Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Banana Buttercream |

I know, I know, it's almost fall, and these cupcakes might seem a little out of place. But the thing is, the strawberries are EPIC right now in Tennessee, and they're on sale constantly, which means I always buy too many. Which subsequently means, I look for uses other than a huge bowlful sprinkled with cinnamon, watching Narcos (heaven).
Like...this Strawberry Banana Buttercream!
Luscious and silky, this buttercream is your favorite classic smoothie meets decadent dessert.
That said, if you're already over berries, frosting is only half of the equation here. The other half is the cupcake itself, which can receive any topping your heart desires: slathered with a little extra butter, or almond butter, or jam, or nothing at all, because they are just that good.
These vanilla cupcakes are delicate, tender, moist and just lightly sweetened. Because of the protein and fiber found in almond and coconut flour, they are also quite satiating. Birthday parties can be a healthy living pitfall for many, as they're often excuses to "treat" ourselves to refined sugar and flour laden goodies. But I say, how is something a "treat" if it zaps all of your energy? If it sets your blood sugar skyrocketing then crashing? If it causes you to feel guilty for eating three cupcakes or five cookies instead of the one you intended?
I am not into labeling food as "good" or "bad", but I am into accepting that certain foods will make us feel good or bad. Most traditional cupcakes make me feel pretty darn bad, especially now that I eat so much less sugar than I used to. I don't feel like I'm depriving myself when I say no to them, or to donuts or Skittles or Snickers or whatever. I don't desire these things, because I don't like feeling yucky, and because there are more wholesome and equally delicious alternatives! While still a treat and not an every day food, my cupcakes make me feel just fine...even steadily, lightly energized!
I hope the next time you have a birthday to attend, you will give these a try, and enjoy the best of both worlds, celebrating with a beautiful, healthy vanilla cupcake!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
CUPCAKES
BUTTERCREAM
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