These moist cupcakes use spelt flour for a lighter texture, more protein, and fewer calories than wheat flour. Avoid artificial colors by using vegetable-based food coloring; or make your own.
Healthier Red Velvet Cupcakes
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Ingredients
- 1½ cups white spelt flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder not Dutch-processed
- ½ cup natural cane sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or safflower oil
- 2 eggs room temperature
- ¾ cup buttermilk room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons natural red food coloring
- Agave Cream-Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Neufchâtel (reduced-fat) cream cheese room temperature
- 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a muffin tin with 8–10 cupcake liners or coat with cooking spray.
- Place flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Sift cocoa powder into bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Place sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, and food coloring. Whisk lightly until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir just until mixture comes together. Be sure you don’t overmix.
- Gently spoon batter into muffin cups. Bake 10 minutes and test with a toothpick. If it doesn’t come out clean, turn pans and bake another 3–5 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on rack for 2 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before frosting. (Or store in an airtight container until ready to frost. Do not refrigerate, which dries them out.)
- Beat cream cheese, agave, and vanilla together. Sift cornstarch over mixture and blend until smooth. Frost cupcakes just before serving.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Healthier Red Velvet Cupcakes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 352
Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g
28%
Saturated Fat 15g
75%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 16mg
5%
Sodium 258mg
11%
Total Carbohydrates 40g
13%
Dietary Fiber 4g
16%
Protein 6g
12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
PER SERVING: 352 cal, 18g fat (2g mono, 1g poly, 15g sat), 16mg chol, 6g protein, 40g carb, 4g fiber, 258mg sodium
