Pure sun + warm temps = flips flops,  tank tops, and a reason to celebrate.   

Finally!  After what has seemed like eons since the clouds parted, the sun came out today in full force.  Just in time for the long weekend.  Maybe it’ll stay a while.  Or maybe it’ll go on hiatus again.   In any case it doesn’t really matter because I have thoroughly enjoyed this day as I hope you have as well. 

Today is also Laila’s first birthday and she got her very own cupcake smash cake to celebrate with.  As for the party guests, they also got their own cake!  However, Laila’s was a little different.  With an egg and dairy allergy this smash cake was unlike anything I’ve made before.  Having never catered to allergies it was a bit of a challenge. 

The cake was manageable as I received a gluten-free/egg-free/dairy-free banana cake recipe from a client and knew it worked, but the frosting was a different story.  Having used only dairy and egg based buttercreams and ganache in my cake fillings I was at a loss for what to fill and ice this cupcake with.  Then I came across a great Vegan Chocolate Frosting recipe which worked perfectly!  For anyone needing an alternative, here it is:

Vegan Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup soy-based margarine, softened (ie. Earth Balance)

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch processed)

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1/4 cup soy milk

2 tsps vanilla extract

Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream the margarine and shortening together.  Add cocoa, powdered sugar and the liquids and mix on low until incorporated.  Once incorporated beat on high speed for 5-8 minutes until the icing changes texture and becomes light and fluffy.  Yields 4 cups.

You can also use rice milk, coconut milk, nutmilks or orange juice in place of the soy milk as well as add different extracts for a change in flavour such as peppermint, almond, orange, rum, or raspberry.  For someone like me who loves the real deal buttercream, I can’t say I’m thrilled with the margarine and shortening substitution, but it works.  And most importantly, it passes the flavour test!

Happy birthday Laila!