Ahh . . . chocolate . . . yum . . . chocolate cupcakes – that is just what I was craving! I was seriously dreaming about this recipe and right when I woke up I put the recipe to the test! Luckily, the recipe worked out and the cupcakes were a hit with every recipe taste tester: friends, kids and hubby!
So last week we had a little play date with some friends and we brought these cupcakes over to their house. I literally just pulled them out of the oven and packed the kids in the van. My daughter carried the cupcakes inside as little snowflakes fell from the May sky. I am so glad there is no more snow! My friend asked about the cupcakes and as always I say, “They are a bit healthier by cutting down on the fat and sugar.”
I have learned not to go too drastic with ingredients when I want to transform any decadent recipe into something good-for-you – a little change can really make a difference!
I used dark brown sugar to give a rich sweetness.
I love mini chocolate chips because just a tiny little sweetness can make any baked-good go from ordinary to outstanding! Of course I added a little extra chocolate chips on top and it was perfect!
Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes (Makes 18 cupcakes)
Ingredients
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp mini semi sweet chocolate chips, divided
Preparation
Cream butter, applesauce, sugar and applesauce together. Add brown sugar and white sugar gradually and cream well. Beat in eggs until fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Add chocolate chips. Place batter in a greased cupcake pan. Sprinkle cupcakes with remaining mini chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes.
Nutrition Facts: 113 calories; 3 grams fat; 15 grams carbohydrate; 1 gram fiber; 3 grams protein
By the way . . . you might need to make an extra pot of coffee when enjoying these cupcakes. I think I made three more pots of coffee the day I made them, oops!
