CulinAIry

Ingredients:

 

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour - $4
  • 1 cup granulated sugar - $2
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder - $1
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda - $0.50
  • ¼ teaspoon salt - $0.25
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk) - $2
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - $1
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or any vegetable oil) - $2
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - $1
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - $0.50

 

For the coconut frosting:

  • 1 cup coconut cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk) - $2
  • ½ cup vegan butter or margarine, softened - $2
  • 3 cups powdered sugar - $3
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - $1

 

For the berry topping:

  • Fresh mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - $5
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional) - $2
  • Total estimated cost: $31.25

 

Instructions:

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the almond milk, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
  4. Divide the batter equally among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  6. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the coconut frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the coconut cream and softened vegan butter until creamy.
  8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  9. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
  10. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the coconut frosting onto each cupcake.
  11. Top each cupcake with a variety of fresh mixed berries and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
  12. Serve the Vanilla Berry Cupcakes as a delightful and customizable gluten-free, vegan birthday treat!

 

Note: If you're uncertain about the person's allergies or preferences, it's always a good idea to confirm any dietary restrictions or preferences with them or the host of the celebration to ensure the recipe meets their needs.