Like everyone else, I love eating sweets. However, I always try to add a “healthy twist” to my sweet recipes so I can enjoy them without guilt.
Last night, when my partner and I were strolling around the community park, we saw a little girl screaming and chasing after her mom who was carrying a box of leftover cupcakes from the birthday party. “I want my cupcake!” she kept running and shouting until she disappeared from sight. I turned to my partner and declared, “I want my cupcake!” and he burst out laughing. Apparently, he thought I was joking but seeing that really made me crave for cupcakes.
The next day. I decided to make cute Halloween chocolate protein cupcakes to satisfy my sweet craving. My partner had been eating whey protein for a while and claims he feels stronger, and his muscles are more toned. I thought it would be interesting to add the whey protein in the cupcake and turn them into “power cupcakes”.
This was a very simple and straight forward recipe. I ended up having too much fun licking the chocolate frosting while I decorated the cupcakes. These cupcakes were not only tender and moist, but also offered a range of nutritional benefits. Protein powder helps support muscle recovery and growth, making these cupcakes a great post-workout option or a protein-rich snack, Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, which aids in reducing inflammation and supports heart health. Instead of butter, using olive oil provides healthy monosaturated fasts that contribute to better heart health.
After school, the kids were thrilled to see the super cute cupcakes. The cupcakes were so cute they only wanted to eat one and save the other one for the next day to enjoy again after school. That night, everyone felt more “powerful” after eating the power cupcakes! That definitely made me feel like a super mom by giving them superpower!
Hope everyone will enjoy eating the super delicious power cupcakes and using your “superpowers” while licking off all that yummy chocolate frosting!
Chocolate Protein Cupcakes
Description
These Chocolate Protein Cupcakes are a deliciously rich and moist treat with a boost of protein. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping it healthy—ideal for festive gatherings or anytime indulgence!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Protein Cupcakes:
For the Chocolate Protein Icing:
Instructions
For the Chocolate Protein Cupcakes:
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Preheat and Gather Your Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready when you finish preparing the batter. Next, gather all your ingredients for the Chocolate Protein Cupcakes. You'll need 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup of buttermilk at room temperature, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 large egg, 1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of protein powder. For a fun, festive touch, use Halloween-themed measuring cups and bowls, like pumpkin-shaped containers and cat mugs, as shown in the image. Having everything measured and ready before starting will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable!
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Mix the Ingredients Separately:
In two separate bowls, start by mixing the dry and wet ingredients. In one large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of chocolate protein powder until well combined. In a second bowl, combine the wet ingredients: 1 cup of room temperature buttermilk, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients until smooth and homogeneous. This step ensures all the elements are evenly incorporated before combining.
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Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or a whisk until just combined. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense. The batter should have a thick, pourable consistency, perfect for creating moist and fluffy cupcakes.
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Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Place large, decorative cupcake liners into your muffin tin. Using a spoon or scoop, pour the batter evenly into each liner, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. This ensures that the cupcakes have enough room to rise without overflowing during baking. The festive Halloween-themed liners add a touch of seasonal fun to your cupcakes, making them perfect for a spooky treat!
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Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the muffin tin with the filled cupcake liners into the preheated oven. Bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. This ensures that your cupcakes are fully baked with a light, fluffy texture. Once done, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or tray to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Protein Buttercream Icing:
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Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
To begin making the frosting, add 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Using a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth. This creates a light and airy base for the frosting. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly. In the next step, we'll add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half-and-half to build the chocolate flavor and achieve the perfect consistency for spreading on your cupcakes.
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Add the Remaining Frosting Ingredients:
With the butter base ready, it's time to add the remaining ingredients for the chocolate frosting. Gradually add 5-6 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of protein powder, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 4-5 tablespoons of half-and-half. Start mixing on low speed, slowly blending in the cocoa powder and then the powdered sugar a half cup at a time to prevent the powdered sugar from spilling, then increase to medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more half-and-half if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and easy to spread. Now, you’re ready to frost the cupcakes and add a delicious protein-packed touch!
For the Final Touch:
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Frost, Decorate, and Serve:
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost each one generously with the chocolate protein buttercream frosting. For a festive Halloween touch, decorate the cupcakes with fun sprinkles, candy pumpkins, or any other spooky-themed toppings of your choice. Arrange the decorated cupcakes on a serving tray, creating a delightful display that’s sure to impress your guests. These Chocolate Protein Cupcakes are now ready to be served and enjoyed—perfect for adding a touch of sweet fun to any Halloween gathering or simply indulging in a protein-rich treat!
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 343kcal
- Calories from Fat 116kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.88g20%
- Saturated Fat 2.79g14%
- Cholesterol 26.25mg9%
- Sodium 230.38mg10%
- Potassium 157.25mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 83.5g28%
- Dietary Fiber 1.73g7%
- Sugars 64.26g
- Protein 8.75g18%
- Vitamin A 95 IU
- Vitamin C 0.25 mg
- Calcium 51 mg
- Iron 5.18 mg
- Vitamin D 21.38 IU
- Vitamin E 1.34 IU
- Vitamin K 1.71 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.19 mg
- Niacin 0.88 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.04 mg
- Folate 9.38 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.14 mcg
- Biotin 1.25 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.23 mg
- Phosphorus 89.88 mg
- Iodine 2.25 g
- Magnesium 18 mmol
- Zinc 0.59 mcg
- Selenium 4.71 mg
- Copper 0.05 mg
- Manganese 0.45 mg
- Chloride 6.88 mmol
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk, egg, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy cupcake texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the desired light, airy texture.
- Sift the Cocoa Powder: Sifting the cocoa powder with the flour helps to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a smooth and even chocolate flavor throughout your batter.
- Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. This prevents overbaking, which can make the cupcakes dry.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool fully before applying the buttercream frosting. If they are too warm, the frosting can melt and slide off, ruining your decorations.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more half-and-half, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa and Protein Powder: For the best chocolate flavor and nutritional boost, choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and protein powder. This enhances the taste and texture of your cupcakes.
- Decorate with a Theme: Use Halloween-themed cupcake liners and decorations to add a festive touch. Fun sprinkles or candy toppers can make these cupcakes a hit at any seasonal party!
These tips will help you achieve the best results, ensuring that your Chocolate Protein Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time!
