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Gluten Free Cupcakes with Icing

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Looking for a sweet treat everyone can enjoy? These gluten free cupcakes with icing are soft, fluffy, and topped with creamy, dreamy icing that’s hard to resist. Perfect for any occasion, they show that gluten-free baking can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional vanilla cupcakes.

Five cupcakes with toasted meringue frosting arranged on a wicker tray beside purple flowers on a wooden surface.
Gluten Free Cupcakes with Icing. Photo credit: Lets Cook Today.

I started making these cupcakes so my friends with gluten sensitivities could enjoy dessert without missing out. Baking them at home lets me choose simple, wholesome ingredients, and I love how light and tasty they turn out. Every batch proves that gluten-free treats can be fun to make and even more fun to eat.

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Kids Will Love This

The fun colors and sweet taste make these cupcakes a hit with kids. They’re perfect for birthday parties or school events. They’re gentle on sensitive tummies, so parents feel good about serving them.

Easily Sold During Gatherings

Gluten free cupcakes are always a hit at bake sales and gatherings, just like cheesecake cups. Their unique charm makes them stand out, and they’re an easy, delicious way to share homemade treats with friends and family.

Cupcakes You Can Gift

Packaged with care, these cupcakes make a sweet and thoughtful gift for friends and family. They’re a simple way to show someone you’re thinking of them. Sharing these homemade treats spreads a little extra joy with every bite.

Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Baking a Gluten-Free Cupcake Recipe

Bake moist and delicious gluten-free cupcakes that everyone will love. This guide simplifies the process to help you achieve perfect texture and flavor without the gluten.

Six cupcakes with golden brown cake bases and swirled toasted meringue frosting arranged on a tray, with a partial view of a purple flower in the corner.
Six cupcakes with golden brown cake bases.

Kitchen Must-Haves

  • Muffin Tin: Holds the cupcake liners and batter perfectly for even baking.
  • Cupcake Liners: Keep the cupcakes neat and make them easy to remove from the tin.
  • Hand Blender: Quickly blends the wet and dry ingredients into a smooth, lump-free batter.
  • Cupcake Filler: Helps you fill each liner evenly with batter without any mess.
  • Fire Torch: Adds a professional finish by lightly caramelizing the meringue icing on top.

Grab these Ingredients

  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cupcakes for a soft texture.
  • Finely Ground Almond Flour: The gluten-free base that adds a tender crumb and rich flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness, making cupcakes soft and flavorful.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the batter for just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Baking Powder: Gives the cupcakes a light, fluffy rise.
  • A Splash of Vanilla Essence: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cupcakes.
  • Meringue Icing: Light and airy topping that adds a beautiful, glossy finish.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Cupcakes with Icing

First: Get Everything Ready

Start by preparing your frosting if you haven’t already, and preheat the oven to 390°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius). Gather all the ingredients for your cupcakes, keeping eggs and butter at room temperature for smooth mixing. There’s no need to separate wet and dry ingredients, which makes this recipe quick and simple.

Top-down view of ingredients for gluten-free cupcakes with icing, including eggs, baking powder, meringue icing, vanilla essence, sugar, almond flour, and unsalted butter.
Ingredients for Gluten Free Cupcakes with Icing.

Second: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them with a hand blender until fluffy and well combined. Add your sugar and whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. This creates a light base that helps your cupcakes rise nicely.

Split image showing two steps of mixing ingredients with a hand blender in a bowl, surrounded by small bowls containing baking ingredients on a wooden surface.
Mixing ingredients with a hand blender.

Third: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually

Slowly add the rest of your ingredients, mixing thoroughly after each addition for even blending. Finish by adding vanilla extract and give it one last gentle beat. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the cupcakes from sinking, but since you’ll be filling them, the appearance of the top doesn’t need to be perfect.

Four-step process of making homemade lotion, showing hands using a hand blender and adding ingredients like oil, a white liquid, and a brown liquid into a glass container on a wooden surface.
Hands using a hand blender and adding ingredients.

Fourth: Fill Liners and Bake

Line your muffin pan with two cupcake liners each, one for baking and one for easy handling later. Pour the batter into the liners, filling each about three-quarters full; this amount should make 6 standard cupcakes. Bake for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

A hand pours cupcake batter into paper liners arranged in a muffin tray on a wooden surface.
A hand pours cupcake batter into paper liners.

Fifth: Create Filling Holes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a knife, spoon, or cupcake corer to carefully hollow out the centers. This space will hold your delicious meringue frosting or any filling you prefer. Take your time to avoid breaking the cupcake edges.

Two-step process: In the first image, someone hollows out cupcakes; in the second image, they fill the cupcake centers with white cream using a piping bag.
Cupcake centers with white cream using a piping bag.

Sixth: Frost and Finish

Make sure your cupcakes are fully cooled before piping on your frosting with a piping bag. For an extra special touch, lightly toast the meringue frosting with a kitchen torch to give it a beautiful golden finish. This adds a smoky, summery vibe and upgrades your cupcakes to the next level.

Four-step process of decorating cupcakes: piping white frosting onto cupcakes, then using a kitchen torch to brown the frosting in two stages.
Using a kitchen torch to brown the frosting.

Handy Tips for Tasty Wins:

  • Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients come together for a light and fluffy result.
  • Add a little extra vanilla or almond extract to boost flavor. Gluten-free baked goods sometimes need a flavor lift to taste their best. One teaspoon of cocoa gives you a perfect chocolate cupcake as an alternative. 
  • Pipe the icing onto cooled cupcakes for a clean, pretty look. Warm cupcakes can make the icing melt and lose its shape quickly.
Six cupcakes topped with swirled white frosting are arranged in a wicker tray, with one additional cupcake in front on a dark wooden surface. Flowers are in the background.
Six cupcakes topped with swirled white frosting.

Your Questions, My Answers

What are the Pairings to Try with Cupcakes?

Cupcakes go great with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. A simple cup of tea or milk also pairs perfectly for a cozy treat. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Delicious Gluten-Free Cupcakes?

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can dry them out quickly. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them but bring to room temperature before serving.

A wicker tray holding five cupcakes topped with swirled, toasted meringue frosting, next to a bouquet of purple flowers.
A wicker tray holding five cupcakes.
How to Freeze Cupcakes with Icing?

Freeze cupcakes without icing first by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Once wrapped, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, then add fresh icing for the best flavor and texture.

More Stress-Free Recipes You’ll Love

If you love easy comfort food, you’ll enjoy these stress-free recipes perfect for any day. The green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup is a classic that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. For something sweet and cozy, the dark chocolate hot cocoa mix is quick to whip up and perfect for chilly nights.

Broccoli and bacon casserole is another tasty option that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. These recipes take the stress out of cooking while still delivering big on flavor.

Pin and Come Back Anytime

Four gluten-free cupcakes with white icing are displayed on a table, with three in a wicker basket and one in the foreground.
Four gluten-free cupcakes with white icing.

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Five cupcakes with swirled white frosting are arranged on a brown tray next to a bouquet of purple flowers.

Gluten Free Cupcakes with Icing

Zuzana Paar
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These gluten free cupcakes with icing are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Topped with creamy, smooth icing, they are a treat everyone will enjoy. They are perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Desserts, Snack, Snacks
Cuisine American, International
Servings 6 Portions
Calories 199 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 Pieces Eggs Large
  • 3/4 Cup Almond Flour Finely Ground
  • 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
  • 3 Tablespoons Sugar Powdered
  • Teaspoons Baking Powder
  • A Splash of Vanilla Essence
  • 1/2 Cup Meringue Icing

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the frosting if not done yet, preheat the oven to 390°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius), and gather all ingredients, ensuring eggs and butter are at room temperature.
  • Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl until fluffy, then add sugar and beat until fully combined for a light, airy base.
  • Add remaining ingredients one at a time, mixing after each addition, then finish with vanilla; avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes soft.ct.
  • Line a muffin pan with two liners per cupcake, fill each three-quarters full, and bake for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Once cooled, use a knife or corer to hollow out the center of each cupcake for the frosting or desired filling.
  • Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and, if desired, lightly toast the meringue with a kitchen torch for a golden, smoky finish.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients come together for a light and fluffy result.
  • Add a little extra vanilla or almond extract to boost flavor. Gluten-free baked goods sometimes need a flavor lift to taste their best. One teaspoon of cocoa gives you a perfect chocolate cupcake as an alternative. 
  • Pipe the icing onto cooled cupcakes for a clean, pretty look. Warm cupcakes can make the icing melt and lose its shape quickly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PortionCalories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 61IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on October 24th, 2025
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About Zuzana Paar

Welcome to Let's Cook Today, where we make cooking simple and delicious together. Join me as we whip up tasty recipes that turn every mealtime into a food adventure. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, friends, or hosting a party, we've got the perfect portions and flavors to make every dish a delight. Let's cook together and savor the joy of creating amazing meals, effortlessly.

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