Sweet Potato Frosting

Name: Sweet Potato Frosting
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons almond butter; 4 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons agave nectar ((Add more syrup for a sweeter taste)); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Optional: Add 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder for a protein boost

by Marly McMillen

Updated 10/10/24

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Delight in this easy sweet potato frosting! This is a healthier, creamy alternative to buttercream that’s perfect for cupcakes or cakes.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

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If you’re searching for a decadent dessert that won’t send your sugar levels skyrocketing, you’ve found your match! This Sweet Potato Frosting is not only simple to make (hello, few ingredients!), but it’s also perfect for new vegans or anyone craving a healthier yet indulgent treat!

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I must admit: Give me the corner piece of any cake, and I’m happy as a clam because it comes topped with mounds of frosting! But here’s the kicker—I’ve met many people who hate buttercream over the years.

Oh my! I thought, what if I could create a frosting that’s a little bit healthier? Welcome to my world, Sweet Potato Frosting! It’s creamy, delicious, and filled with nutritious goodness. Go ahead, pile it on high—you won’t regret it!

Ingredients & Substitutions

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes; they provide the creamy base for this frosting.
Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
Almond Butter: Natural almond butter is best for a smooth blend.
Agave Nectar: This sweetener is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness without refined sugars. Substitute maple syrup.

How to Make Sweet Potato Frosting

Don’t be intimidated, this Sweet Potato Frosting is a breeze to whip up! Here’s how:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce 2 medium sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 5-7 minutes until tender, or bake at 400°F/200°C for 45-60 minutes. Let cool.
Blend the Ingredients: Once cool, scoop out the sweet potato flesh into a food processor. Add 2 tablespoons almond butter, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 4 tablespoons agave nectar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. If you want a protein boost, toss in 1 tablespoon of chocolate protein powder.
Process to Perfection: Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

What Makes This Recipe Shine?

Indulgent: You won’t believe how rich and satisfying this frosting tastes, all thanks to sweet potatoes!
Simple: Made with just a few ingredients, this frosting comes together in a flash.
Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, this frosting gives you the deliciousness you crave without the guilt!

A yellow cupcake has chocolate swirls of frosting on top and a bite taken out.

Flavor Variations

Unleash your creativity with these delicious twists on the classic sweet potato frosting! Here are some fun ways to switch up the flavors:

Vanilla Sweet Potato Frosting – Want a touch of vanilla goodness? Simply add up to a tablespoon of vanilla extract while omitting the cocoa powder. For an extra protein boost and a richer vanilla taste, toss in a tablespoon or two of vanilla protein powder!

Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Frosting – Craving that delightful tang? Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of cream cheese into the sweet potato mixture for a luscious frosting that balances sweetness with a creamy zing.

Sweet Potato Chocolate Frosting – Craving a deeper chocolate experience? Swap in Dutch-process cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor and a velvety dark color.

Spiced Sweet Potato Frosting – Elevate your frosting with warm spices! Add a dash of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the mix for a cozy, spiced twist that’s perfect for fall or winter treats.

Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Frosting – For nut lovers, mix in two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter for a decadent frosting that combines chocolate, sweet potato, and nutty goodness. You can also try almond or cashew butter for a unique twist!

Maple Sweet Potato Frosting – Swap out agave nectar for pure maple syrup to introduce a subtle, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes and adds a touch of autumn to your treats.

Mint Chocolate Sweet Potato Frosting – Infuse your frosting with a refreshing hint of mint by adding a few drops of peppermint extract. Pair this with the cocoa for a delightful mint chocolate experience!

Coffee-Infused Sweet Potato Frosting – Add a teaspoon or two of instant coffee granules or brewed espresso to bring out a robust coffee flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and make this frosting your own. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This decadent sweet potato chocolate frosting isn’t just for cakes—it’s a versatile treat ready to take your desserts to the next level! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Cakes & Cupcakes: Spread it generously over moist chocolate cakes, fluffy dairy-free chocolate cupcakes, or even a favorite pumpkin spice cake. It also pairs nicely with a rich, moist banana cake. The rich, creamy texture pairs perfectly with both classic and bold flavors.
Fruit Dip: Feeling like a lighter treat? Use this frosting as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or even bananas. It’s an irresistible way to add a touch of indulgence to healthy snacks!
Pancakes & Waffles: For a sweet breakfast twist, dollop this frosting over warm pancakes or waffles, such as these Whole Wheat Pancakes. It’s like dessert for breakfast—because why not start your day with a little sweetness?

Get creative with your combinations—this frosting is as versatile as it is delicious!

Storage Tips

Store any unused frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens, bring it back to life with a little plant-based milk before using it again!

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Frosting Favorites

If you love the recipe for sweet potato frosting, here are some more frosting recipes you’ll want to try:

Vegan Vanilla Frosting

15 mins total

Avocado Frosting

5 mins total

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

20 mins total

Vegan Royal Icing

15 mins total

A cupcake has swirls of chocolate frosting on top.

Sweet Potato Frosting

This Sweet Potato Frosting is rich, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent. With its fluffy texture and decadent flavor, it’s the perfect topping for any dessert!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 55kcal

Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

Vegan Chocolate Frosting

▢ 2 medium sweet potatoes
▢ 2 tablespoons almond butter
▢ 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ 4 tablespoons agave nectar (Add more syrup for a sweeter taste)
▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
▢ Optional: Add 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder for a protein boost

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Instructions

Microwave Method:

Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 5-7 minutes, until tender. Allow to cool slightly.

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender, about 45-60 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Making Frosting:

When cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh of the sweet potatoes, and place it in a food processor.
Add the cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, salt, agave nectar, and spices. Add protein powder if using.
Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed
Taste Test: Add additional sweeteners if you prefer a sweeter frosting. See notes for additional sweetening options.
Use the frosting immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. The frosting will thicken as it chills.
Top your favorite cakes or cupcakes with this frosting.
Keep any unused frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep up to 3 days if stored properly. Once it's chilled you will need to let it come to room temperature before spreading it over a cake. In fact, it might thicken as it chills so stir in a teaspoon or two of plant-based milk to get it back to a spreadable consistency.

Recommended Equipment

Electric Mixer

Spatula

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Notes

Sweeteners

Use sugar-free powdered sugar to make this into sugar-free keto icing.
Add up to 3 more tablespoons of syrup sweetener before the consistency starts to change.
Use powdered sugar (stirring in 1 tablespoon at a time) until you achieve the desired sweetness.

Variations:

For a pumpkin pie spice variation, replace the cinnamon with ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Fold in chopped dark chocolate or toasted nuts for texture.

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.