A healthy, refreshing salad followed by indulgent mocha cupcakes? Yes, we’re making you pretend you care about nutrition first. Start with the cucumber and cabbage salad, packed with crisp freshness and a questionable amount of dressing. It’s light, crunchy, and vaguely good for you—so you can feel somewhat righteous. Then, dive into the real reason you’re here: the mocha cupcakes. These decadent little bites are a coffee lover’s dream. A healthy start, followed by sugary bliss—just how we like to balance things out, right?
Cucumber and Cabbage Salad with Mocha Cupcakes
This recipe pairs a crisp cucumber and cabbage salad with rich, coffee-infused mocha cupcakes. Perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Cucumber and Cabbage Salad:
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
For the Mocha Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee cooled
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
For the Cucumber and Cabbage Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, cabbage, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Toss to coat evenly, then season with salt and pepper.
- Add honey for a touch of sweetness, if desired. Serve chilled.
For the Mocha Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together coffee, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined.
- Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then frost if desired (we won’t judge).
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 240Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 5%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Iron: 6%
- Calcium: 4%
- Potassium: 8%
Additional Notes/Tips
- Feel free to add a little more honey to the salad if you like a sweeter touch.
- For an extra indulgent treat, top cupcakes with whipped cream or a chocolate glaze.
- If you’re a true coffee lover, increase the coffee in the cupcake mix for a stronger flavor.
