Gluten-free Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Elizabeth Raphaelson, Staff Writer

The Cupcake

Makes nine cupcakes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of salt
4 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
3/4 cup honey

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line nine muffin cups with paper liners. If you have a twelve muffin pan, fill the remaining three cups halfway with water to prevent burning. In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, butter and honey. Blend the wet ingredients into the coconut flour mixture with a handheld mixer until thoroughly combined. Fill baking cups up about half way.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If you’re like me and have no toothpicks handy, the old school way to do this is to pluck a piece of straw from a broomstick (make sure your broom is made out of real straw, not plastic or nylon) and wash it and dry it before inserting it into the cupcake. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for one hour, then frost and serve.

The Frosting
Makes two cups
Ingredients:
8 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup of amaretto liquor
Powdered sugar (optional)

While you’re gathering up your materials, throw your bowl and beaters in the freezer. The chill will help to produce a more stable whipped cream. In a deep bowl, whip the cream with a handheld mixer until stiff peaks form.  In a separate larger bowl, whip the cream cheese and amaretto until well combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese. If sweeter frosting is desired, sprinkle some sifted powdered sugar and blend. Use immediately or store in a tightly sealed container for up to two days.