Monday, October 10, 2011

Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Frosting: Gluten Free, Vegan and Paleo-ish



Everyone has a birthday and most likely, even if you're on a very regimented eating program you still want to celebrate your special day with a little treat.  Today one of our fellow Crossfiters celebrated her special day.  She's gluten-free and many of us try to eat a paleo diet so I found a recipe that would fit the bill.  Note this isn't completely sweetener free as it has agave, but as far as birthday sweets go, I think it is a keeper.

I found the recipe on nourishing meals.com

Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Ingredients

3 cups blanched almond flour (Almond flour can be very expensive, but I have found the finely ground almond meal works well and is and economical alternative).
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
1/2 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line one 12-cup muffin tin with paper muffin cups.

In a medium-size mixing bowl sift together the almond flour, cocoa powder, arrowroot, baking powder, sea salt, and xanthan gum.

In a separate bowl whisk together the remaining wet ingredients.  Add the wet to the dry and whisk together well.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.  Bake for about 25 minutes.  Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate (about 3 ounces)
1/4 cup canned coconut milk
2-3 tablespoons agave nectar

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan.  Heat over low heat melting chocolate. Stir continuously until melted and thickened, about 2 minutes.  If frosting is a bit too thick, add a additional tablespoon of coconut milk.  Taste to make sure it is a suitable sweetness.  Remove from heat and let cool about 5 minutes then spoon over cupcakes.



So shiny!  Almost like a chocolate mirror!




A delicious, rich, paleo-ish, sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free dessert option!
Enjoy!

2 comments:

Lindsay said...

Yum! I wish I had all these ingredients! Better yet, I wish someone else made these for me since I'm too lazy to bake ;)

Where do you find arrowroot powder, xanthan gum and grapeseed oil?

Kimberly said...

I believe you can find Arrowroot Powder and Xanthan Gum in the spice section or perhaps baking section. they come in spice type jars. You can get them at Mother's or Whole Foods. You may be able to buy them in bulk at Whole Foods and then just get what you need. Same with the grapeseed oil, although Trader Joe's may carry that one. I bought it at a local grocery that carries Mediterranean foods.