This fruity orange frosting makes a deliciously decorative topping for Halloween Cupcakes (page 81) and other festive treats. Change it up and make your own lemon cream cheese frosting by substituting lemon zest for the orange zest and eliminating the food coloring.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 1/4 cups

　　8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

　　1/2 cup butter (1 stick), at room temperature

　　1/4 cup agave nectar

　　1 tablespoon firmly packed orange zest

　　Red food coloring, made from vegetable dye

　　Yellow food coloring, made from vegetable dye

　　

Step 1

In a deep bowl, whip the cream cheese, butter, and agave nectar until smooth using a handheld mixer. Add the orange zest and food coloring and mix until the desired orange hue is achieved, adding more food coloring as necessary.

　　

Step 2

Refrigerate for 30 minutes, until the frosting is slightly chilled and thickened so that it is easily spreadable.

　　

Step 3

Use immediately or store in a glass Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Sweetness: Medium

　　Reprinted with permission from Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour. Copyright © 2011 by Elana Amsterdam, Celestial Arts, an imprint of Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA. Photo Credit: Annabelle Breakey.ELANA AMSTERDAM is the popular food blogger of Elana's Pantry, where she has written about gluten-free cooking since 2006, and is also the author of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook. When she and her son were both diagnosed with celiac disease, she was inspired to develop gluten-free recipes that everyone can enjoy. Her writing has appeared in publications including the Denver Post, Shape Magazine, the Boulder Daily Camera, Delicious Living, Delight Magazine, and Elephant. Elana lives with her family in Boulder, Colorado, and is available for interviews. Visit www.elanaspantry.com.