Gather your sweet tooth and get ready for a delectable adventure with these Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies! These fudgy, cozy treats are a perfect blend of earthy, comforting flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Featuring a moist, rich texture courtesy of roasted sweet potatoes and protein-packed chickpeas, these brownies are a healthier indulgence you’ll crave time and time again. Infused with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite promises a cozy, satisfying experience. Prepare to ditch the guilt and embrace the joy of homemade, wholesome sweetness.
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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies
These Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies are a true game-changer in the world of plant-based desserts. Not only are they a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, but they also boast a depth of flavor that will surprise and delight your senses. The sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness and velvety texture, while the chickpeas add a subtle nutty note and boost of protein. The warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the flavors, creating a cozy, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a guilt-free indulgence or looking to impress your friends and family with a delectable, nutritious dessert, these brownies are sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition in every fudgy, irresistible bite.
Ingredients
To whip up these Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies, you’ll need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. The star players are roasted sweet potatoes, which lend moisture and natural sweetness, and protein-rich chickpeas, which add a delightful nutty flavor and chewy texture. Rounded out with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a touch of maple syrup for an extra hint of sweetness, these brownies are a modern, plant-based twist on a classic dessert.
- 1 cup (240g) – Roasted sweet potatoes, mashed
- 1 (15oz) can – Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup (128g) – Almond butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Maple syrup
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar (provides similar sweetness and moisture)
- Almond Butter: Peanut butter or tahini (for a nut-free version)
How to Make Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Roast the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Roast the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a food processor, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, drained chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the brownies have cooled, you can top them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra touch of decadence.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swirled Nut Butter: Try swirling in a layer of creamy peanut butter or almond butter for a delicious twist.
- Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice blends, adding a pinch of ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Indulgent Topping: Top the brownies with a thick layer of vegan cream cheese frosting or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Bite-Sized Portions: Bake the brownies in a muffin tin for individual servings, or cut them into bite-sized squares for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of plant-based milk for a truly indulgent experience.
Storage: These Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheat: Allow the brownies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: These brownies can be made in advance and stored as directed above.
Find more wholesome dessert ideas on our Pinterest page.
Nutrition Information
These Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies are not only delicious, but they’re also a nutritious and satisfying option. Thanks to the sweet potatoes and chickpeas, they’re packed with complex carbohydrates, fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The almond butter provides a boost of healthy fats and protein, making these brownies a well-balanced treat that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, plant-based diet.
- Serving Size: 1/16 of the recipe
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies
These spiced sweet potato chickpea brownies are a deliciously healthy alternative to traditional brownies. Packed with nutrients and flavor, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: 🌿 Plant-Based
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
1 cup mashed sweet potato
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mash the sweet potato until smooth.
3. Add the chickpeas and almond butter, and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the batter is smooth.
5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into a greased or lined 8×8 inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
These brownies are best enjoyed within a few days but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well! Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: brownies, vegan, gluten-free, dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of roasting my own?
Yes, you can absolutely use canned sweet potatoes in this recipe. Simply drain and mash the canned sweet potatoes until you have the 1 cup required for the recipe. This will save you the step of roasting the sweet potatoes.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, these Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies are naturally gluten-free, as they do not contain any wheat-based ingredients. They’re a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I make these brownies nut-free?
To make these brownies nut-free, you can substitute the almond butter with a nut-free alternative, such as sunflower seed butter or tahini. This will still provide the necessary fat and creaminess to the batter.
How can I make these brownies even more fudgy?
For an extra fudgy texture, you can add a small amount of melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the batter. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust to your desired level of chocolatey richness.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! These Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Brownies freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.