Sunday, October 3, 2010

Healthier Cupcakes? Yes and No~

This week NPR did a story on healthier cupcakes using beans as a base ingredient. I decided to try a recipe out and see how they taste. Personally, I thought they were not stellar and probably would not make them again unless I came up with some major renovations! The bean base tasted a little bitter and had a weird aftertaste. Just for the record, I used top organic ingredients including cocoa powder and I have taste buds which love different flavor combinations. That's why I was shocked when I did not like these! It was my first attempt and I did stay true to the recipe given, so if I ever try these again, I will make some recipe modifications and see how they turn out. The idea of a healthier cupcake is worth the exploration!

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130191177

Makes 1 dozen cupcakes
For Cake
15-ounce can unseasoned black beans
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1 teaspoon instant espresso
3 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

Like I said, this recipe is open for lots of experimenting! Sometimes the search for healthier is a great success; sometimes it is a bust. This recipe is a good effort. My husband just came in, took one bite and said, "mmm...These are good!". So who knows? Just maybe your kids would like these better than the regular version. You know the ones without any redeeming qualities! Is it worth the effort? I think so.

Thank you NPR!
DandelionHeart

4 comments:

i cant decide said...

Now that you mention it the bean brownies and cakes I have made do have a little bit of an aftertaste. We still like them though. The cake was from The Spunky Coconut blog and she used honey(i think) instead of sugar. The brownie recipe has honey in it and those babies are nice and moist and yummy!

DandelionHeart said...

I am soooo sorry to just now be responding...I seem to have fallen in the 'new mommy hole'! LOL I am cooking lots of the recipes from this blog and just changing seasonings or beans or the meat part.
I will definitely go and check out the The Spunky Coconut blog and the brownie recipe. Thanks for the reference! I hope to add some new posts this coming week!

katskraps4kids said...

Have you ever tried the ones made with Pumkin instead of all the oil & stuff? I think they are a weight watchers recipe. I'll try to get it from my friend & send it to you but they are delicious! I'm your newest follower. You are my health inspiration Girl- Be blessed,
Karyl

Dandelion Heart said...

Karyl,
Thanks for following my blog! I would love to try the recipe so please send it. I hope to get a few more healthy dessert ideas on here in the future.