Skinny Cherry Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day

Here's a recipe for Skinny Cherry Cupcakes, perfect for Valentine's Day:

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pitted and chopped fresh cherries (or thawed frozen cherries)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or powdered sugar substitute
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the chopped cherries into the batter.
6. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered erythritol (or powdered sugar substitute), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
10. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.
11. Optional: Garnish each cupcake with a fresh cherry on top.
12. Serve and enjoy your delicious Skinny Cherry Cupcakes with your loved ones for Valentine's Day!

These cupcakes are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional cupcakes, making them perfect for indulging without guilt on this special occasion. Enjoy!