Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise (see Tip)
- Cupcakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- Sprinkles for decoration
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup packed confectioners sugar, sifted
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (see Note)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 12-ounce can low-fat evaporated milk, divided Frosting