{Treat Day Recipe} Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

Ok, that's a mouth full. And yes, I realize this recipe isn't necessarily healthy, but it's designed for "treat day" and is gluten and dairy free... so it has some redemption. I made it this afternoon with the kids I nanny, and it turned out fabulously. And actually now that I'm thinking about it, Nutella may not be dairy free, but it can be easily left out.

Ingredients to Make Cupcakes:

- 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All-Purpose Baking Flour

- 1/2 cup Tapioca Flour

- 1/2 cup Potato Starch

- 2/3 cup Cocoa Powder

- 1 tsp. Xanthan Gum

- 2 tsp. Baking Powder

- 1 tsp. Baking Soda

- 1/2 tsp. salt

- 1 cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1/2 cup Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup Brewed Coffee
- 2/3 cup Canola Oil

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Nutella Frosting:

- 4 cups Powdered Sugar

- 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder

- 1/3 cup Brewed Coffee

- 1/3 cup of Nutella

- 1 stick of Fleichman's Butter, softened 

- 1/3 cup Almond Milk

- 1/2 tsp. Vanilla 

What to Do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin tin with 24 cupcake liners.

2. Mix together all dry ingredients (including sugar) for cupcakes in a medium-sized bowl. After it has all been mixed, break up any clumps that may have formed, then add all of the wet ingredients. Be careful to not over-mix, because xanthan gum has the tendency to become gummy when it's over-worked. The batter should be somewhat thick, but light and airy.

3. Using two spoons, scoop two tablespoon-sized scoops of batter into each cupcake liner, filling about 1/3 from the top. 

4. Bake at 350 for 12-16 minutes or until your cupcakes spring back up when touched in the center and a knife comes out clean. Let cool. 

5. Mix together powdered sugar and cocoa powder, adding the butter, Nutella and vanilla. Stir until well incorporated, then add the coffee and almond milk. Whisk until frosting is a smooth consistency, spread over cooled cupcakes and enjoy!

My nanny kids wanted to make something with the Halloween Theme, so we used a kit for the liners and decorations that I picked up from Michael's Craft Store for $6.99.