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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 343kcal
- % 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 mcg
- Magnesium 18 mg
- Zinc 0.59 mg
- Selenium 4.71 mcg
- Copper 0.05 mg
- Manganese 0.45 mg
- Chloride 6.88 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.