When it comes to birthdays I pretty much turn a blind eye to the whole “avoiding” sugar thing. It’s a no holds barred feast on gluten-free chocolate cake and buttercream frosting.
And so it was with this batch of Batman and Lego Ninjago cupcakes.
Can anyone help me here? Is the green guy Cole or Jay, or wait maybe it’s Kai?
My boys would be aghast if they knew I didn’t know which was which.
Birthdays can be hectic. So to save time I turn to Bob, Pamela and Michael for help. Bob’s Red Mill faithfully brings the super-moist Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Mix (affiliate link). Pamela rocks it home her sugar coma-inducing (but oh so good) Vanilla Icing Mix (affiliate link). Michael delivers the glam.
The cake is easily made without eggs and milk—just sub with chia eggs and non-dairy milk. The icing may be made dairy-free by using either Earth Balance Soy-Free Buttery Spread or Spectrum Palm Shortening.
For decorating, I grab the fondant and food coloring (yep, the artificial stuff). My kids know that these decorations are just that—for decoration. We don’t eat them. I draw the line at artificial colors, even on special days.
Blocks of white fondant and a rainbow of food coloring can be found at Michaels (they offer cake decorating classes, too—something I could really use to improve my lame buttercream piping skills). All you do is massage the coloring into the fondant and then treat it like play dough (if it gets too sticky, toss it in the freezer for a bit). You could try all-natural India Tree Nature’s Colors, however the colors just won’t be as intense. A halloween bat cookie cutter came in handy for the Batman cupcakes. An edible food coloring pen for the ninjas’ eyes.
Have fun!
19 comments
Bob and Pamela are our good friends when it comes to birthdays, too! 🙂 It's funny how much you and I think alike sometimes! I love that I can make gluten, dairy, and egg free cupcakes for my son's parties that look and taste so good no one even realizes there is anything "different" about them! All the kids gobble them up! 🙂 Have you ever tried making the icing with Artisana coconut butter? I did that this year for Will's birthday — it was sooo good!
Happy Birthday to your son! I hope he has a wonderful day. xo Lisa
p.s. Your cupcakes look really amazing!!
Aw, you did a great job Alexa, way more love than Bob, Pamela, and Michael can offer went into those!
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
These are adorable!! And I love that you still don't let the kids have the artificial coloring, even on a birthday. Good for you. 🙂 I can tell these are made with love.
I am in LOVE with those ninja cupcakes!
Thank you Lexie for showing us dessert-lovers a safe way to have a "traditional" birthday celebration! These cupcakes look (and must taste) absolutely da bomb!
Oooohh: "Masters of Spinjitzu" so same as "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangahs" and the "Mutant Ninja Turtles" you were reared on yah? Oh wait: we didn't have a TV, back then? Nevermind.
wow, those cupcakes are amazing! so fun! thanks for sharing!
Lisa, Alisa, Courtney and Debi … glad you enjoyed. The combo of Bob's and Pamela is OVER the top good. 🙂 xoLexie
Poha … funny, I know a little chihuahua terrier with that name. If this is you, I am surprised my little canine friend knows so much about super heroes. I thought Skippy John Jones would be more up your alley : ) Thanks for sneaking on the computer and leaving a commento. xoLexie
Mouth watering!! :DD Want one right now!