Skinny Chocolate Cupcakes with Whipped Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients

For the Skinny Chocolate Cupcakes

1/2 cup pitted prunes

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Chocolate Frosting

3 egg whites

1/3 cup sugar

1/8 tsp cream of tartar

pinch salt

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Before you start, place the pitted prunes in a small bowl with three quarter cup hot water. Allow the prunes to soak for about 10 minutes. I used my magic bullet to puree the prunes, you could use a blender or food processor, just make sure you puree the prunes WITH the water, before using them in the recipe.

Line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners and spray lightly with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, add the flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and whisk to combine. In another medium bowl, add the prune puree, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt, oil and vanilla, whisk this to combine as well. Add the liquid ingredients all at once to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. A few lumps are just fine. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, about two thirds of the way full. Bake for about 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the frosting while the cupcakes are baking/cooling. In a heat proof bowl set over simmering water, whisk the egg whites, cream of tartar, salt and sugar until dissolved, about two minutes. I used a small glass bowl with handles set over a small saucepan. Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Pour the egg white mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, about three to five minutes on medium-high speed. Sift in the cocoa powder and add the vanilla, beat to combine. I piped the chocolate frosting on the cupcakes but you can easily just spread it on as well. Enjoy!