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3 Allergy-Friendly Cupcakes for Kids

Medically reviewed by Johna Burdeos, RD
Written by Sarah Winfrey
Posted on July 26, 2024

When your child has food allergies, you quickly realize that you have particular concerns that other parents likely don’t think about. Birthday parties and other celebrations may rank high on the list because common allergens like dairy, eggs, wheat, and peanuts may be included in the party fare.

Having food allergies shouldn’t deprive your child of the fun of a birthday cake or cupcakes. Allergy-free baking keeps getting better, and having a variety of cupcake recipes means your child can bring their own treat to enjoy at a birthday party. If you’re hosting a celebration at home, preparing an allergy-free spread ensures that the entire family and other guests can enjoy the same meal and dessert.

As always, talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about what your child can eat. A health care professional can give you the best medical advice about their diet.

1. Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes

When you want a moist cupcake with lots of chocolate flavor but none of the top 9 most common allergens, Allergy Awesomeness has the recipe for you.

The Best Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Birthday Cupcakes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 cup plus 5 tablespoons water, divided
  • 2 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if using gluten-free flour that contains it)
  • 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) vegan butter
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the cups with cupcake liners. Mix the flaxseed with the 5 tablespoons of water to form 2 flax eggs (vegan egg substitute) and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum. Stir to combine.
  3. In a saucepan over medium-low, melt the butter. Add the applesauce, cocoa powder, and remaining 1 cup water. Stir until mixed, and then remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Add the vanilla and reserved flax eggs to the pan, and then combine the mixture with the whisked dry ingredients. Stir until smooth.
  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently pressed.
  6. Serve the cooled cupcakes plain or spread with your child’s favorite allergy-free frosting.

Recipe Note

Some cocoa powder may contain traces of dairy. If you aren’t sure, contact the company.

2. Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes

These vanilla cupcakes from Bohemian Vegan Kitchen will satisfy your child’s sweet tooth. You can dress them up for a party with a swirl of frosting and a flourish of vegan sprinkles, if you wish.

Amazing Allergy-Free Cupcakes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups gluten-free flour (preferably a type that can be substituted 1-to-1 for regular flour)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (cream part only)
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the cups with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the coconut milk, applesauce, water, and vanilla. Using an electric beater, mix the batter until it’s very smooth and starts to get fluffy.
  4. Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, filling each. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Serve the cooled cupcakes plain or spread with your child’s favorite allergy-free frosting.

Recipe Note

You can replace the applesauce with mashed banana or canned pumpkin to vary the flavor.

3. Red Velvet Cupcakes for Everyone

Looking to add some colorful flair to your dessert repertoire? Consider making this gluten-free red velvet cupcake recipe from Allergylicious. They’re delicious as is, but the cream cheese frosting is the icing on the cake.

Fluffy Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dairy-free milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1¼ cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil
  • 2¼ tablespoons natural red food coloring
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the cups with cupcake liners.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the milk and vinegar. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes. (It’s OK if the milk curdles.)
  3. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Whisk the oil, food coloring, and vanilla into the reserved milk and vinegar mixture, then gently mix into the flour blend. Mix until smooth and only some small lumps remain.
  5. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove each cupcake and place on a cooling rack.
  6. Decorate the cooled cupcakes with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows).

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) vegan shortening or butter, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Using an electric or stand-up mixer on medium speed, combine the cream cheese and shortening or butter until smooth.
  2. Add the vanilla and slowly add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and the frosting is fluffy.

Recipe Notes

  • If your gluten-free flour doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum to the flour mixture.
  • If you’re nervous about using a store-bought red food dye, you can make your own at home.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Do you have a favorite allergy-friendly cupcake recipe for your kids? How do you manage the stress of preparing safe meals? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

Posted on July 26, 2024
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Johna Burdeos, RD is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer. Learn more about her here.
Sarah Winfrey is a writer at MyHealthTeam. Learn more about her here.

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