Double Chocolate Sweet Potato Bread is moist and has an earthy sweetness that comes together in a single slice of quick bread. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Baking it Happen
I love to bake. That’s no secret. My motivation to learn to bake and cook started from a young age. The driving force started with my mother. As I grew, it was having the option to make what I wanted to eat, when I wanted to eat it. It was and is freedom for me.
Have you been to a restaurant and been taken away by a delicious dish and wondered how to make it at home? How about when you’re craving that dish, and the restaurant is closed?
It’s awesome to have the power to create what you desire.
In this case, I had the mother of all chocolate cravings. If you’re a woman and you’re reading this, you know what I mean. YOU NEED CHOCOLATE. A BROWNIE. CHOCOLATE CAKE. CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM. ANYTHING. STAT! Left hanging long enough and who knows what you will do for a hit of some chocolate. It’s an overwhelming feeling. A bad, and good one!
With my dietary restrictions and aspirations to protect my health, the luxury of walking into any bakery or simply buying a boxed brownie mix for my consumption is non-existent. It goes something like this, “I would like to order a dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, naturally sweetened chocolate dessert, please. Oh! Don’t forget to bring the flavor. No cardboard for me!” Said no one ever.
The safest way for me to indulge is to make it myself. Luckily, I can!
For the Love of Chocolate
This adventure was inspired by Gina Homolka’s Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Brownie recipe. I wanted to use a healthy ingredient at the heart of the bread and marry it with lots of chocolate flavor. We had a leftover baked sweet potato from a dinner out and I figured it could work in the same way the Zucchini works in the brownie recipe. It adds moisture and sweetness. Best of all, both sweet potatoes and chocolate offer a range of health benefits. Shhh…don’t tell the kids!
The sweet potato contributes vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, while the chocolate adds its own set of antioxidants and potential mood-enhancing properties. As with any indulgence, moderation is key, but there’s no harm in savoring a slice of this delightful and health-conscious quick bread.
Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits associated with sweet potatoes and chocolate:
SWEET POTATOES
Rich in Nutrients
Sweet potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and fiber.
Antioxidant Properties
The vibrant orange color of sweet potatoes is due to the presence of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to their various antioxidants and phytochemicals, potentially aiding in the reduction of inflammation in the body.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes have a moderate glycemic index and may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a suitable option for individuals with diabetes.
Digestive Health
The fiber content in sweet potatoes supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and providing a sense of fullness.
CHOCOLATE
Rich in Antioxidants
Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and contribute to overall health.
Heart Health
Dark chocolate has been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Mood Enhancement
Chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can contribute to improved mood and reduced stress.
Brain Health
Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in chocolate may have positive effects on cognitive function, potentially benefiting brain health.
Mineral Content
Chocolate contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper, contributing to various bodily functions.
A Toast to Chocolate for Your Kids
It is a small victory as a mom when your children request foods that you know are good for them. This overwhelming feeling of winning helps when things aren’t so easy. It is some kind of wonderful creating a recipe that started with an urge to quench a chocolate craving and has turned into a healthy family favorite. Not too shabby when the kids are begging for it!
Here’s to embracing the extraordinary in the ordinary, to savoring the sweet moments, and to this Double Chocolate Sweet Potato Bread.
¡Buen Provecho!
Double Chocolate Sweet Potato Bread
Description
Indulgence meets nutrition in perfect harmony with my latest creation – Double Chocolate Sweet Potato Bread. This delightful treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also adds a wholesome twist, thanks to the nutritious goodness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 5 x 9 loaf pan and set it aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the baked sweet potato.
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Add the eggs, honey, melted refined coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk all the ingredients together until combined.
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Sift cocoa powder, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, a salt over the wet ingredients.
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Whisk together the wet and dry ingredients.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Sprinkle top with allergen-free chocolate chips.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the chocolate sweet potato bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Slice and Serve. ¡Buen Provecho!
Serving Size 1/10 of Loaf
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 37mg13%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 13g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
