11 Healthier Cupcake Recipes (2024)

11 Healthier Cupcake Recipes (1)

By SAMANTHA_SP,SparkPeople Blogger 5/2/2013

Have you noticed that cupcakerys are the new hot trend in restaurants?Even in my non-metropolitan home town, our local bakery competed in the 2011 and 2012 Food Network Cupcake Wars and won "Best of the Best" on Cupcake Champions in 2012.
In our home, the month of February is an unofficial cupcake month, with Valentine's Day and nine separate family birthday celebrations to prepare for.However, if I stuck with the standard recipe, my husband and I would surely gain a few pounds and my kids would gain an eternal sugar high.

That said, there are some simple modifications that add nutritional value, reduce the processed sugar, fat, and calories too. Substitute whole-grain flours for all purpose flour.Use fruits and vegetables as a natural sweetener and add color and texture; applesauce can be used in place of oil; flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water can be used in place of eggs; and Greek yogurt can be used in place of flour.I also find that when I use natural ingredients, I crave the processed sugar less-and-less. Another health benefit and convenience with cupcakes is that a serving is as simple as one cupcake. Leftovers can go right into the freezer instead of a late night snack.Celebrate something special with these healthier cupcake recipes.

Chewy Cupcake Brownies
Remember how delicious Mom's brownies were? You can duplicate the taste for a fraction of the fat if you substitute cocoa for bittersweet chocolate and use applesauce in place of some of the butter or oil.

calories:72.2 fat:0.6g protein:1.1g carbs:16.2g fiber:0.7g

Natural Red Velvet Cupcakes
Beets are used to add vibrant red colors instead processed food dye. This recipe is also made with whole-wheat flour!

calories:64.1 fat:0.8g protein:2.2g carbs:12g fiber:1g

Spring Cupcakes with Citrus Icing
An exclusive 'SparkPeople Cookbook' recipe! You’ll never know that the confetti inside these cupcakes comes from vegetables. These cupcakes were a hit during our taste test!

calories:145.8 fat:4.9g protein:2.6g carbs:24.6g fiber:2.4g

Pina Colada Cupcakes
A deliciously moist cupcake. Great on their own, but better with rum cream cheese frosting!

calories:71.1 fat:2.6g protein:0.9g carbs:11g fiber:0.2g

Low Fat Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes
An out of this world treat for chocolate lovers!

calories:123.3 fat:2.8g protein:3.8g carbs:20.6g fiber:1.2g

Pumpkin Cupcakes
Prepare these allergy-friendly cupcakes, which are wheat and dairy free, for a healthy snack!

calories:112.9 fat:0.5g protein:1.4g carbs:26.6g fiber:1.4g

11 Healthier Cupcake Recipes (8)

Caramel Pumpkin Pudding Cupcakes
This recipe tastes so indulgent--you won't believe it's so low in calories and fat!

calories:122.9 fat:2.4g protein:2g carbs:23.6g fiber:1g

Strawberries and Cream Surprise Cupcakes
The surprise is that these cupcakes have no butter or oil in them, less sugar and less flour, but do use zucchini, and have a hidden spoon of strawberry jam! Use rice flour in place of wheat for a gluten-free option.

calories:157.6 fat:5.1g protein:3.3g carbs:25.7g fiber:1.4g
11 Healthier Cupcake Recipes (10)Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
Light yet tasty cupcakes that are a cinch to make!

calories:99.7 fat:1.8g protein:1.2g carbs:20.3g fiber:0.2g

Banana Chocolate Cupcakes
Bananas add a light flavor and moisture to this recipe without added fat.

calories:83.7 fat:2.8g protein:1.3g carbs:14.5g fiber:0.9g

11 Healthier Cupcake Recipes (12)Vegan Cupcakes
Dairy- and egg-free, these cupcakes are low in fat and feature a homemade icing topped with fresh berries!

calories:178.9 fat:4.5g protein:1.9g carbs:34.1g fiber:1.4g

What is your favorite cupcake recipe? Which of these cupcake recipes will you try?

See more: recipes healthy cooking chef meg dessert sparkmoms


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11 Healthier Cupcake Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are cupcakes healthy? ›

Cupcakes are high in sugar and saturated fat, two nutrients that should be consumed in moderation. Women should stay under 24 grams of added sugar per day, and men should aim for less than 36 grams per day. Added sugar is any sugar that's not found naturally in foods (like the natural sugar in fruit or milk).

Why muffin is healthier than cupcake? ›

Cupcake recipes generally contain much higher levels of sugar and fat. This makes cupcakes sweeter, and juicier with finer crumbs. Muffins usually have fruit, nuts, and other ingredients mixed into the batter to compensate. Because of this, muffins are usually considered healthier than cupcakes.

What is the secret to good cupcakes? ›

Top Tips for Baking Better Cupcakes
  • Read the Recipe. Read the recipe all the way through first. ...
  • Check Oven Temperature. ...
  • Check the Dates. ...
  • Substitute with Caution. ...
  • Use the Right Temperature. ...
  • Take Time to Sift. ...
  • Measure with Care. ...
  • Cream the Ingredients.

Why are cupcakes called 1234? ›

In later years, when the use of volume measurements was firmly established in American home kitchens, these recipes became known as 1234 cakes or quarter cakes, so called because they are made up of four ingredients: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, and four eggs.

Is it OK to eat cupcake batter? ›

To stay safe when baking or cooking with flour and eggs, follow these guidelines: Do not taste or eat raw dough or batter being used for food (cookies, cakes, pancakes, pizza, etc.) or crafts (dough-based holiday ornaments). Follow instructions regarding cooking temperature and time to kill any bacteria.

How unhealthy is a muffin? ›

Most store-bought muffins are like glorified cupcakes—they're full of sugar and simple carbs. "They can be packed with added sugar and low in fiber, sending your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster before you even get to work," says Charlotte Martin, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CPT.

Are cupcakes better than cake? ›

For intimate gatherings or parties with diverse tastes, cupcakes can be a great choice. They offer variety and convenience, and everyone gets their piece of happiness. For larger, more formal events, a beautifully designed cake can add a touch of elegance and tradition.

Is a muffin healthier than a biscuit? ›

Compared to biscuits, English muffins have more health benefits. The higher protein content of bread flour that is used in English muffins is an easy way to sneak extra protein into your diet. Compared to all purpose flour, bread flour has around three more grams of protein per cup.

Is cupcake a junk food? ›

Cupcakes usually contain large amounts of calories and fat. If you ate three regular-sized chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, you likely consumed upwards of 1,500 calories and 50 grams of fat. Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting contain similar amounts of calories and fat.

What not to do when baking cupcakes? ›

Don't Over-mix, Don't Under-mix

Not too much, not too little. Make sure you're mixing the cupcake batter together *just until* the wet and dry are combined. Overmixing batter, whether that's for cakes, cupcakes, breads, muffins, etc, lends a tough-textured baked good. Don't turn on the mixer then leave the room.

Are cupcakes better with milk or water? ›

Most box cake recipes will tell you to add water to the mix. Instead, try adding milk using the same proportions. This will make the cake richer and creamier because it ups the fat content. You can even use buttermilk here for a pleasant tang.

Is cupcake a girl or boy? ›

Mr. Cupcake may be a deranged animatron, but he can still be pretty adorable. With pink frosting, big blank eyes, buck teeth, and a single candle on his head, he's almost as cute as he is creepy.

What is the oldest cupcake? ›

Who invented the cupcake? Amelia Simmons invented the cupcake in 1796 when he wrote a recipe called “a light cake to bake in small cups” in her book named “American Cookery”. In fact, the first official use of the phrase “cupcake” was an 1828 reference made in Eliza Leslie's cookbook.

What is cupcake slang for? ›

Older Slang. a sexually attractive young woman. a beloved girl or woman.

Why you should eat cupcakes? ›

Carbohydrates are one of the major sources of energy in plenty of foods. And cakes & cupcakes are generally made by mixing flour and sugar together, which are excellent sources of carbohydrates. They can provide the entire body, including muscles, brain and nervous system, with a sufficient amount of energy.

Can you eat cake and be healthy? ›

A small dessert consumed daily can be part of a healthy diet. The key is to control portion sizes. You'll also want to pay attention to other foods you eat that contain added sugars, such as cereals, protein bars, juices, bottled teas and coffees, so you don't overdo your daily sugar intake.

How good are cupcakes good for? ›

Plain cupcakes without any icing or frosting can keep for up to a week on your kitchen counter, but iced cupcakes, or those with a sweet filling, will only last 2-4 days. Cupcakes topped with buttercream or other dairy ingredients need to be stored in the fridge and can last for 3-5 days refrigerated.

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