New year, same me. As in, dessert is still allowed and welcomed, especially when it can be made a tad healthier than usual. These sweet potato dessert recipes use our favorite orange veg as a sweetener to cut down on sugar while packing in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Whether you’ve still got parties going on or just need a dessert to enjoy at home with your fam, these cupcakes, cakes, and donuts are a no-brainer.
1. Sweet Potato Chocolate Mousse
This dessert is crazy easy to make and won’t leave you in a sugar coma, thanks to its surprisingly healthy ingredients. All it uses is steamed sweet potato, coconut milk, cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla. Blend it all together then let it cool in the fridge to thicken. Paleo people, this one is for you.
2. Blender Sweet Potato Cupcakes
Usually brightly colored cupcakes signify a ton of preservatives, but these get all their color from sweet potatoes. Cinnamon, vanilla, and cashew butter give them just the right amount of sweet and make them taste kind of like Thanksgiving dessert without all the hassle.
3. Sweet Potato Brownies
By looks and taste, you’d never guess these brownies have sweet potatoes in ’em. They even have a sweet ganache frosting on top, made with coconut milk and dark chocolate chips. This might be the best way to sneak something healthy into your dessert all 2018 long.
4. Coconut Sweet Potato Pie
When you need a break from pumpkin or chocolate but still want a semisweet treat after dinner, this coconut sweet potato pie is pretty great. The filling has all your favorite fall flavors—nutmeg, cinnamon, and maple syrup—that you can dig into any time of year.
5. Vegan Sweet Potato Donuts
Next time you’re craving Krispy Kreme, try making these homemade donuts instead. You’ll feel way more accomplished, and they’re actually kind of good for you given the sweet potato base. Fair warning… you’ll want to put the spiced sugar on everything.
6. Classic Sweet Potato Cake
This super-easy, spice-filled sweet potato cake is perfect for carrot cake fans who only have time to assemble simple layers. You can also make the frosting a little lighter by switching out the margarine and using avocado purée instead.
7. Sweet Potato Apple Muffins
Skip your breakfast muffin to save room for this sweeter version (but instead of sugar, you’re treating yourself to apples and sweet potatoes for that touch of sweet). The brown sugar-pecan streusel is perfectly crunchy, and they’re great to take to a party or to feed a big group for brunch or dinner.
