These little chocolate beetroot cupcakes are free from refined sugar and are sweetened only by raisins. They are really delicious and are the perfect size for an after-school snack or a lunch box treat. They'd also be great for baby led weaning.
I was inspired to try sweetening cakes with raisins by my friend Lizzie.
She recently shared with us some chocolate beetroot slices that she had made with raisins, which Miss R loved.
When I tried to recreate her recipe at home in the form of fairy cakes it took me a while to get it right - until now.
Using coconut oil to make cakes
When I originally made these cakes I used coconut oil. This gives them a lovely coconut flavour - and my kids absolutely love them.
Recently I've become a little unsure about using coconut oil. There has been a lot said about how it actually contains a lot of saturated fat (more in fact than lard) and it should be consumed with care.
You can read more about this in this article by The Guardian - try not to get lost in the science like I did! The jury is still out on whether coconut oil is a good thing or not but I suspect that the sensible approach is to consume it - like so many other things - in moderation. A little bit of coconut oil in the diet is fine - eating it every day probably isn't.
When I make these cakes now I use melted butter instead. Alternatively you could use a dairy free spread. The results are just as good, but they no longer taste of coconut of course. It's entirely up to you which you choose.
How are these chocolate beetroot cupcakes iced?
The icing on these cakes is simply cream cheese mixed with honey or maple syrup. This is entirely optional and the cakes are fine without any frosting - in fact my toddler prefers them that way.
If you do make the icing it's best to add it to the cakes on the day that you're going to eat them as storing them in the fridge makes them turn a bit dry.
Do you need any special equipment for this recipe?
You'll need a blender or a food processor with a small jug to make these cakes - or you could use a hand held blender. Because the quantities that you're blending are quite small they just get a bit lost in a big food processor.
More recipes you might like
If you like this you might like:
Pin this mini chocolate beetroot cupcakes recipe for later
How to make mini chocolate beetroot cupcakes
You will need a high powered blender or food processor with a small jug to make this recipe.
Chocolate beetroot cupcakes
Ingredients
- 120 g raisins
- 70 g cooked beetroot
- 2 eggs beaten
- 120 g coconut oil or butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 g self-raising flour
- 30 g cocoa powder
For the icing (optional)
- 100 g cream cheese
- ½ tablespoon honey or maple syrup no honey for under ones
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/gas mark 6. Place 12 fairy cake cases in a 12-hole baking pan.
- Blend the raisins and the cooked beetroot together.
- Stir in the eggs, coconut oil or butter and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and fold in with a metal spoon.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture into each cake case and bake for 15 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- To make the icing beat together the cream cheese and honey until spreadable. Spoon or pipe a little on the top of each cake.
- These are best decorated on the day that you're going to eat them as the cakes don't like being stored in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?
If you loved this recipe why not let me know by leaving a rating and comment below? Alternatively you can let me know on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Subscribe to get recipes and news straight to your inbox. Read more about Sneaky Veg
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
Beetroot is one of the vegetables that I keep meaning to try in my baking and never seem to get round to it. These look and sound lovely. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Mandy Mazliah
It goes really well with chocolate - definitely try it!