Recipes

Sometimes it is virtually impossible for me to exert any will power when it comes to eating. I am not sure what weird creature takes over, but I just know from the time I wake up that if I am not careful, this monster will likely consume hundreds of extra calories. On those days I rely on recipes like this one to get me through – built in portion control becomes a life saver. Even in the worst case scenario, I eat an extra 160 calories. You know, when I eat both cupcakes. Not too bad in my book given what could happen when this monster comes to play.

On a side note, this vanilla cupcake recipe was inspired by a wonderful reader, Jenny, who has been hoping for a vanilla cupcake recipe. Topped with a delicious, lemon cream cheese frosting it makes the perfect, low calorie treat. I also cannot stop obsessing over buying dozens of adorable cupcake liners…I’m worried about what’s about to happen.

Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Servings: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Nutritional Info: 161.9 calories, 4g of fat, 26.8g of carbohydrates, .5g of fiber, 5.4g of protein * 5 P+ (4 P+ without frosting)

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. light butter melted
• 1 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 cup flour
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1.5 tbsp. nonfat milk
• 1 tbsp. light cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
• Drizzle fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk together the egg white and sugar in a bowl.
3. Add the applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir together.
4. Stir in the flour, salt, and baking powder until combined. Then stir in the milk until smooth.
5. Pour into two lined or sprayed cupcake tins. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile stir together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest. Drizzle in a touch of lemon juice and place in the fridge.
7. Once the cupcakes have cooled, divide the frosting between the two cupcakes.

Adapated from How Sweet Eats.