Cupcake Lover

It's breakfast time and you need a cupcake...dunt, dunt, dun.  What to do?

Eat a cupcake...

What's that you say?  It doesn't look like a cupcake?  (I tried my best to make it resemble a cupcake!) But it sure satisfies like one!  This overnight oats recipe was inspired by the Chocolate Almond Cupcakes I made for the baby shower last weekend.  And trust me, when you need a cupcake fix, yet you've just run 6 miles and your body really needs it's protein and carbs...this is a great resort.

Chocolate Almond Overnight Oats
(makes 2)

1/4 cup Almond Flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp Almond Extract
2 tbsp Chia seeds
1 mashed banana
1 heaping tbsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups Almond Milk
1/4 cup sliced almonds

In bowl, mash your banana and whisk together all other ingredients.  Store in fridge overnight or at least 2 hours.

To take your Overnight Oats to the next level and redeem the rights to call it a cupcake you must add this next layer...

Almond Butter Banana Cream

1 1/2 bananas sliced and frozen
1 tsp Almond extract
1 tsp Almond Butter (optional)

In food processor, process bananas for several minutes, scraping down sides of food processor as you go.  Continue to process until the bananas turn into small chunks and then progress into a creamy substance and then finally until it whips up into a light and fluffy frozen yogurt-esque consistency.  Add in the Almond extract and almond butter and top your Overnight oats.  To really set these "cupcakes" off sprinkle a few almond slices on top.

Mmmm, melty, sweet, butter cream frosting!  Delish!

Served with a glass of iced coffee...my new addiction!  At least it is decaf!

Did you catch that part above where I mentioned I ran 6 miles this morning?  Pat and Forbes dragged me out of bed at 6am for an epic run this morning.  It wasn't fast but it was strong and happy.  Yes, that run was happy.  I felt good.  The boys gracefully let me set the pace and we managed just under 10 minute miles.  It has been a while since I have achieved 6 miles and it felt good!  Maybe I don't hate this distance thing after all.  Of course it also feels good to have my workout done for the day!  Now on to more fun things like work...

But first, let's just say for instance that you did run 6 miles today, and that you ate cupcake oats for breakfast...and that cupcake craving hasn't left your system.  Well, then I say indulge!  But do it cruelty-free!

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate-Almond Butter Cream

cupcake recipe by Chef Chloe winner of Cupcake Wars!

OMGness!  Best cupcakes ever! 

1 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup non-dairy milk (I use almond)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line and grease a 12-cup cupcake pan.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in large bowl.

Combine oil, milk, vanilla, and vinegar in separate bowl.

Add wet to dry and mix thoroughly.  Distribute evenly in pan and bake for 10-15 minutes or until toothpick come out slightly crumby/clean.

Let cool and frost as directed below

Chocolate-Almond Butter Cream

4 cups sifted powder sugar
2/3 cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1 tbsp Almond Extract
2 tbsp Cocoa Powder

In electric stand mixer, ship together sugar and butter until light and fluffy and add in almond extract.  If you plan to be outside with your cupcakes with a risk of melting, add more powdered sugar to make the frosting stiffer.  Spoon frosting into zipper sealed plastic bag and snip the corner.  Pipe icing onto cooled cupcakes.

Yesterday was a special occasion for several reasons and cupcake baking was a necessity!  First, it was my last day with the kiddos babysitting and we were also celebrating Bob's birthday (which is today) so I just had to make him cupcakes. 

Second, it was Forbes' last day of school with kids.  He still has several days of teacher workdays, but he is officially done teaching for the summer!

And lastly, we had dinner plans with Marsha and her family and the girls had put in a special request for vanilla cupcakes after they enjoyed the Chocolate-Almond cupcakes so much!

I don't think they liked these at all!

 

Neither did the guys!

In all seriousness though...these were one of the best cupcakes I have ever eaten!  So light and fluffy!

Prior to all the cupcake eating, we did enjoy a healthy and wholesome dinner.  Marsha and her family treated Forbes and me, and we introduced the girls to their first ever sushi roll!  Of course conversation was so entertaining, I didn't manage to snap any photos of dinner, but aren't you impressed that I managed to get photos of people last night! 

It is shaping up to be a pretty lovely Friday so far...but seriously, I need to get to work!  Have a great day!  Preferably one that includes cupcakes!