Magic Bean Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

I first heard about the "Magic Bean Cake" from a Thermomix consultant. I found various versions of it on the Thermomix recipe site and the rest is history - we all love it! One of the best parts about serving it to someone for the first time is having them guess the key ingredient. They won't believe you when you tell them it is made with red kidney beans! If you want to make yourself feel even better about indulging in this delicious chocolate treat, just have a quick read about the benefits of eating kidney beans. You definitely need this cupcake in your diet!

 

I have included both the Thermomix and traditional versions of the recipe below. Feel free to experiment with ingredients as well. I know some people have made it dairy free by replacing the butter with oil, and some have replaced the caster sugar with natural sugar alternatives. However, the recipe below is the one I've tried and enjoyed. It is super moist and very yummy :)

 

Regarding the decorating of the cupcakes, you can do this any way you want. Pipe the frosting or spread it and add any decorations you wish.

 

 Magic Bean Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting (Thermomix)

Makes 12

Cupcakes
400g tin of red kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
70g cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
125g butter
5 eggs
150g caster sugar*

* Original recipe had 180g sugar but I reduced it and still found it okay, especially since frosting also adds sweetness.

 1. Place beans, water, one egg and vanilla paste in Thermomix bowl and puree until smooth, then set aside. I blend for 50 seconds on Speed 7.

2. Beat the butter and sugar for 30 seconds, Speed 5.

3. Add the 4 remaining eggs and beat for 20 seconds, Speed 4.

4. Add the reserved bean mixture and beat for 5 seconds, Speed 4.

5. Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate soda and salt and blend for 10 seconds,
Speed 4.

6. Pour batter into individual cupcake cases (I use an ice-cream scoop to make this easier) and bake in 160 degree Celsius fan forced oven for 20 minutes or until a skewer/toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

Frosting

60g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
100g icing sugar
100g butter, softened

1. Place chocolate into mixing bowl and grate for 3 seconds, Speed 8.

2. Melt chocolate for 3-4 minutes, 50 degrees, Speed 1.

3. Add icing sugar and butter and whip for 10 seconds, Speed 5.

4. Decorate cooled cupcakes.

 

Magic Bean Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting (Traditional)

Makes 12

Cupcakes
400g tin of red kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
125g butter
5 eggs
3/4 cup caster sugar


1. Place beans, water, one egg and vanilla paste in food processor and puree until smooth, then set aside. Below is a photo of the bean puree as blended in the Thermomix, to give you an idea of what it should look like.

2. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until well combined.

3. Add the 4 remaining eggs and beat on medium speed until all ingredients combined.

4. Add the reserved bean puree and give it a quick mix on medium speed to incorporate it into the mixture.

5. Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate soda and salt and mix until all combined.

6. Pour batter into individual cupcake cases (I use an ice-cream scoop to make this easier) and bake in 160 degree Celsius fan forced oven for 20 minutes or until a skewer/toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

Frosting

60g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
1/2 cup icing sugar
100g butter, softened

1. Place icing sugar and butter in a cake mixer and whip until combined.

2. Melt chocolate over low heat and add to icing sugar and butter mixture.

2. Mix well on medium speed until frosting is fluffy.

4. Decorate cooled cupcakes.