Dairy-free, Gluten-free Peanut Butter Cake

It was my co-workers birthday last week and I love to celebrate birthdays; I love baking birthday cakes even more! I know that food allergies are becoming more prevalent in society, so I wanted to show that an allergy restriction doesn't necessarily mean giving up things that you love. Now in this recipe, I add 1/4 cup gluten-free baking mix; this isn't absolutely necessary, I just felt it gave the cake more structure and body.

Tips:

Use a sweet apple - a sweet apple allows for less sugar in the recipe, so a sour apple isn't recommended unless you like a sour cake.
Keep it dairy free - I didn't include a frosting recipe, but most of the canned frosting that you can find in the super market are dairy-free; just be sure to read the ingredients list on the label.
Using gluten free baking mix - In this recipe, I used a little gluten free baking mix just to give the cake more structure, but it isn't absolutely necessary;use it if you have it.
Blend it up - I used the blender to help break up the apples with the rest of the wet ingredients.

Oven Temperature: 350 degrees

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Bake Time: 18-25 minutes

 Servings: 12 cupcakes               

               4 Jumbo cupcakes     

               1, 8 or 9" cake round 

2 eggs

1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

6 Tablespoons peanut butter

1 medium apple, shredded 
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup gluten-free baking mix (optional)

Directions:

1) Move the oven rack so that the cake will sit in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2) Grease your desired size of pan with non-stick cooking spray.

3) Creamy together the eggs and sugar.

4) Add in the peanut butter and mix until well combined.

5) Stir in the shredded apple and vanilla extract (or just place all of the wet ingredients into the blender).

6) Stir in the baking soda, cinnamon and baking mix (optional) just until combined.

7) Scoop the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 18-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8) Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite canned frosting, icing, or more peanut butter.