These Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes are the berry best. They’re made with real strawberries and Lifeway Kefir in the batter and frosting. The succulent fruit gives these treats a sweet, bright flavor while the Lifeway Kefir makes a moist and fluffy cake. Each bite of these Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes is a joy for the senses.
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 increased 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 Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant 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
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry purée blended fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup unsweetened strawberry applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup Strawberry Lowfat Kefir
- 1/3 cup organic raw cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup gluten-free baking flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Garnishes: fresh strawberry and lemon slices
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then line your pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- Make your strawberry purée with fresh strawberries in a food processor first, then add to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining wet ingredients: unsweetened strawberry applesauce, vanilla, lemon juice and zest, and Strawberry Lifeway Kefir.
- In a separate bowl, sift your flowers with the cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Add to the bowl with the wet ingredients, and blend with a hand mixer.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared cupcake liners in your pan, and then bake for 20-22 minutes. Watch them to make sure the tops start to turn a golden brown and they smell fragrant. Don't overbake! Test with a fork to make sure they come out clean. While they're baking, prepare the frosting.
- To make the frosting, blend the Strawberry Lifeway Oat with the freeze dried strawberries and lemon juice. Add to a bowl, stir in the powdered sugar to get a thick mixture (not too thick, but thick enough to spread). Keep this in the fridge until ready to frost the cupcakes.
- Once the cupcakes are done, let them cool completely on the counter for at least 45 minutes, then frost with the prepared frosting. Serve and enjoy!
