Low Fat Chocolate Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Indulge in the perfect balance of decadence and health with these Low Fat Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting. Made with unsweetened applesauce and low-fat buttermilk, these moist and fluffy cupcakes are a guilt-free chocolate lover's dream. Each bite delivers rich cocoa flavor paired with a creamy, tangy vanilla frosting crafted from light cream cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for everyday treats or special occasions. With simple pantry staples and no butter or heavy cream, these cupcakes are a satisfying yet lighter option for dessert enthusiasts. Perfectly portioned in a 12-cup muffin tin, they’re great for sharing (or indulging solo!). Savory meets sweet in this health-conscious twist on a classic favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 0.5 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 4 ounces light cream cheese
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, buttermilk, vanilla extract, egg, and red wine vinegar. Mix until smooth.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 6

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

For the frosting, beat the light cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth.

Step 9

Gradually add confectioners' sugar and continue to beat until fluffy.

Step 10

Mix in the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth spreading consistency.

Step 11

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the vanilla frosting.

Step 12

Enjoy your delicious low-fat chocolate cupcakes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(926.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2110.8

Total Fat 35.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 254.6mg	0%
Sodium 2296.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 444.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.3g	0%
Total Sugars 303.3g
Protein 47.1g	0%

Vitamin D 130.7IU	0%
Calcium 485.1mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 1863.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.8%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 77.9%