Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 standard cupcake tins with paper liners and lightly mist the insides with nonstick cooking spray so the cupcakes don’t stick. Set aside.

Step 2

Add the beans and one cup water to a blender and purée until completely smooth.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, combine bean purée, cake mix, eggs and applesauce in a mixing bowl and stir to create a velvety batter (it’s OK if you have some small bumps throughout). Pour batter into the prepared cupcake tin; fill cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full (~1/4 cup batter in each) and bake according to directions on box (for cupcakes it’s typically 19 to 23 minutes). To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the middle of one and they’re done when it comes out clean.

Step 4

Top with Chocolate-Avocado Frosting (recipe linked above).

Step 5

*For chocolate cupcakes. swap in 1 can of black beans and 1 box chocolate cake mix.