If you’ve ever wondered how to bring together wholesome ingredients and luscious chocolate into a magically moist treat, this Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe is your answer. The naturally sweet, earthy flavor of mashed sweet potatoes blends perfectly with rich cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, creating a muffin that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, a comforting snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these muffins deliver an unforgettable balance of texture and taste that will have you baking them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each component plays a special role, from providing moisture and natural sweetness to adding a depth of chocolatey richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato: The star that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a velvety texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter: Adds protein and a creamy, nutty undertone that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and help create a fluffy, tender crumb.
- ⅔ cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor depth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil: Keeps these muffins moist without weighing them down, adding a buttery feel.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a sweet aroma that elevates the chocolate notes.
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder: Provides indulgent chocolate flavor and rich color.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully for a soft, airy texture.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a cozy, subtle spice that harmonizes with chocolate and sweet potato.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ cup chocolate chips: Optional, but highly recommended for pockets of melty chocolate joy.
How to Make Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato
Start by cooking a large sweet potato using your favorite method—baking, steaming, or microwaving all work well. Once it’s cool enough to handle, mash it until smooth and measure out one cup. This creamy base is essential for moisture and that subtle natural sweetness that makes these muffins stand apart.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze, plus your muffins will be ready to wrap up or serve right out of the pan.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mashed sweet potato, almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing these well is key to a smooth batter that will yield tender muffins every time.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add cocoa powder, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Fold everything together until you have a thick, chocolatey batter, making sure no lumps remain. This step brings out the rich cocoa flavor and helps your muffins rise beautifully.
Step 5: Stir In Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips if you opted for them. These little gems create delightful melty spots throughout your muffins, adding an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Liners and Bake
Carefully divide the batter into the muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters full. For an extra chocolatey touch, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of each muffin. Then, bake your muffins on the center rack of the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean or when the internal temperature reaches 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins to cool completely at room temperature before peeling off the liners. This cooling step helps set their texture and makes them easier to handle—then dive in and savor!
How to Serve Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate the look and flavor of these muffins. You might also try a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for contrast and crunch.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat. For a more substantial snack, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance sweetness with tartness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these muffins into a playful dessert by layering crumbled pieces into parfaits with Greek yogurt and berries. You can even slice them in half and toast lightly for a warm, melty breakfast sandwich with nut butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a day or two, this method maintains their moist texture and prevents any drying out.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—perfect for prepping snacks in advance.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or refrigerated muffins, warm them gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a toaster oven until heated through. This helps restore their soft, tender crumb and brings back that freshly baked quality.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter will work just as well and give the muffins a slightly different nutty flavor, which many find delicious with chocolate and sweet potato.
Is it necessary to use avocado oil?
You can substitute avocado oil with any neutral oil like canola or melted coconut oil. The key is to use an oil that keeps the muffins moist without altering the taste too much.
Are these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, this Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any wheat flour. Just be sure that your baking powder is gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
To make a vegan version, try replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The texture may vary slightly but still delicious!
Why add cinnamon to the recipe?
Cinnamon introduces a warm, cozy note that beautifully complements the sweetness of the sweet potato and richness of the cocoa powder. It’s optional but highly recommended for a flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe that makes it a crowd favorite and a personal go-to whenever I want a treat that feels both decadent and wholesome. The combination of natural sweetness, rich chocolate, and tender crumb is irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in baking and eating these muffins as I do sharing them with you.
PrintChocolate Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe
These Chocolate Sweet Potato Muffins are a deliciously moist and healthy treat, combining the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with rich cocoa powder and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter and avocado oil, offering a gluten-free and dairy-free alternative to traditional chocolate muffins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare sweet potato: Cook a large sweet potato using your preferred method until soft. Once cool enough to handle, peel if needed and mash the sweet potato until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potato for the recipe.
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, unsweetened almond butter, eggs, pure maple syrup, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add cocoa powder, baking powder, sea salt, and optional ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until a thick, consistent muffin batter forms.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: If desired, fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for added texture and sweetness.
- Fill muffin liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about ¾ full. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin for an appealing finish.
- Bake muffins: Place the muffin tin in the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Check doneness: For an accurate check, muffins are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature between 190°F and 200°F. Use a digital thermometer inserted into the center to confirm.
- Cool and serve: Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool to room temperature with the paper liners on before peeling and enjoying.
Notes
- You can cook the sweet potato by baking, boiling, or microwaving according to your preference.
- If you prefer a sweeter muffin, add a bit more maple syrup or chocolate chips.
- The ground cinnamon is optional but adds a warm spice note.
- These muffins are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but always check ingredient labels to ensure compliance if you have allergies.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Reheat muffins briefly in a microwave or oven for a warm treat.
