These healthier chocolate cupcakes are honestly one of my very favorite chocolate cake recipes. EVER. That is including healthy and non-healthy versions! They are moist, light and taste delicious! Plus, they don’t leave my blood sugar in shambles! The cupcakes can easily be made dairy free by using alternative milks such as almond or coconut. They can also be made gluten free by using a gluten free baking mix. My original recipe was made with gluten free flour mix so it works really well.
What makes them healthier?
I get asked this question all of the time on my recipes! What is this sorcery? How can something taste amazing and be good for you?!? Hold on to your pants, I’m about to open your eyes to the world of healthy baking that creates magical results! (yes, that drama was very necessary!) Just because something is healthier for you does not mean any flavor, texture or quality of product should suffer! These cupcakes are made with a mixture of flours that helps the body more easily metabolize them. The mixture of almond flour, coconut flour and white flour is really what helps these cupcakes come together so well to give them great taste and texture.
Different flours, different benefits.
The almond flour provides healthy fats, proteins and fiber that balance out the white flour. The coconut flour is also filled with healthy fats, protein and fiber! While coconut flour on it’s own would not produce a edible cupcake, because it would be dry and saw dust like, using a small amount makes it undetectable except you get the health benefits! Using straight almond flour would throw off the cupcakes texture. However, when combined with the other flours the cupcake is light and cake like!
Not all sugars are created equal.
The next healthier thing used in this recipe is the coconut sugar. Coconut sugar has inulin fiber which helps the body metabolize it slower so you don’t get a sugar rush or blood sugar drop. It’s has a more subtle sweetness that really works well with chocolate. It gives it a depth of flavor that white sugar alone cannot. When combined with brown sugar, which is white sugar and molasses, the sweetness is rounded out and balances out the bitter cacao powder.
Straight from the bean.
Cacao powder is the next ingredient that makes these cupcakes healthier. It differs from cocoa powder in the way it’s processed. It’s basically a more pure and less processed form with more vitamins and minerals still intact from the actual cocoa bean. It’s a great anti-oxidant and is named a “super food” for good reason! You can read more about it’s health benefits including blood sugar regulation, better blood circulation, mood boosting capabilities, etc. HERE.
So yes, this cupcake is healthier! It’s also still a treat and it’s designed to bring happiness to your life from eating it! Why make a treat that you can’t enjoy? Why not make one that you will love that is also better for you! It’s a win, win situation in my book!
What do critics say?
I first created this recipe for my dad’s birthday. He was in town last year and I wanted to make him a cake he’d love but also be able to eat while maintaining good blood sugar levels. His blood sugars did not even spike with this recipe and he and all 12 guests at the party loved it and went back for seconds!
I have also made this recipe for extended family with similar results and my kids love this recipe too! I am not sure of a better critic than a child who sees a cupcake and wants everything that is a cupcake. If it’s not good it goes on the floor. Trust me I know, I am raising 4 little humans right now and they do not lie about treats.
Lets get down to business!
For the cake version of this recipe with instructions and different topping options click here.
Here is what you need to make these delicious healthier chocolate cupcakes:
Makes 24 cupcakes
- 1 cup Almond Flour – super fine ground works best
- 1 cup Flour or Gluten Free Baking Mix
- 1/4 cup Coconut Flour
- 1 cup Coconut Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Cacao Powder or cocoa powder can be substituted
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 cup Milk of Choice
- 2 Eggs
Whipped cacao cream frosting:
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Add all dry ingredients into mixing bowl and mix well.
- Add wet ingredients and mix well.
- Line cupcake tins with cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. These don’t get a super high dome on them, If the middle sinks slightly it’s fine, they will taste great so don’t stress it.
- To make the frosting, add all ingredients to a large bowl and using a whisk attachment on an electric mixer beat until peaks form. Scrape down the sides of the bowl during the process to get all of the cacao powder and powdered sugar incorporated.
- Cook cupcakes and frost with a thin layer.
- Enjoy!
Healthier Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Flour - super fine ground works best
- 1 cup Flour or Gluten Free Baking Mix
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup Coconut Sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Cacao Powder or cocoa powder can be substituted
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 cup Milk of choice
- 2 Eggs
- For Frosting:
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Add all dry ingredients into mixing bowl and mix well.
- Add wet ingredients and mix well.
- Line cupcake tins with cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. These don't get a super high dome on them, If the middle sinks slightly it's fine, they will taste great so don't stress it.
- To make the frosting, add all ingredients to a large bowl and using a whisk attachment on an electric mixer beat until peaks form. Scrape down the sides of the bowl during the process to get all of the cacao powder and powdered sugar incorporated.
- Cook cupcakes and frost with a thin layer.
- Enjoy!