are well mashed and free of lumps to create a smooth batter.
- Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries can greatly enhance the flavor of your brownies. If unavailable, opt for dried cherries as a substitute.
- Avoid Overbaking: To maintain the fudgy texture, check the brownies with a toothpick after 30 minutes. Remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.
- Let Brownies Rest: Allow the brownies to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to set properly before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Serve brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
- Pair with a glass of cold almond milk or coffee.
- Garnish with a few fresh cherries for a vibrant touch.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for extra decadence.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Fudgy sweet potato brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For make-ahead convenience, these brownies also freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving to enjoy their rich, fudgy texture.
Reheating
To gently reheat fudgy sweet potato brownies, use a microwave on low power for short intervals.
An oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Or a stovetop with a covered pan.
Culinary Traditions and History
While savoring a warm, decadent sweet potato brownie, you might find yourself wondering about the roots of this delightful dessert.
Sweet potatoes have graced various cultures’ tables for centuries, cherished for their natural sweetness and versatility. In America, sweet potatoes became a staple, especially in Southern cuisine, where they blend comfort and tradition.
Brownies, on the other hand, are a relatively modern creation, first appearing in the late 19th century. Combining these two elements—a nod to history and innovation—creates a dessert that’s both familiar and novel.
Cherries, with their tart burst, add an unexpected twist, evoking a hint of nostalgia for classic fruit-filled treats. Together, these ingredients reflect a rich tapestry of culinary traditions, delighting with every bite.
Final Thoughts
Why not give these fudgy sweet potato brownies with cherries a try and indulge in a delicious and healthier dessert option?
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste, whether by adding nuts for extra crunch or swapping in your favorite sweetener!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour Instead of Almond Flour?
Sure, you can swap almond flour for all-purpose or oat flour. Each gives a unique texture and taste. I’ve tried both, and they work fabulously, though the texture may be slightly less dense. Enjoy experimenting!
Is It Possible to Make These Brownies Vegan?
Absolutely, you can make these brownies vegan! Substitute the melted coconut oil for a vegan butter, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. You’ll enjoy the same delicious, fudgy experience without any animal products.
How Can I Make These Brownies Less Sweet?
To make them less sweet, I’d reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and use unsweetened chocolate chips. Trust me, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and cherries will still make these brownies delightful!
What Is the Best Way to Mash Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
I find steaming sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender works best. Once soft, I mash them with a fork or potato masher for a smooth texture. This method guarantees they’re lump-free, enhancing the final dish’s consistency.
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh or Dried?
Absolutely, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. The cherries will still add a delightful burst of flavor to your creation. Enjoy!
Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies with Cherries Inside
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pitted cherries chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, cocoa powder, and almond flour.
- Stir in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add baking soda and salt to the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Fold in chopped cherries and dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
