We have a treat for you for Halloween (or any day!). Our Kefir Caramel Apple Cupcakes are a decadent dessert ripe with fall flavor. The recipe is made with fresh, tart apples and the dynamic duo of Lifeway Kefir and Lifeway Farmer Cheese. Mixing Lifeway Kefir into the batter gives the cake a flawlessly light and fluffy texture while the creamy frosting, made with Lifeway Farmer Cheese, boosts this treat with probiotics and adds a cool, smooth finish.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually 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.
Prep Time: 30 mins Servings: 12Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 tsp baking power
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extact
- 3/4 cup Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
For the Apple Compote
- 1 apple of choice - we used a sour apple
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cornstartch
Topping
- Green Apples
- 1-2 tbsp Tahini Caramel
- Farmer Cheese Frosting
- 1-2 tbsp Farmer Cheese Frosting
Directions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients for the apple compote. Cook until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together.
- In a large bowl with a hand mixer (or standing mixer), beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Turn down the speed on the mixer and add in the eggs one at a time. Add in the vanilla once the eggs have been incorporated.
- Add in the flour mixture slowly while the mixer is still going. Add in the Lifeway Kefir at the same time.
- Add the batter to a muffin tin with cupcake liners about 3/4 full.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a cooling wrack and allow to cool.
- Make the Farmer Cheese Frosting and set aside.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut a large piece out of the middle of each cupcake, fill it 2/3 way with the the apple compote. Fill the rest of the hole with the farmer cheese frosting. Add a thin layer of Farmer cheese frosting to the top of each cupcake.
- Slice each apple in half horizontally. Add in a decorative stick or popsicle stick to teach apple and top each cupcake with one.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over top of the apples, sprinkle cinnamon and enjoy!
