Get the recipe:Beet Chocolate Muffins for Toddler + Kids
4.1 stars (10 ratings)
These Beet Chocolate Muffins with Cream Cheese Surprise are a healthier version of the traditional red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. They are a great treat for toddler and kids and have a hidden veggie in them:)
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line 12 regular size muffin holes with paper liners.
Place the beets into the large basket and start steamer cycle for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly and then puree. Measure out 1/2 cup of the puree for this recipe and reserve the rest for another batch of muffins or another recipe. Beet puree can be frozen for 3 months.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (if using maple syrup blend with wet ingredients), cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cloves.
In the blender you used to puree the beets (no need to wash), blend together the milk, oil, beet puree and vanilla extract for 45-60 seconds. Add in the egg and pulse for 10 seconds.
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
In a small bowl, add the cream cheese and maple syrup and microwave for 20 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
Fill each muffin hole with 1 heaping tablespoon of muffin mix, make a slight indent in the muffin mix with the back of your spoon. Spoon 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling into each indented hole. Cover with another heaping tablespoon of muffin mix, making sure to cover the cream cheese completely.
Bake in oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and serve.
Instructions for Regular Cooking Method
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. Place the beets into a steamer basket and steam for 20 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly. Reserve steamer water.
Transfer the beets to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, adding water in 1/4 cup increments if needed.
Measure out 1/2 cups of beet puree for recipe, reserving the rest for another recipe. Continue as directed above at step 3.
Notes
Age: 12+ monhtsYield: 12 regular size muffinsStorage: in air-tight container in fridge or counter for 1 week, or 3 months frozen.Notes on Sugar: this amount will produce a mildly sweet muffin. If you want a sweeter muffin increase the sugar amount to 2/3 cup. For the muffins pictured, I used 2/3 cup of maple syrup for a sweet almost cake like sweetness.