Just unbelievable Carrot Cake Protein Cupcakes topped with Protein Cream Cheese Frosting! Healthy carrot cake cupcakes use protein powder for sweetener, have very little oil and are a great low calorie, sugar free, low fat and high protein Easter dessert!
Ingredients
1cupWhole Wheat Pastry Flour, 120g
½cupUnflavored Protein Powder, Whey-caesin, 45g (see post for sub)
½cupVanilla Protein Powder, Whey-caesin, about 45g
1tspCinnamon
½tspGinger Powder
¼tspNutmeg
1tspBaking Soda
¾cupUnsweetened Applesauce, 180g
½cupUnsweetened Almond Milk, 120ml
¼cupNon-fat Greek Yogurt, about 56g, Room temperature
2TbspMaple Syrup, Sugar-free recommended below
1TbspMelted Coconut Oil, 14g
1Egg, Room Temperature
1⅔cupGrated Carrots, 197g, from 3 medium
Protein Cream Cheese Frosting:
4½TbspReduced Fat Cream Cheese, Softened, 63g
3TbspNon-fat Plain Greek Yogurt, 42g
3TbspAlmond Milk, 45ml
3TbspVanilla Protein Powder, Whey-caesin, 17g
Optional Toppings:
Crushed Pecans/Walnuts
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F, line 12 cups of a muffin pan with cupcake lines, and lightly spray insides with cooking spray (or use non-stick pan).
In medium bowl combine whole wheat pastry flour, unflavored protein powder, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and baking soda.
In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, coconut oil and egg.
Add dry mix to wet, and gently fold until just combined.
Add grated carrots (and any mix-ins) and fold to combine.DO NOT OVER-MIX or protein powder and gluten will from wheat flour will make the cake dense.
Divide batter among cupcake cavities filling ¾ way to the top.Smoothen tops with back of spoon or small spatula.
Bake for 18-20 minutes. A toothpick inserted into center comes out dry.
Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan.Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Protein Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a small bowl whisk together softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, almond milk and protein powder until smooth.
Scoop out and spread frosting on top of cupcakes, top with crushed pecans or walnuts.
Notes
Taste the batter and see if you need some extra sweetener; I’d recommend stevia if needed.
Nutrition value is calculated using products recommended below.
See post for alternate ingredients, tips and storage options.