Decadent Chocolate Beet Cupcakes with Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these rich and moist chocolate beet cupcakes that surprise with their delightful flavor and vibrant color. The addition of grated beets not only enhances the cupcakes' nutrients but also ensures they stay wonderfully moist. Topped with a creamy frosting infused with fresh orange zest, these cupcakes are both delicious and visually stunning. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the unique combination of chocolate and earthy flavors in this irresistible dessert!
24
Servings
75
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
beet
1 lb (peeled and grated, about 2 medium)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing muffin tins)
granulated sugar
2/3 cup (for batter)
brown sugar
2/3 cup (for batter)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (for batter)
eggs
2 large (for batter)
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (for batter)
cocoa powder
1 tablespoon (for flavoring, can substitute with flour)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (for batter)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (for batter)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for batter)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (for batter)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for batter)
1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup (for batter)
grated orange rind
2 teaspoons (for frosting)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for frosting)
reduced-fat cream cheese
(8 ounces) (chilled, for frosting)
powdered sugar
3 cups (for frosting)
finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons (toasted, optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
2. Begin by peeling the beets using a vegetable peeler. Grate the beets using the large holes of a grater, wearing gloves to avoid staining your hands.
3
3. Prepare your muffin tin by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture at medium speed until it is well blended and smooth. Fold in the grated beets, mixing thoroughly.
5
5. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
6
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1% low-fat milk. Start and end with the flour mixture to maintain a balanced batter consistency.
7
7. Gently pour the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each compartment about two-thirds full. Tap the muffin tin lightly on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack before removing them from the tins and letting them cool completely.
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9. For the frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat together the grated orange rind, vanilla extract, and chilled cream cheese using a mixer at high speed until fluffy.
10
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing at low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overbeat the frosting.
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11. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each one with the orange cream cheese frosting. If desired, sprinkle the tops with finely chopped, toasted walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
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12. Store any leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Beet Cupcakes?
They are rich and moist chocolate cupcakes made with grated beets and topped with a zesty orange cream cheese frosting.
What is the main benefit of adding beets to these cupcakes?
Grated beets enhance the cupcakes' nutrients, ensure they stay wonderfully moist, and provide a vibrant color and unique earthy flavor.
How many cupcakes does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the beets for the batter?
Peel the beets using a vegetable peeler and then grate them using the large holes of a grater.
Should I wear gloves when handling the beets?
Yes, it is recommended to wear gloves while grating the beets to avoid staining your hands.
How do I prepare the muffin tin for baking?
Prepare the muffin tin by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.
What wet ingredients are mixed together first?
In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs, and beat until smooth.
Which dry ingredients are included in the batter?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
How should I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1% low-fat milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
How full should I fill the muffin tin compartments?
Fill each compartment about two-thirds full with the cupcake batter.
Why should I tap the muffin tin on the countertop before baking?
Tapping the tin lightly helps release any trapped air bubbles from the batter.
How long should the cupcakes bake?
Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the cupcakes are finished baking?
The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the cooling process for the cupcakes?
Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack before removing them to cool completely.
What ingredients are in the orange cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of grated orange rind, vanilla extract, chilled reduced-fat cream cheese, and powdered sugar.
At what speed should I beat the frosting ingredients?
Beat the orange rind, vanilla, and cream cheese at high speed until fluffy, then add powdered sugar at low speed.
How can I avoid ruining the frosting texture?
Be careful not to overbeat the frosting once the powdered sugar has been added.
Is there an optional garnish for these cupcakes?
Yes, you can sprinkle the tops with finely chopped, toasted walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
How should leftover cupcakes be stored?
Store any leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
How many calories are in one cupcake?
Each cupcake contains approximately 75 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does each cupcake provide?
Each cupcake provides 1.25 grams of protein.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 11 grams of carbohydrates.
What type of milk is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1% low-fat milk.
Can I substitute the cocoa powder?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can substitute cocoa powder with flour if needed.
What type of cream cheese is used for the frosting?
The recipe specifies using 8 ounces of chilled reduced-fat cream cheese.
What size eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs.
What spices are used to flavor the batter?
The batter is flavored with ground ginger and ground cinnamon.
How much beet is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 lb of beets, which is roughly 2 medium-sized beets.