Hormone Balancing Sweet Potato Brownies

Who can resist something sweet and chocolaty, right? We are all trying to eat a little better and me posting a brownie recipes DOES NOT help. However, this brownie recipe is unlike any other, it’s…

• Gluten-free

• Vegan

• Clean

WHAT?! Sounds crazy doesn’t it. I don’t know about you, but if I can bake my cake (brownie in this case) and eat it, too without feeling guilty, that’s a win-win in my book. Flour based baked goods can leave you feeling bloated and most of the time are filled with not-so-healthy ingredients. When you’re trying to stay slim to fit into those tights and leotards or strut yourself into an audition room with confidence, you don’t need to be feeling like crap. 

You will absolutely fall in love with these ooey gooey  brownies. They are perfect paired with a coffee, matcha, hot chocolate, chai, or herbal tea. I enjoy having these as an after dinner treat or a pick-me-up snack in the middle of the day. When do you like to eat your brownies? What a weird question, right? I mean is there an actual time for them? Not really. With these healthier ingredients, you could also have it as a breakfast bar. I’ll tell you what I mean….

The brownies start with a base of sweet potato, which I would totally have at any meal. Followed by nut or seed butter, which I traditionally eat in the morning. Then some cacao (no, not cocoa) and maca powders, maple syrup, pecans, which are basically my rolled oats toppings. So, yea you can totally eat this for breakfast! 

How are they hormone balancing?

To make this treat extra healthy, I have added in some ingredients specifically for balancing hormones.  I chose sunflower butter because they are a seed high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They also keep progesterone levels stable during the second half of a woman’s monthly cycle. Low progesterone during this time can result in menstrual cycle irregularities such a cramping, spotting, missed periods, acne, and bloating. This hormone is also responsible for fertility and conception. In order for the egg to become fertilized and survive, progesterone must work hard to build up the uterine lining to sustain the egg in the uterus. Many fertility complications stem from estrogen and progesterone imbalances. By adding in this healthy source of protein, fat and vitamins, this brownie changes form sweet unhealthy treat to a yummy source of nutrients.

Another ingredient which helps with balancing your hormones is the maca powder. Maca root is a cruciferious plant that helps to even out all levels of hormones, including estrogen and adrenals. If you struggle with PMS symptoms, PCOS, and infertility, this plant could be beneficial in your life. In this recipe, I used only 1 tbsp of organic maca powder to give it a nutty flavor. 

The night before.

Start by prepping your sweet potatoes the night before. Preheat the oven to 425° and begin poking holes in your already washed sweet potatoes. Then, place them about 1-2 inches apart on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper (or an eco-friendly silicone one). Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for around 45 minutes until cooked through. Let cool completely. The skin should just melt off. You’ll only need 1 cup of mashed sweet potato for this recipe so, 1 1/2 medium or 2 small ones should do the trick. Mash the roasted orangey goodness until there are no lumps. 

Let’s get baking.

Once you have you sweet potato mash prepping, you’re good to go. No need to wait until the next day, that was just a schedule that I enjoyed. Measure out all of your wet ingredients and combine them into a mixing bowl. 

Then, take all of the dry ingreidnets and combine them in a seperate bowl, or do what I did and mix them all in one! Easier clean-up. 

After thoroughly mixed, I would definitely recommend a taste test of the batter for sweetness accuracy. Then pour the moix into a greased or oiled or lined baking tray. Here I used ghee (or clarified butter). 

Once the brownie mix is in the baking dish, sprinkle with whatever toppings you prefer. I used pecans and 70% organic dark chocolate. When the chocolate melted on the top, whoa! It was so deliciously moist and gooey. 

After you’re satisfied with your toppings, pop the brownies into the oven for 35 minutes at 350° F. The top will be a deep brown instead of light. When taken out, allow to cool for 10 minutes and enjoy! These brownies should be a harmony of flavors, textures, and sensations when eaten. The crunchiness of the pecans with the sweet and bitterness of the chocolate and the gooey sweet potato center. 

If you make these brownies, don’t forget to tag me @jeannadanielscoaching! I can’t wait to see what you create!