Sweet Potato Blondies

Sweet potato blondies are a delightful and nutritious dessert that combines the soft, sweet flavor of sweet potatoes with the rich, buttery taste of traditional blondies. They are typically dense, chewy, and oh-so-delicious, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. What makes these blondies stand out is the incorporation of mashed sweet potatoes, which not only adds sweetness but also lends a moist texture to the blondies. Plus, they are a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables into your dessert! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for something sweet to enjoy at home, sweet potato blondies are sure to impress. These treats are easy to make and can be customized with various add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients about Sweet Potato Blondies

List of ingredients with measurements

To prepare your sweet potato blondies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, consider these substitutions:

• Sweet Potato: You can use pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree instead.
• Peanut Butter: Any nut butter, like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, will work.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free flour blends.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative for sweetening.
• Chocolate Chips: Try using dark, white, or dairy-free chips based on your preference.

How to Make Sweet Potato Blondies

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato

Start by preparing the sweet potato. Take a medium-sized sweet potato and wash it thoroughly. Prick it with a fork several times to create small holes on its surface. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s soft. You can also boil or roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 45 minutes, but microwaving is the quickest method. Once cooked and cooled, scoop out the flesh and mash it until smooth. You will need about one cup of this sweet potato mash for your blondies.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, creamy peanut butter or almond butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted coconut oil or butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend these ingredients well until they are smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps, and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This step is essential for a uniform sweet potato blondie texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will result in a nicely risen blondie without any bitter spots. Once mixed, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a denser blondie.

Step 4: Add Extras and Bake

If you decide to add chocolate chips or nuts, this is the time to do so! Gently fold them into the batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking pan. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil or butter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top begins to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Blondies

Best ways to serve Sweet Potato Blondies

Sweet potato blondies are best served once they are cooled completely, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can cut them into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a serving platter. They can also be served warm, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top can make for an indulgent treat. Dusting with a little powdered sugar adds a nice touch, making them even more appealing.

Serving suggestions or pairings

For serving suggestions, consider pairing your blondies with fresh fruits like sliced bananas or berries. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce also works wonderfully. Enjoy your blondies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience. If you’re serving them at a party, consider adding a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for even more sweetness.

How to Store Sweet Potato Blondies

Proper storage methods

To store sweet potato blondies, ensure they are completely cool before storage. Place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will keep for up to a week. For best flavor, bring them to room temperature before serving.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you have leftovers, you can reheat individual blondies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. If you decide to freeze them, wrap each blondie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

Tips to Make Sweet Potato Blondies

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough blondies. Make sure to mix until just combined, as this keeps them soft and chewy. Another mistake might be not measuring the mashed sweet potato correctly; excess moisture from too much sweet potato can result in overly wet blondies, so use a proper measuring cup.

Helpful tips for better results

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. This adds warmth and depth. Additionally, using room temperature eggs and ingredients helps with even mixing, leading to a smoother batter. If you want to boost the nutrition, throw in some chopped nuts, enriched flour, or seeds. This not only adds flavor and texture but also increases the protein content, making your dessert a little more wholesome while still being indulgent.

Variations of Sweet Potato Blondies

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You can try different versions of sweet potato blondies to keep things exciting. For a chocolate lover’s version, mix in cocoa powder to the batter, or add more chocolate chips for a richer flavor. For a fall-inspired twist, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts and a dash of pumpkin spice for extra warmth.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those following a vegan diet, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a chia seed mixture. Replacing the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter makes the recipe nut-free. To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. There are many ways to customize the sweet potato blondies to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying a delicious dessert!

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your blondies are turning out too dry, it could be because of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly and keep an eye on the baking time. If they are too wet, you may need to bake them a few minutes longer or check your sweet potato measurement to ensure you are not using too much moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sweet potato blondies are great for making ahead. You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, once baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for future enjoyment.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

Many ingredients in this recipe have suitable substitutes. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use pumpkin puree or mashed bananas instead. For the sugars, honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar, but be aware that this may alter the moisture content slightly. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter. Feel free to experiment with different combinations based on what you have on hand!

Sweet potato blondies are a fun and easy way to enjoy dessert while introducing a healthier twist. With this guide, you’ll be equipped to make them perfectly every time! Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful treat!

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