The BEST food allergy friendly dairy free Bakery Style Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes! These egg free vanilla cupcakes contain real vanilla bean to enhance the flavor of the light and delicious dairy free frosting. Super food allergy friendly. A Vegan vanilla bakery style cupcake everyone can enjoy!
Thank you Allergy Amulet for sponsoring this post. #allergyamulet
You guyssss! I have a special treat for you today: Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes. Not just any gluten free cupcake. No. We’re talking about light Bakery Style gluten free vanilla cupcakes made with vanilla beans. Egg free gluten free vanilla cupcakes. Dairy free very vanilla cupcakes. Vegan gluten free vanilla cupcakes. Anyway you say it, these bakery style gluten free vanilla cupcakes will be a food allergy staple for birthday parties and school celebrations. Sounds simple and basic, right? Well, food allergy sufferers can appreciate simplicity when it comes to food.
So. Are you exhausted from the holidays? We sure are! I finally feel like I can slow down and think… Holidays can be especially tiring when you have kids with food allergies. My kids are older and understand they cannot eat everything at holiday parties but I still can’t help monitoring them to make sure they don’t grab food from an open table. Or worse: have another child unknowingly expose them to an allergen while playing with dirty hands and fingers. It goes without saying, it can be difficult to relax in the moment and socialize when you’re constantly agonizing over your child’s next bite of food.
The busier times in life—like the holidays—make me wish things were a little bit easier. I daydream about not having to deal with food allergies. Who doesn’t, right? It also gets me thinking about the future and all the advancements in the allergy world. What if there was a device that could just check your food for you? Imagine a tiny portable device that would rapidly detect allergens in food. A device you could always carry with you wherever you ate. That would be AMAZING. If only such a thing existed…
Oh, wait. It does. Or at least it will very soon…
Yes, you read that correctly. There is a brand new food detection device set to be available by the end of this year. But wait. There’s more. It’s genius. The Allergy Amulet is a device so tiny it could fit discreetly in the palm of your hand or pocket. You could even wear it as a necklace, bracelet, or even a keychain! No matter the style you choose, it will detect food allergens. The Allergy Amulet will give a new-found freedom to those with food allergies.
Sign. Me. UP.
The Allergy Amulet is in the final stages of development, with pre-sales projected for late 2017. The technology includes patent-pending disposable test strips that will first detect for peanut and dairy. Shortly thereafter, the company plans to roll out disposable test strips for other common allergens and ingredients.
So how will the Amulet work??
In short it will have 3 easy steps:
- Insert the disposable test strip into several areas of the food you’re testing and replace the sheath covering
- Plug the USB-fashioned end of the test strip into the Amulet device
- The Amulet reader will detect the presence or absence of the target ingredient in under one minute
You want to know if the food is safe? Boom. Results. So flipping cool! The positive impact on millions of lives is unfathomable. Really. Food allergy sufferers will soon have an extra security blanket when dining out or eating foods prepared by others to help ensure the foods they eat are free from certain ingredients. You will still need to communicate your food allergies to wait staff and people preparing any foods you plan to eat. The device should be used as a supplement—not a substitute—to the current precautionary measures one takes when managing food allergies or dietary restrictions. But it never hurts to double check, right?
I absolutely love and appreciate how the Allergy Amulet (read more here) is designed with functionality in mind. Its small size really matters when it comes to probability of use. My thoughts gravitate towards my husband—and males in general. At first, my husband didn’t know how to carry our two sets of EpiPens. They were too bulky for his pocket. As a result, he chose to buy a small ‘man bag,’ which he uses reluctantly. The small USB-sized Amulet would be of no inconvenience, and he’d probably opt for the portable keychain option. Now, if only we could dispose of the man bag entirely…
The size, technology, and ease of use of the Allergy Amulet is the real deal. All these components stem from the Co-Founder and CEO Abi Barnes, who has managed multiple food allergies since childhood. Abi grew up when food-labeling laws did not require listing the top eight most common allergens, and unfortunately experienced anaphylaxis at a young age. Over the past couple decades, food allergy numbers have increased at an alarming rate. Abi was motivated to bring another layer of protection for the food allergy community—she felt that technology could help individuals managing food allergies, and was determined to find a better way to do so.
What is the science behind the Amulet? (Bear with me while I geek out on you. I love science!) The Allergy Amulet team has enlisted some of the brightest organic chemists and engineers in the United States. Essentially, a bunch of smarty-pants scientists joined forces to combat food allergies. I would endearingly call them Super Food Science Heroes. One of the super food science heroes is Dr. Joseph BelBruno. Joe is a chemistry professor at Dartmouth and the Co-Founder of Allergy Amulet. He, too, has food allergies. Dr. BelBruno validated the use of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology with sensors in other use cases, prior to joining forces with Abi and applying this technology to the food space. Basically, the MIP sensors will detect for specific molecules (food particles in this case) and send the information to the Amulet.
So COOL.
Are you as hopeful as I am?!
I cannot get over how much freedom this would give us. I think the Allergy Amulet could revolutionize the way the food allergy community manages allergies. You may actually be able to enjoy a cupcake from a regular bakery!
Speaking of bakery cupcakes… You’re going to love these fluffy dairy free bakery style gluten free vanilla cupcakes. If you’ve never worked with real vanilla bean, it’s a must try. The vanilla flavor is super fragrant and you can see the black flecks throughout the batter. A few notes about these very vanilla cupcakes. Read the baking instructions and notes section carefully. I tested several batches with a variety of techniques to achieve the ultimate flavor with a light and airy texture. Do yourself a favor and lightly grease the paper liners. I know. Seems redundant. A little oil will make a difference. A few of the paper liners tore the beautiful texture apart. The fresh lemon juice adds an extra element of flavor and is the key to activating the leavening agents. Top with fresh fruit or your favorite allergy friendly sprinkles. The sky is the limit!
So what do you think of the Allergy Amulet? Feel free to contact the Allergy Amulet team with questions and feedback via their website at allergyamulet.com
- 1 cup or 135g my own gluten free basic white flour blend
- ⅓ cup or 74 g sugar
- ¾ cup dairy free milk
- 3 Tbsp oil
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ vanilla bean
- ½ tsp guar gum
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1¾ cups dairy free shortening
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp lemon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ vanilla bean
- pinch of salt optional
- Preheat oven for 20 minutes prior to baking at 325. Prepare cupcake tray with greased paper cupcake liners. See note*
- Combine all leavening ingredients (salt, baking powder, baking soda) in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten free flour, sugar and gum in a large bowl. Mix to incorporate and set aside.
- Cut vanilla bean in half. Use ½ of vanilla bean for batter and reserve other half for frosting. Scrape out vanilla bean contents. Keep empty vanilla pod for later use. See note*
- In a microwave safe bowl, heat dairy free milk, oil, vanilla extract and vanilla bean for 1-2 minutes or until hot. Carefully pour into bowl with gluten free flour mixture. Use a hand/stand mixer to mix on high for 5 minutes, periodically scraping down sides.
- Add leavening ingredients to batter and mix on high for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and mix again for 1 minute on high scraping down sides.
- Immediately pour into greased and lined cupcake tins. Fill cupcake liners only ⅔ of the way full, it should make 9 cupcakes. Add water to unfilled spaces.
- Bake at 325 for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and tooth pick comes out clean in the center.
- Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Allow to fully cool before frosting. (You can place in refrigerator to speed up cooling time).
- Measure and sift powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- Cream shortening with a high speed mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Add both vanillas and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar in ¼ cup increments until all sugar is used. Scrape down bowl every so often to ensure even mixing.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with fresh fruit or enjoy plain.
- Store unused frosting in refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for 1 month. Allow to reach room temperature before using.
- Enjoy while reading more about the Allergy Amulet!
Lightly grease the paper liners to ensure cupcakes will easily pull away and not tear the light texture.
Keep the vanilla bean pods and use them for accents on the cupcakes. Or you can even make your own vanilla sugar. Place the empty vanilla pods in a glass jar with sugar. The vanilla flavor will become enhanced in the sugar after a few days/weeks.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Allergy Amulet. All opinions are mine alone. Thank you for allowing me to continue working with brands that meet our food allergy needs! For up to date information sign up for the Allergy Amulet newsletter and their blog. Follow Allergy Amulet on social media at Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest
Follow me for the latest news!
PINTEREST |INSTAGRAM| TWITTER |FACEBOOK |GOOGLE+
Some other things you may enjoy:
Healthier Dairy Free Chocolate Frosting-no added oil vegan
Gluten Free Red Velvet Cupcakes (Vegan Dairy Free)
Best Easy Dairy Free Buttercream Vanilla Frosting
Gluten Free Sugar Cookies (Vegan)– egg free dairy free
Life Saving Pancakes (Gluten Free Egg Free Vegan)– dairy free
Hello, I’m Laura! Thanks for stopping by… I hope this blog will help you or someone you know and love. 
This is my kind of cupcake! Real vanilla bean is awesome!
Thank you so much Erren!!
I’m so excited that they have a product coming out that tests for dairy and peanuts. This is so needed!! And your cupcakes look incredible.
I KNOW Chrystal. Such an exciting time for food allergies! The Amulet will first test for peanut allergies, then dairy and other allergens after.
Those are lovely cupcakes! So pretty!
Thank you so much Rebecca! Anyone would love them and just about everyone could eat them too.
These look amazing! I love how allergy friendly they are! They fit into so many peoples diets!
Yes, Krista! Just about anyone can enjoy one of these cupcakes 😀 Thanks so much!
I’m so excited about the new technology being developed for food allergies. Allergy amulet is so pretty, I hope they come out with a strip for sesame.
I love how the Amulet can be functional and pretty! I hope for sesame too 😀
Allergy Amulet team here. We’re so glad everyone likes the look of the Amulet! We have kept sesame, along with several other common allergens and ingredients in mind during development. Once signed up for our newsletter and blog, you will have access to the rollout information as we announce it!
These look stunning and almost too pretty to eat! Great info about device too.
Thank you so much Chandice!
These look absolutely gorgeous!! Cool news for allergies too!
Thank you so much Katerina!
The cupcakes are gorgeous, and I think the technology for the Amulet is fascinating!
Thank you so much Dee! I cannot wait until the Amulet is available for purchase!
There are so many things about this post that I LOVE! The specks of vanilla bean in that frosting??? to die for! The info on the Allergy Amulet??? ummmm….sign me up…NOW! I’m seriously doing a Tom Cruise jumping on my chair with happiness about the possibility of my son eating out…safely! Thanks for the great info!
Thank you so much Elizabeth! I agree with jumping for joy and possibilities for dining out safely!
Wow these are so impressive looking, right out of a bakery! The food device sounds really cool too!
Thank you so much Sharon!
These cupcakes like heavenly! Love the black flecks of vanilla–so elegant!
Thank you so much!!!
I wish I had a cupcake right now! YUM!
Thank you Anna! I could go for a dozen more myself 😉
That is a very cool testing tool. I hadn’t heard of it. And those cupcakes couldn’t look anymore perfect!
I am very excited about the Amulet device! The Amulet is in its final stage of development with predicted pre-sales in late 2017. Thanks so much Alisa!
I’m with you: totally exhausted from the holidays and still making my way back to “normal!” These cupcakes! Wow are they gorgeous. I could eat that frosting all day 🙂
So glad the holidays are over… Thank you so much!
The cup cakes look AMAZING !!!
just wondering if I could replace “guar gum” with psyllium husk? As my sensitive colon reacts to gums
Thanks Deena! You can try using psyllium in place of guar gum but the results will be different. I found only using psyllium works but the product “deflates” shortly after baking. It’s a structure thing due to since psyllium husk acts like a gel when baked. Try it and let me know how things turn out!
What GORGEOUS cupcakes, Laura! Vanilla bean anything is a total winner in my book and these look SO perfect for a fancier get-together or just chilling with family!
Anytime is always perfect for a cupcake in my book 😛 Thanks so much Sarah!
Many people search for gluten free recipes. Thank you for providing and excellent recipe for everybody’s taste!
Thank you so much Agness! Everyone likes a special safe treat!
That amulet is so neat! I know some parents that would love that. Also my sister in law totally NEEDS these cupcakes! I may have to make them for her!
These cupcakes look amazing! What an interesting concept – I love hearing about new technology.
WHOA! You executed that frosting PERFECTLY!
Can you substitute xantham gum instead of guar gum? Also, can you provide baking times for 6″ round, 8″ round cake pans and loaf pan?
Hi there, I have only made these a cupcakes. I think the batter would work for round cakes but since I have not tried baking them I would not know the times. Please let me know if you attempt this as a cake! Thanks!
Can you use vegan butter instead of shortening?
Hi Laura, YES you can use regular vegan butter. Thanks so much for commenting!
These are beautiful! I need to frost and fill a vanilla cake I’m torn between this and your vanilla buttercream recipe. What would you recommend? Would both work? Thank! 🙂
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much! I loved the extra real vanilla bean flavor in this recipe. Both frosting would turn out great!
Hello, and thanks for sharing this recipe! My daughter will be celebrating her first birthday this weekend, and is unable to tolerate milk protein. We live in a small town and don’t have access to a wide range of ingredients. Do you think that all-vegetable crisco would be an acceptable form of shortening, or would it ruin the flavor? Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!
Hey Laura 🙂 Would this recipe work as a cake? My birthday is coming up and I NEED a delicious gluten free vegan cake pronto! I’ve tried a great deal of your recipes already and,so far,they have all turned out beautifully.I’m so happy!
Happy early Birthday Grace! I have not tried this as full cake. My thought is the cake probably would become to heavy to support itself and collapse into a sad (but tasty) cake. But. I do *think* it would work as a mini 4-inch cake. I found a set of 3 4-inch pans at my local craft store. Good luck and I would love to hear how things turn out (good or bad) 😀
I followed your instructions to a ‘T’ other than substituting xanthan gum for the guar gum and my cupcakes turned out very dense. The batter was sort of gummy too. Any ideas what went wrong? Is it the xanthan gum?
Hi Kristle, I think it was the xanthan gum…We stopped using xanthan years ago because my son could not tolerate it. In my limited experience with xanthan, it works more effectively (sticks a lot more) than guar gum. Less xanthan probably could be used but since I don’t make with it anymore, I do not know how much less. Also did you use my gluten free flour mix or another store bought mix. This could also cause the incorrect texture.