Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe

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This Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a delightful journey through contrasting textures and harmonizing flavors. Picture the earthy sweetness of tender sweet potatoes melded perfectly with the rich, velvety texture of brownies, all topped off with the crunchy, nutty goodness of buttered pecans. It’s a combination that might seem surprising at first, but after one bite, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Made with love and a bit of cooking magic, this recipe is sure to elevate your baking adventures.

How to make Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies

Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies are a unique twist on traditional brownies, combining the rich flavors of sweet potatoes, buttered pecans, and chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Batter:

• 1 large sweet potato (approximately 1 cup when mashed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Butter Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

Preparing the Sweet Potato

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender. Remove it from the oven and let it cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for baking the brownies.
2. Once cooled, peel the sweet potato and mash it thoroughly until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potato for the recipe. Set aside.

Making the Butter Pecan Topping

1. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped pecans and brown sugar. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the pecans are toasted and coated thoroughly with the butter and sugar. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Brownie Batter

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed sweet potato until well combined.
3. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Assembling and Baking

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the butter pecan topping evenly over the batter.
3. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
4. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing them into squares.

Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies

• Sweet Potato Preparation: Ensure the sweet potato is cooled enough to handle before peeling and mashing.
• Brown Sugar in the Batter: For a deeper flavor, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar in the batter with brown sugar.
• Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans slightly before adding them to the topping enhances their flavor and crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, fudgy brownie.
• Checking for Doneness: Watch the brownies closely as they bake. Because ovens vary, start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The brownies are perfect when the center still looks slightly moist but not raw.

What to serve with

Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies, with their rich, fudgy texture and the delightful crunch of buttery pecans, stand out magnificently on their own. However, pairing them with just the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing for any brownie, a scoop of vanilla ice cream not only adds a creamy texture but also its coolness and subtle flavor, which contrast wonderfully with the dense, warm richness of the brownies. The ice cream slowly melting into the warm brownie creates a delightful sensory experience.

2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel sauce over the brownies adds a layer of sweet, gooey decadence. The buttery taste of the caramel enhances the pecan and sweet potato flavors within the brownies.

3. Whipped Cream: For an added twist, infuse the whipped cream with a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to mirror the brownies’ complex flavors.

4. Espresso or Coffee: Serving a strong espresso or a cup of rich, dark-roast coffee alongside these brownies can amplify the chocolatey flavor notes. The bitterness of the coffee provides a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the brownies, making for an indulgent, grown-up treat.

5. Nut Liqueurs: A small glass of nut-flavored liqueur, such as Frangelico (hazelnut) or Amaretto (almond), can add a sophisticated twist to a more adult dessert. The liqueur’s nut notes echo the pecans in the brownies, marrying the flavors beautifully.

6. Berry Coulis: A berry coulis made from raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries provides a tart contrast that can cut through the sweetness and richness of the brownies. The vibrant color of the coulis also makes for an attractive, instagram-worthy presentation.

7. Warm Spiced Milk: A mug of warm milk spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger can be a comforting accompaniment to the brownies. The warm spices complement the sweet potato and pecan flavors, creating a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for chilly evenings.

8. Orange Zest Cream Cheese Frosting: For those who enjoy a bit of tang with their sweetness, a light cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest can provide a refreshing citrus note. The slight acidity and creaminess can elevate the brownies into a more complex dessert offering.

9. Toasted Marshmallow: Taking a cue from sweet potato casseroles, top each brownie square with a marshmallow and briefly torch it until caramelized. This adds a smoky sweetness and a fun, playful element to the dessert.

10. Salted Caramel Pecan Ice Cream: If you wish to expand on the brownies’ themes, a scoop of salted caramel pecan ice cream combines the salty, sweet, and nutty elements that exquisitely complement the sweet potato and chocolate flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

When baking Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies, you might need to substitute ingredients due to dietary preferences, allergies, or simply because something is not available in your pantry. Here are alternatives for common ingredients used in this recipe:

Flour

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum to help with texture.
• Nut Flour: For a nuttier flavor and grain-free option, almond flour or coconut flour can be used, though you may need to adjust liquid ingredients as these flours absorb more moisture.

Sweet Potato

• Pumpkin Puree: If sweet potatoes are unavailable, canned pumpkin puree can be a suitable substitute. It offers a similar texture and slightly different but still delicious flavor.
• Butternut Squash: Roasted and pureed butternut squash is another excellent replacement, providing a similar color, sweetness, and moisture content.

Butter

• Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil. It can replace butter in a 1:1 ratio and adds a slight coconut flavor that complements the pecans well.
• Vegan Butter: Another great alternative for avoiding dairy. It acts much like traditional butter in baking.

Eggs

• Applesauce: Using ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg. This will add moisture but also slightly sweeten the brownies.

Sugar

• Maple Syrup or Honey: For a liquid sweetener, use 3/4 the amount of dry sugar called for, and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly to maintain balance.

Pecans

• Walnuts: They are a good alternative with a similar texture and taste profile.
• Almonds: Chopped almonds can also be used for those who prefer a different nut type.

Chocolate Chips

• Cacao Nibs: For a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor with added crunch, cacao nibs make a great alternative.
• Carob Chips: For those avoiding chocolate, carob chips can provide a similar look and a sweet, slightly different taste.

Vanilla Extract

• Almond Extract: Though the flavor profile is different, almond extract can add a delightful depth. Use half as much since its flavor is more potent.
• Bourbon or Rum: A small splash can enhance the intrinsic flavors of the pecans and sweet potatoes.

Final Thoughts

When serving Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies, consider your audience and the occasion to select the best pairing, whether you’re leaning towards a light, sophisticated touch or indulging in full decadence.

More Brownie Recipes:

• Copycat Lidey Heuck’s Brownies Recipe
• Copycat Felix Brownie Recipe
• Copycat Dessert For Two’s Lemon Brownies Recipe
• Cottage Cheese Brownies Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Katie Black Bean Brownies