This cupcake is full of contradictions. The base is light, almost airy...yet moist. The frosting has a bold chocolate flavor...but with a surprisingly mild sweetness. Both are sweetened with agave nectar, which contributes an amazing richness but has a lower glycemic index than sugar. But the real secret ingredient? Mesquite powder! This superfood is packed with fiber, iron and protein, and has an addicting, caramel-like flavor. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any day. Get the gluten-free, vegan recipe below!
Vanilla Cupcakes With Chocolate Mesquite Frosting [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
Calories
220
Serves
12
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons brown rice flour
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sorghum flour
- 1/3 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup agave nectar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup soy margarine, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup agave nectar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup mesquite powder (could also sub soy milk powder)
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners or grease lightly to prevent sticking.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together soy milk and vinegar in another large mixing bowl. Allow to sit for a few minutes. Stir in additional wet ingredients.
- Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and beat with an electric mixer just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin tins (each should be about 2/3 full).
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before frosting.
- Beat margarine and agave with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add vanilla and cocoa powder and beat just until combined.
- Add mesquite or soy milk powder and beat until smooth and well-combined.
- Refrigerate frosting mixture (covered) for about an hour before frosting cupcakes.
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Chocolate
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Chocolate Cupcake
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Vanilla
You proclaim that you have healthy recipes – but this is full of soy – check out the nasty stuff soy does to your body – especially cancer, and other things. My ND (she works at a cancer center) and endocrinologist are both highly against soy.