When our sweet tooth strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a cupcake. These deliciously simple Gluten-Free Kefir Vanilla Cupcakes, made with Simple Mills Vanilla Cake Mix and our Madagascar Vanilla Kefir, are a dessert we don’t have to feel guilty about!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Lifeway Lowfat Vanilla Kefir
- 1 box Simple Mills Vanilla Cake Almond Flour Mix
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil*
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray, or line with cupcake liners (silicon liners are reusable and will cut down waste).
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, kefir, oil and vanilla until combined and frothy.
- Add the Simple Mills Vanilla Almond Flour Cake Mix to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spoon or pour batter into the lined muffin pan, filling each cup until roughly 2/3 full.
- Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before icing with your favorite frosting and eating.
- Serve with a cool glass of your favorite kefir!
- Experiment with substituting mashed banana or pumpkin puree for some or all of the oil for a lower-fat cupcake.
