Grain-Free Vanilla Cupcakes with Lime Frosting

These cupcakes are light, tender, and wonderfully moist, while the frosting is silky, creamy, and just tart enough to balance the sweetness. If no one told you they were grain-free, you’d probably never guess.

Grain-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

2½ cups almond flour (I used Honeyville.)
1 tablespoon coconut flour
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup melted coconut oil or butter
5 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin pan with cupcake liners.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey, coconut sugar, and vanilla. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth and well combined.

Add the almond flour, coconut flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing just until incorporated.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Lime Frosting

Ingredients

4 egg whites
1 cup palm shortening
¾ cup powdered monk fruit sweetener, or more to taste
½ cup coconut syrup
4 tablespoons arrowroot or tapioca starch
4 tablespoons coconut flour
1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
⅓ teaspoon salt

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat the palm shortening until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered monk fruit sweetener, coconut syrup, arrowroot starch, coconut flour, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

With the mixer running, slowly drizzle in the melted coconut oil until fully incorporated.

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the frosting, being careful not to deflate them.

Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and garnish with a little extra fresh lime zest before serving.