Merry Christmas! Here’s an easy holiday treat for all! With just 140 calories and the carbohydrate content of a single piece of bread, these deceptively decadent tasting beauties let everyone join the party! The cupcakes are moist and oh-so-chocolatey, with just a hint of of peppermint.
The crowning glory is fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting topped with crushed peppermint candy. Add it all together, and all I can say is yum!
6 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process like Hershey’s Dark)
3/4 cup granulated no-calorie sweetener*
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
12 teaspoons crushed sugar-free peppermint candy
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Do not skip this step or too much of the moist cake will stick to the paper liners. (Foil liners do not require spraying.)
2. Place cocoa powder in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup warm water and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the next 7 ingredients (sweetener through mayonnaise), until mixture is smooth. Gradually sift in flour, baking soda, and baking powder and stir until well mixed. Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into each muffin cup. Bake for 13 minutes or until the center springs back when touched or a toothpick comes out clean.
3. While the cupcakes are baking, make the frosting (place it in the fridge until ready to use). When cool, top each cupcake with whipped cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with crushed peppermint. Serve immediately or place cupcakes in the refrigerator. May sit out for up to one hour while serving.
* No calorie granulated sucralose, or all natural Truvia Baking blend can be used. When using Truvia for Baking, use 1/2 the amount called for (1/4 cup for the cupcakes, and 1 tablespoon in the filling). Baking time may be up to 5 minutes longer.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: (1 frosted and garnished cupcake) Calories 140 | Carbohydrate 18g (Sugars 5g) | Total Fat 5 g (Sat Fat 2g) | Protein 4g | Fiber 1g | Cholesterol 25mg | Sodium 280mg | Food Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Fat | Carbohydrate Choices: 1 | Weight Watcher Plus Point Comparison: 4 Weight Watcher Smart Point: 5
