Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes offer a delightful twist on the classic red velvet dessert by using beets to achieve their beautiful, vibrant color naturally. Not only do the beets add an earthy sweetness, but they also keep the cupcakes incredibly moist. These cupcakes retain the traditional flavors of cocoa and vanilla, with the added benefit of extra nutrients from the beets. Topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, they make for a healthier and delicious alternative to classic red velvet cupcakes, perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup cooked and pureed beets (about 2 medium beets)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the beets: If not already done, cook the beets by boiling them until tender. Once cooled, peel and puree the beets until smooth.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Fold in the pureed beets to give the batter its vibrant red color.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and creamy.
8. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy these Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes with their perfect balance of sweetness and rich creaminess, enhanced by the natural color and moisture from the beets!