Chocolate beetroot cupcakes

Chocolate beetroot cupcakes

40 min
Discover the charm of our chocolate beetroot cupcakes, where rich cocoa meets the natural sweetness of beetroot. The result is a moist, flavourful cupcake topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and garnished with crunchy pecan nuts and crisp beetroot chips. Perfect for any sweet occasion, these cupcakes bring a creative twist to classic chocolate cupcakes, adding colour, elegance, and delicious flavours to the table.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/chocolate-beetroot-cupcakes/

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  • Peel and grate beetroot. Set aside.
  • Beat soft butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  • Add cream cheese and grated beetroot.
  • In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • Combine the dry ingredients with the egg and beetroot mixture.
  • Melt chocolate and add to the batter.
  • Fill the cupcake tins with the batter.
  • Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes. They are ready when a wooden stick inserted into the cake comes out dry.
  • Set the baked cupcakes aside to cool.
  • Mix cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon juice.
  • Lightly toast pecan nuts with the syrup in a pan. Pour onto a baking sheet and leave to cool.
  • Spread the frosting over the cupcakes and decorate with beetroot chips and pecan nuts.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about chocolate beetroot cupcakes

Find answers to common questions about this delicious chocolate beetroot cupcake recipe, ensuring a flawless outcome every time.

​​​How to store chocolate beetroot cupcakes?
To keep the cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they are topped with cream cheese frosting, it is best to store them in the fridge and also enjoy them within two days to preserve their flavour and texture.
Can I make chocolate beetroot cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes up to two days in advance. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container. For the freshest taste and appearance, add the toppings and decorations just before serving. This makes it much easier for you in the event of parties, birthdays, or weekend guests, allowing you to have everything ready in time.
How do I know the chocolate beetroot cupcakes are done baking?
To make sure that your cupcakes are perfectly baked, insert a skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are ready. The top should also spring back when pressed lightly, indicating the right texture. It is important not to leave them in the oven too long, as this can result in a dry crumb.

Ingredients

Beetroots
200 g
Butter
150 g
Sugar
10 tbsp
Eggs
3
Cream cheese
150 g
Flour
180 g
Dark cocoa powder
3½ tbsp
Baking powder
2 tsp
Salt
½ tsp
Chocolate
150 g
Frosting
Cream cheese
150 g
Icing sugar
3½ tsp
Lemon juice
1 tbsp
Decoration
Beetroots chips
Pecan nuts
60 g
Maple syrup
2 tbsp

Tips: Perfecting your chocolate beetroot cupcakes

Make your chocolate beetroot cupcakes even better with these simple tips. With our help, you will get the best texture and flavour every single time you prepare these cupcakes.

Fresh and firm beetroots

Choosing fresh, firm beetroots is crucial if you want your cupcakes to be moist. The moisture from firm beetroots ensures a soft, tender crumb. Beetroots with a deep colour also add a subtle visual appeal to the cupcakes, creating a natural, vibrant hue. Avoid soft or wrinkled beetroots, as they can result in a dry or bland batter.

Avoid overmixing the batter

For light, airy cupcakes, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cupcakes. A gentle folding method will keep the batter smooth and ensure that the cupcakes bake evenly.

Smooth frosting

Achieving a smooth frosting starts with combining softened cream cheese, icing sugar, and lemon juice until the sugar is well incorporated. Whip the mixture until light and fluffy. Avoid overbeating, as this can cause the frosting to become too soft and lose its structure.

Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting

Patience is essential when decorating cupcakes. Let them cool fully before applying the cream cheese frosting to avoid a runny mess. If you try to frost warm cupcakes, it can cause the frosting to melt and lose its shape. Once frosted, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and appearance.

Moist and decadent chocolate beetroot cupcakes

If you love chocolate cupcakes, you should give this recipe a try! Our chocolate beetroot cupcakes bring a delightful surprise with the natural moisture of beetroots, making each bite irresistibly soft. It is a creative twist that will make them your new favourite treat. Finished with a lemony cream cheese frosting and garnished with crunchy beetroot chips and pecans, these cupcakes are perfect for special occasions.

Delicate earthy notes from bright pink beetroots

Enjoy the delicate flavour and texture additions that beetroots bring. They make the cupcakes deliciously moist while adding a subtle earthiness that enhances the chocolate’s natural richness. The sweetness of the beetroot balances the intensity of the cocoa without being overly pronounced. The vibrant red hue of the beetroots also gives the cupcakes an eye-catching appearance, adding a natural pop of colour that makes them stand out, similar to red velvet cake or cupcakes.

Cannot get enough of this pink, earthy root vegetable? Then, explore other recipes with beetroots, like our bright beetroot soup, homemade beetroot hummus, cauliflower rice with beetroot, or cucumber beetroot salad.

Intense chocolate flavour with dark cocoa powder and melted chocolate

The combination of dark cocoa powder and melted chocolate creates a deeply rich, indulgent flavour. Dark cocoa adds an intense bitterness that balances the cupcake’s sweetness, while melted chocolate contributes to a velvety, moist texture. This pairing gives the cupcakes a fuller, more complex chocolate experience, layering smooth richness with depth. The dark cocoa powder intensifies the taste, making each bite deeply satisfying for chocolate lovers, while the melted chocolate elevates the crumb, keeping it soft and tender.

Topped with lemon-flavoured cream cheese frosting

The tangy lemon-flavoured cream cheese frosting provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate cupcakes. The cream cheese gives a smooth texture, while the lemon juice adds a zesty freshness that cuts through the sweetness, lightening the overall feel of the cupcakes. Once frosted, the cupcakes get a creamy, velvety finish that is more than welcome with every bite you take.

Decorated with toasted pecans and crisp beetroot chips

Crisp beetroot chips and toasted maple-glazed pecans ensure a delicious combination of creamy, crunchy, and moist elements to finish off the cupcakes.

The crunchy beetroot chips provide a striking visual contrast against the smooth frosting, while their earthy flavour pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cupcake. The toasted pecans, glazed with maple syrup, offer a rich, nutty taste that complements the chocolate and beetroot taste. These additions not only make the cupcakes beautiful to look at but also enhance their texture, making them a perfect dessert to impress guests.

Play around with the ingredients

Experimenting with ingredients is a fun way to personalise your cupcakes. For a warming twist, try adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the batter. These spices add an aromatic, warm taste, making the cupcakes feel more scrumptious. You can also try a cinnamon or cardamom-infused frosting or swap the lemon juice for vanilla extract to create a smoother, sweeter taste or orange juice for a fruitier touch.

If you enjoy crunch, consider replacing pecans with walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios, which bring different nutty flavours and looks. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for extra indulgence or dust with cocoa powder for a more refined finish. Edible flowers or a sprinkle of grated beetroot in the frosting can add an elegant finish.