Chocolate Cupcakes

Yesterday, I decided last minute I would make cupcakes for the kids and their friends who were coming over after school. A little treat is always nice, but the catch was that I didn't want to totally load them up on sugar and such. So I went in search of a healthier cupcake (at least slightly--without tasting like cardboard or carrots or something).

The result, I have to say, was pretty good! I took the cupcake from this recipe at i.run.on.nutrition (which looks like it was originally from Taste of Home), and then the Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting from Heavenly Homemakers. They made a good combination, and they were both easy to make!

Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 box chocolate cake mix

1 box sugar-free chocolate fudge instant pudding

1 3/4 cup water

3 egg whites

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water and egg whites. Using a mixer beat on low speed for 1 minute; beat on medium for 2 minutes.
2. Spoon batter into cupcake liners; filling 2/3 of the way full. Bake at 325 F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Frosting

INGREDIENTS
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4- 1/3 cup honey or real grade B maple syrup (depending on your taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Whip cream with a mixer until soft peaks form. 
2. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, honey and vanilla until creamy. 
3. Fold cream cheese mixture into whipped cream.