Strawberry Lime Cupcakes - Recipe

For the cupcakes:
1/2 cup margarine, softened (Earth Balance vegan margarine for baking is great for lactose free diets)
1 cup confectioners/icing sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup fat-free milk (Almond Breeze or Silk milk are great lactose free alternatives)
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup fresh, chopped strawberries
1 tbsp. grated lime zest

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine the margarine and sugar in a large bowl, and beat with an electric mixer on med-high speed until soft and creamy. Add the eggs slowly, and mix well. Beat in the vanilla and milk. Sift the flour and baking powder and stir with a whisk until the batter is just combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries using a large spoon or spatula. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into each well of a muffin tin lined with baking cups *(bright red solid, red with polkadots or red gingham look amazing with these cupcakes)*. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.

For the lactose free glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners/icing sugar
2 tbsp. grated lime zest
3 tbsp. lime juice
2 tbsp. boiling water
additional chopped strawberries if desired

2(a). Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool slightly and spoon over the cupcakes. Top with additional chopped strawberries (if desired).

For the whipped cream frosting:
1 cup whipping cream (not whipped cream)
1/4 cup confectioners/icing sugar
1 tsp. lime juice
additional chopped strawberries, if desired

2(b). In a small-medium bowl beat cream with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks are just starting to form. Add in icing sugar and lime juice. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Spoon on to cupcakes just before serving. Top with additional chopped strawberries, if desired. Store frosting covered in the fridge until ready to use.

Makes approximately 18 cupcakes

Try using the whipped cream recipe next time you're in the mood to dip strawberries in whipped cream. It's a delicious snack, and adds a fun twist to regular whipped cream. I love having this as a fun and easy dessert or treat in the summer time!