If you’re craving something indulgent yet wholesome, the Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dessert flawlessly blends the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the natural sweetness and moisture of roasted sweet potatoes, elevating the batter to a whole new level. Then layered with luscious, gooey coconut caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite treat to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe lies in its thoughtful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors, texture, and irresistible color, making it easy for even beginners to achieve a stunning result.
- 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful orange hue that keeps these brownies moist and tender.
- ½ cup almond butter: Brings a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor while keeping these brownies dairy-free.
- ½ cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the earthy sweetness of the sweet potato perfectly.
- ¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil): Provides richness and a silky crumb to the brownie base.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Help bind the ingredients and create structure for a fudgy brownie.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances the chocolate and caramel.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- ¾ cup 1:1 gluten-free flour: Keeps these brownies gluten-free while maintaining the right density.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Provides a gentle lift for just the right texture — not too cakey, not too dense.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially important in chocolate desserts.
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks: Melted pockets of chocolate create delightful surprises in every bite.
- ½ cup coconut cream (thick part): The base for the decadent coconut caramel sauce, adding a velvety richness.
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar: Sweetens the caramel naturally with a subtle caramel note itself.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For the caramel, to echo the vanilla in the brownie base.
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to finish with that iconic salted caramel flavor contrast.
How to Make Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Caramel Sauce
Start by whisking together coconut cream and coconut sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it gently to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and turns a gorgeous golden color. Stir in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt, then set aside to cool and thicken further. This luscious sauce is going to be the showstopper of these brownies, so take your time here—it’s worth every minute.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk the mashed roasted sweet potato, almond butter, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and velvety. Then add cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing gently until just combined to keep the brownies tender. Finally, fold in the dark chocolate chips for little melty bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl the Caramel
Pour half of your brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully spoon about a third to half of the caramel sauce over the batter, being cautious to keep it away from the edges to prevent burning during baking. Use a knife to swirl the caramel gently through the batter, creating beautiful marbling with ribbons of golden caramel. Then spread the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 32 minutes. The edges should appear set, but the center will still have a slight softness—perfect for that fudgy texture. Remove the brownies and let them cool completely in the pan, allowing the caramel to firm up as it sets for that gooey-yet-sliceable texture. Once cooled, drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle a bit more flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible finish.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
An extra touch of elegance or a pop of texture can turn these brownies from delicious to unforgettable. Consider sprinkling toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch or adding a few extra chocolate chunks right before serving for those final melted pockets of delight. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks charming and adds a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream to complement the caramel and enhance the dessert experience. Fresh berries such as raspberries or sliced strawberries add a bright acidic contrast that cuts through the richness perfectly. For a cozy gathering, serving them with a glass of cold almond milk or your favorite coffee is a total winner.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter with toothpicks for an easy party treat. You can also layer crumbled brownies in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a visually impressive dessert. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment paper tied with twine makes a beautiful homemade gift to share your love of this Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and chewy. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is a good option; just be sure to bring the brownies back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm up brownies, place the slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15 to 20 seconds—just long enough to soften the caramel and chocolate without drying out the brownie. Alternatively, you can gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar with regular granulated sugar or brown sugar for the caramel sauce, but coconut sugar adds a lovely subtle caramel flavor that enhances the overall profile.
What can I substitute for almond butter?
If almond butter isn’t your favorite or you have allergies, sunflower seed butter or peanut butter can work well. Just be mindful that they may slightly alter the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend ensures these brownies are safe for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing texture or taste.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water, chilled for 10 minutes) and use coconut oil instead of butter. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I roast the sweet potatoes for the brownie base?
Simply peel and cube a medium sweet potato, toss with a little oil, and roast at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until soft. Let cool before mashing for the batter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe that makes it stand out from your average brownie. The combination of wholesome sweet potatoes, rich chocolate, and velvety salted caramel creates an unforgettable treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Give it a whirl—you absolutely deserve every joyful bite.
Print
Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and a luscious homemade coconut caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt, this gluten-free dessert offers a delicious twist on traditional brownies that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato (about 1 medium)
- ½ cup almond butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted butter (can substitute coconut oil)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
Coconut Caramel Sauce
- ½ cup coconut cream (thick part from a can)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Coconut Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the coconut cream and coconut sugar over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and develops a golden color. Stir in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt, then allow the sauce to cool until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the roasted sweet potato, almond butter, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the cocoa powder, gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined. Carefully fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks.
- Assemble the Brownies: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon about one-third to one-half of the cooled caramel sauce over the batter, gently swirling it with a knife. Be careful not to let the caramel touch the edges of the pan. Then spread the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out evenly.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this will allow the caramel layer to firm up properly.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooled, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the brownies and sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt. Slice into 12 servings and enjoy this decadent, naturally sweet treat.
Notes
- The coconut caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; gently rewarm before using.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure the batter mixes smoothly.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Ensure the caramel does not reach the edges of the pan to prevent burning and sticking.
- Cool brownies completely for the caramel to set; warm brownies will be too soft and difficult to slice.
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain texture and structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
