Gluten Free Banana Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
If you're a fan of cupcakes, but you're trying to cut back on gluten, you're in luck! These gluten-free banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and healthy treat that you can enjoy guilt-free. Not only are they made with wholesome ingredients, but they're also easy to make and perfect for any occasion. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the recipe and the health benefits of these tasty treats.
The Recipe
To make these cupcakes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting, you'll need:
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
Once you have all of your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
The Health Benefits
Not only are these cupcakes gluten-free, but they're also packed with healthy ingredients that are good for you. Bananas, for example, are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. They're also a great source of natural sweetness, which means you can use less sugar in your recipe. Unsweetened applesauce is another healthy ingredient that adds moisture to your cupcakes without adding extra calories.
Coconut oil is a great alternative to butter or vegetable oil because it's high in healthy fats and antioxidants. It's also been shown to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Honey is a natural sweetener that's rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It's a great alternative to refined sugar, which has been linked to a number of health problems.
Cream cheese may not be the healthiest ingredient in your frosting, but you can make it healthier by using low-fat or fat-free cream cheese. You can also use less powdered sugar to reduce the amount of added sugar in your frosting. Overall, these gluten-free banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a healthy and delicious treat that you can feel good about eating.
The Verdict
Whether you're gluten-free or not, these banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and healthy treat that you won't want to miss. They're easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, indulge in a cupcake or two – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
