Wholesome Chocolate Cupcake with Organic Cherries

Kids and adults love cupcakes. They are so beautiful, and perfect for one big bite.
We found a healthier recipe that will eliminate (at least some of) the guilt, making it a great dessert for Valentine's Day


Whole-Wheat Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

• 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted organic cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained), plus 12 fresh organic cherries with stems for garnish 

Frosting (optional)

• 6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), at room temperature
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

To prepare cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups with paper liners.
Whisk whole-wheat flour, cake flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
Beat granulated sugar and oil in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined. With the mixer on low, alternately mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until just combined. Fold in chopped cherries until just combined. Divide the batter among the prepared cups (they will be full).
Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 22 to 26 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.


To prepare frosting: Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sour cream and confectioners’ sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Refrigerate the frosting until very cold, about 2 hours. Spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and decorate with a cherry on top, if desired


Source: Eating Well