Decorating cakes for beautiful dessert platters doesn’t have to involve lots of sugar and artificially coloured “sprinkles”. Using a combination of delicious sugar-free icing with fresh berries and nuts, you can have a beautifully healthy and decadent alternative that aligns with healthy eating. (For piped icing – Piping bag kits are really easy to use and can be found at most large supermarkets).
Chocolate Buttercream icing
- 125g butter, softened
- ¼ cup natvia or similar granulated sweetener (ground in nutribullet if possible)
- 2 tsp vanilla essence (plus extra tsp for vanilla variation)
- 2 tblsp cocoa powder (for chocolate variation)
Method:
- Place butter in medium size bowl and beat with electric beater while adding spoonful’s of ground sweetener. Beat well after each addition and blend together until light and fluffy.
- Add cocoa powder and vanilla and continue beating on low speed until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl where necessary.
- Spread icing on cupcakes or use a piping bag to pipe on top of cakes then top with your choice of berries, nuts and coconut.
Vanilla Buttercream icing
- 125g butter, softened
- ¼ cup natvia or similar granulated sweetener (ground in nutribullet if possible)
- 3 tsp vanilla essence
Method:
- Place butter in medium size bowl and beat with electric beater while adding spoonfuls of ground sweetener. Beat well after each addition and blend together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and continue beating on low speed until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl where necessary.
- Spread icing on cupcakes or use a piping bag to pipe on top of cakes then top with your choice of berries, nuts and coconut.
Vanilla Cream Cheese icing
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 50g butter, softened
- ⅓ cup natvia or similar granulated sweetener (ground in nutribullet if possible)
- 2 tsp vanilla essence
Method:
- Place cream cheese and butter in medium size bowl and beat with electric beater until smooth and combined.
- Add spoonful’s of sweetener and blend on medium speed until combined well, scraping down sides of bowl where necessary.
- Add vanilla and continue beating on low speed until well combined.
- Spread icing on cupcakes or use a piping bag to pipe on top of cakes then top with your choice of berries, nuts and coconut.
After experiencing health problems three years ago, Linda changed to a low-sugar real food diet and was amazed at the results. Over a six month period, she easily lost 15kg of stubborn weight that she’d struggled with for decades, her energy levels improved to an all-time high and her mental clarity returned in abundance. Her husband joined her on this mission and also lost 20kg easily in 6 months and felt fantastic. One of the keys to their success was not feeling deprived of their favourite foods, especially cupcakes and porridge.
Linda launched her business “Simply Swap Foods” in November 2020 to help others on their journey to a healthier way of life. She loves sharing her recipes, story and knowledge about the benefits of reducing sugar and just eating real food. All Linda has done – with time and research – is ‘simply swapped’ some foods in her diet and she hopes to show others just how easy it can be and how fantastic you can feel. You really can indulge yourself and feel great too!
Check out the full product range at www.simplyswapfoods.com.au and follow Linda on her Facebook and Instagram pages for regular recipes and information. And don’t forget to download your free recipe eBook containing 16 favourite sugar-free/low-carb recipes.