Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C. Spray fifteen 80ml (1/3-cup) capacity muffin pans with oil. Finely grate the beetroot into a bowl.

Step 2

Sift the flour, cocoa powder and mixed spice into a bowl. Stir in sugar. Stir in the beetroot, eggs and butter. Add chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Spoon among the prepared pans. Smooth the surfaces. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 3

Spread the icing over the muffins.