Sugar-Free 'Cupcakes'

Today, I catered a birthday party. I love parties but I often feel torn when working them. Obviously, I have to abide by the clients request, even when their request involves oodles of that white stuff. You know, s-s-sugar!! We often have to serve sugary cup cakes that are iced with super sugary icing. If that wasn't enough, they want that icing to come in colors of the rainbow which is of course done with all kinds of food colouring. They see these as festive and fun. All I can see is the heaps of chemicals their kids are about to ingest and cringe every time I have to serve them.

Today however, I had a mom ask for a sugar-free party. I beamed with delight! Now that's my kind of party! However, this mom even stepped it up a little. She requested no sugar whatsoever, not even maple syrup, honey or stevia. I love a challenge, especially a healthy one.

Spiced banana 'cupcakes' with chocolate avocado icing and chocolate banana 'cupcakes' with sweet potato icing is what I came up with. I thought I'd be nice and share this yummy recipe with you.

Aren't these perfect for Halloween??

Spiced Banana 'Cupcakes'
*makes 8 muffins
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 mashed bananas
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk substitute (rice/almond/coconut)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
*variation: 1/4 cup raw cocoa powder

Pre-heat oven to 350F
1. Mix together all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add cocoa at this time if using.
2. In separate bowl, beat eggs. Add vanilla, oil, milk. Mix well.
3. Add mashed bananas to wet mix and stir.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix but not too much. Some lumps may remain.
5. Put into greased muffin tray and bake for 15 min.
6. Let cool and add icing:)

Sweet Potato Icing

2 medium sweet potatoes
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Steam or boil potatoes until very soft.
2. Put all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth
3. Ice 'cupcakes' and then lick the spoon and food processor until there's nothing left! Yum!
 * recipe adapted from Sprout Right - Lianne Phillipson-Webb

Chocolate Avocado

2 large avocados
6 Tbsp raw cocoa powder
6 pitted dates, soaked for 2 hours
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 mashed banana
1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash of salt

1. Put all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Ice 'cupcakes'. Then instead of licking every last remaining bit, chop up some fruit and use as  
    dipping sauce. Or save it for an evening alone with your shmoopy (if ya' know what I'm sayin'??:)


Following this months' Marvelous Me' theme, the sweet potato icing goes towards your 5/day veggies. Mind you, its a stretch - a far one at that, but every little bit helps:)