Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes

I like to try new desserts with zucchini. This recipe I got from one of my foodbuzz.com friends. She really makes some amazing desserts so check her out at http://daydreamerdesserts.blogspot.com/. They turned out really nice and moist and the frosting was delicious.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp unsweetened dutch-process cocoa powder

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup pls 2 Tbsp sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 lb zucchini, grated (1 cup)

1 (6 oz) package semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with rack in middle.Whisk together flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.Beat together sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until thick and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.


At low speed, mix in flour mixture until just incorporated.


Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips. Divide among lined muffin cups and bake until tops spring back when lightly pressed, 30 to 35 minutes.Cool in pan 5 minutes, then turn out to cool completely.

Makes 12 cupcakes

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 cups confectioner's sugar

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Whisk until combined the confectioner's sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until well combined. Finally add the vanilla.