Chocolate beet cupcakes
From Lori, Yorkville CSA
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- Scant 2 cups beet puree about 2 small bunches of beets; instructions below
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 TBS unsalted butter softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
Making the beet puree:
- Remove roots and tops of beets. Wrap each beet tightly in foil. Roast at 400 F for 1 hour. Let cool. Remove the skin (which comes off easily just by rubbing with your fingers). Cut the beets into quarters and place in a blender or food processor to puree. For scant 2 cups of beet puree, you’ll need about 2 small bunches of beets.
Making the cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Line muffin tins with paper liners, or spray tins with oil if you’re not using papers.
- Melt chocolate and ¼ cup (4 TBS) butter over a double boiler (or in microwave 30 seconds at a time). Set aside to cool.
- Cream together ¾ cup (12 TBS) butter with brown sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Beat in chocolate/butter, beets, and vanilla. It’s okay if it looks clumpy.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir flour mixture into the batter and mix well.
- Divide into prepared muffin tins (should make 18 standard sized cupcakes). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes in the pan, on the counter for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the frosting:
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Reduce to low speed and gradually mix in confectioner’s sugar. When it is all incorporated, return to medium speed and beat for 5 more minutes.
- Frost cupcakes once they are cool.
Notes
Tip: Put them in the fridge to harden up the frosting – otherwise it’s too soft, especially in the summer.