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Let me just preface this post by mentioning that I freaked out on my 10th birthday because it meant I would never celebrate a single-digits birthday again…so yeah, you can imagine how I’m feeling right about now now that I’ve reached 25.
In case you can’t imagine it, it sits somewhere between checking my forehead for wrinkles and a very real state of panic. Yet at the same time I’m feeling overwhelmingly proud for everything I’ve accomplished in my 25 years. No one mentioned that 25 brings a whole new level of confusion!
I’d always assumed that by 25 I would be a real adult. I’d have all of life’s questions answered and would be on a path to accomplishing all that I wanted for my future. Then again I always thought that that path involved med school and certainly not blogging so clearly I was way off.
And up until about 5 minutes ago I always thought that life was about checking off everything on your bucket list, but I have since discovered that I was very wrong about this too. This is evidenced by the multitude of goals and lists posted on this blog from which I have accomplished a whopping 5 of them. For the record I purposely added “drink more wine” to my 25-by-25 goal list because I knew I would accomplish that one. And no, I still haven’t seen a Harry Potter movie…
I’ve come to learn that life isn’t all about checking things off. It’s about enjoying the ride and those beautiful moments that happen when you’re not planning for the-next-best-thing.
It’s about defining your own success regardless of what other people might think.
It’s about trying everything and not stopping until you find what you love.
It’s about taking every opportunity and never comparing them to anyone else’s.
It’s not about a number and it certainly is not about having it all figured out.
And sometimes, it’s about making your own birthday cupcakes because you know no one will do it as well as you can.
About that…I’m really okay with making my own birthday treat. Partially because I’m picky and I know I am the only one who can give me exactly what I want and also because the best birthday treat is 2 blissful hours baking in the kitchen. Using the ultimate bday gift C got me for my birthday last year, of course.
It’s crazy to think about how much can change in a year, or 10 years for that matter. I am thankfully nothing like the obnoxious, unibrow sporting teen I used to be but one thing has remained the same, my love of baking.
Whether it be Betty Crocker cake mix, oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies or Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Frosting, baking has and will forever be my happy place. And is the only thing I know with certainty will be a part of my next 25 years and then some.
I am declaring today National Eat ALL THE CAKE Day (cupcakes count). I hope you’ll join me in the festivities 🙂
PrintVanilla Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour (I used the flour blend from my Healthy Breakfast eCookbook*
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (left in fridge for at least 1 hour-do NOT shake)**
- 1 tbsp honey
- optional: 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions
For the cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a cupcake tin with liners or grease with non-stick spray or coconut oil.
- In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt.
- In a separate bowl (or mixer) combine applesauce, coconut oil, almond milk, egg, honey and vanilla.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until combined.
- Divide batter evenly in cupcake tin and bake for 22-25 mins or until tops have browned slightly and bounce back when pressed.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 20 mins before removing and allowed to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the frosting:
- While cupcakes are cooling open coconut milk and scoop out cream from top of can. Place in a mixer bowl and using a stand-mixer with the whisk attachment or hand-mixer, whisk for 5-10 mins or until cream has reached hard-peaks. Cream should be very stiff.
- Add in honey and whisk for 1 more minute.
- Place frosting in piping bag and pipe over cupcakes in a circular motion. OR frost cupcakes using a knife. Top with toasted coconut, if desired.
- Keep in a cool place or keep in fridge to last longer (will dry out slightly in the fridge).
*OR use whole-wheat flour.
**I find Thai Kitchen brand works best.
Ummm, YES: “I’ve come to learn that life isn’t all about checking things off. It’s about enjoying the ride and those beautiful moments that happen when you’re not planning for the-next-best-thing.” You are one brilliant soul, Miss 25 Year Old! I couldn’t agree more that life isn’t about checking things off a bucket list or trying to reach the next best thing– it’s about being happy with what you have in the MOMENT, and once you can accomplish that then you’ve accomplished everything. Thanks for inspiring me with this post. I loved it. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!! Xoxoxox
Happy HAPPY birthday, sweetness!! I wish I was in Toronto right now so I could drink all your vodka with you. 🙁 I love what you said about enjoying those moments in between planning ‘the next big thing’. This is something I need to remind myself of. I get SO excited about adventures, new ideas, meeting new people, etc that it kinda robs me of the present moment.
I feel ya!!! Kind of like how I’m more excited for the day we take shots and run ourselves ragged around T.O. instead of enjoying the popovers I just baked… Thank you for the bday wishes though! Was a fabulous day xx
Happy Birthday!!! hope you have a fab day! those cupcakes are definitely the way to celebrate!
I have never freaked out about my birthday, but I turn the big 3-0 next year… So that might be very different!!! 🙂
First off, you are CRAZY for not seeing the HP movie! If you read the books, though, I’ll give you a pass since they trump the movies by a long shot ;).
These are absolutely gorgeous cupcakes and your photography is awesome as well! Happy 25th!
you better walk down to the store, buy a f**king harry potter movie, and pop in your player RIGHT NOW. absurd.
jk doll, you know i love you with or without a love of hp (but really only as long as you make food).
have a fantastical, beautiful, wonderful day. xo
oh ya and i hope one day you hit triple digits because the earth deserves that and i want to see you freak out.
I’ve managed to make it 25 years without HP soooooo. I intend to make it to triple digits without seeing one. KIDDING. The world is not prepared for the freak-out that would ensue over 1-0-0. AHHHHH. Need to go make poor choices that will be detrimental to my health!
Happy Birthday my love!! I can’t wait until I’m not working at a stupid office and next year we can skype at 2 pm to drink champagne for your birthday!! I have a bottle of Malbec ready to go for tonight, though, in your honor!
The only thing I’ve learned about getting older is that it doesn’t mean a thing. I think. I hope.
It makes me so happy that you know my favourite kind of wine. LOVE YOU!
These are incredibly beautiful cupcakes, Davida! Happy birthday!!
I am still waiting for Davida’s Treats to open up with that beautiful stand mixer in the window… but maybe that’s something that doesn’t need to be ‘checked off’ any longer because it’s so obvious how content you are sharing food with the internet and makin’ moves in life. Congrats to living in the moment and drinking more wine.
You are the sweetest!!! We’re drinking ALL THE WINE on Monday xoxo
Best freaking photos you have ever taken. Seriously, I am so proud of who you are and how far you have come. Can’t wait til you grace my presence in MN in a few weeks!
LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Would be nowhere without ya!
Growing up was legit my worst fear when I was little. Heck, I still hate it. BUT, theres no fighting it, so I just try to take a deep breath and make the best of each day 🙂
Kind of like eating an entire batch of cupcakes. I think that would make for a GREAT day [but probably a not so great next day].
Happy Birthday!! 🙂
[ I had a little trouble posting a comment – sorry if you got a few of the same from me! ]
Wine certainly helps cushion the blow of getting older! If only it had been legal for me to drink was I was little LOL. Thanks for the bday wishes, love! It was a wonderful day xo
growing up was legit my worst fear when I was little. Heck, I still hate it. BUT, theres no fighting it, so I just try to take a deep breath and make the best of each day 🙂
Kind of like eating an entire batch of cupcakes. I think that would make for a GREAT day [but probably a not so great next day].
Happy Birthday!!