Chocolate Beetroot Cupcakes Recipe

I have teamed up with White's Oats to bring you some scrummy recipes over the next couple of weeks beginning with the ultimate crowd pleaser - chocolate cupcakes! Perfect for Afternoon Tea with Mum, after school snacks for the kids or a moment for yourself with a cuppa.

Ingredients

75g (3oz) White's Oatbran Fine Cut
25g (1oz) White's Apple, Cranberry & Raspberry Granola
75g (3oz) cocoa powder
100g (31/2oz) plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
250g (9oz) cooked, peeled beetroot in natural juices, drained
3 large eggs
200ml (7fl oz.) sunflower oil
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
250g (9oz) caster sugar
125g (41/2oz) white chocolate
4 tbsp. cream cheese

Method

Method
1.    Preheat the oven to 180*C/fan oven 160*C/Gas mark 4. Line 12 holes in a muffin tin with paper cases.
2.    Sift the cocoa powder and flour into a large bowl and stir in the oat bran and baking powder. Place the beetroot, eggs, sunflower oil and vanilla bean paste into a food processor and whizz until smooth. Stir into the flour mixture with the caster sugar and beat until well combined. Divide between the paper cases and bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and firm to the touch. Cool on a wire rack.
3.    Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a simmering pan of water. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.  Beat in the cream cheese until thick and glossy. Divide between the cupcakes and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the granola to serve.

Cooks tip

Look out for ready cooked beetroot in the fresh fruit and vegetable aisles of the supermarket - make sure you choose beetroot in natural juices not dipped in vinegar.