Low Fat Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Indulge in the perfect balance of flavor and lighter indulgence with these Low Fat Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. Made with wholesome ingredients like unsweetened applesauce and low-fat milk, these cupcakes are fluffy, moist, and brimming with natural vanilla goodness. Each bite is topped with a silky, creamy buttercream frosting that’s surprisingly light yet decadent, thanks to the perfect blend of unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for guilt-free celebrations, family treats, or just satisfying a sweet craving. These healthier vanilla cupcakes are proof that you don’t need loads of fat for a deliciously satisfying dessert!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:18 mins

Total Time:38 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 0.5 cup Low-fat milk
• 2 large Egg whites
• 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat milk (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar with the unsweetened applesauce until well combined.

Step 4

Add the egg whites, low-fat milk, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Slowly fold in the dry ingredients from the medium bowl into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 7

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 8

While the cupcakes bake, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the unsalted butter (at room temperature) with a hand mixer or whisk until creamy and smooth.

Step 9

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until well incorporated. Add the low-fat milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.

Step 10

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting them.

Step 11

Once cooled, spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto the cupcakes. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(865.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2216.8

Total Fat 28.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 72.8mg	0%
Sodium 1459.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 471.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 346.6g
Protein 28.0g	0%

Vitamin D 65.2IU	0%
Calcium 226.1mg	0%
Iron 7.4mg	0%
Potassium 433.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.4%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 83.7%