• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Entrees
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Dog-Friendly
  • Life
    • Travels
    • Gift Guides
  • About
    • About Sues
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Newsletter

We are not Martha logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Life
    • About
    • Contact
    • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Bethenny Frankel’s Not-So-Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Jul 27, 2010 · Modified: Aug 18, 2020 by Chels · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 17 Comments

    Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red Velvet Cupcakes are not quite red like your typical red velvet cupcakes. But they're also a little bit healthier and gluten-free!

    (This recipe for Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red Velvet Cupcakes was originally posted in July 2010, but was updated with new photos in 2019).

    Head-on view of one of Bethenny Frankel's not-so-red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and rainbow sprinkles on a wooden board with a second cupcake in the background and recipe title at top

    When it comes to the whole cooking versus baking thing, I think it's safe to say I prefer cooking over baking. I like cooking because it gives me the freedom and flexibility to add a dash of this and a tad of that and if I mess up there's generally several ways to get back on track. With baking, I feel like I have to be a mad scientist to understand why certain things work the way they do and once I mess up (if I mess up) I have no clue how to back out of it besides dump it in the garbage. I do like experimenting though, so I really want to start baking some more and find some go-to recipes. Plus, I've been craving baked goods like crazy the past few weeks so I figured I'd better get to baking.

    A while back when we interviewed Bethenny Frankel, I got her book The Skinnygirl Dish. There are even a couple of Bethenny's recipes on our blog (here and here) and her book is a really great source for simple and practical recipes that won't break the bank and are definitely healthier options that won't leave you feeling like you weigh ten tons.

    BETHENNY FRANKEL'S NOT-SO-RED VELVET CUPCAKES RECIPE

    I recently made Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red Velvet Cupcakes which turned out to be an extremely moist and delicious cupcake. The recipe is filled with healthier alternatives to what we're used to seeing in most baked goods. The red velvet cupcakes aren't exactly red (hence the name) because Bethenny isn't a fan of artificial coloring, so instead she uses beet juice as a coloring agent and to add some more nutrients. The thing is, the beet juice makes a really pretty pinkish batter but once you put them in the oven the color goes away and the cupcakes turn a  little brown.

    Not only are these cupcakes a tiny bit healthier than the typical cupcake, but they're also gluten-free! I happily and comfortably eat gluten, but I know so many people can't, so I'm excited this yummy cupcake recipe can be eaten by almost anyone. The cupcakes don't contain all-purpose flour and instead have oat flour. I easily found this at my local grocery store, but you can also find it at Whole Foods and on Amazon, too. Note that if you really need to be gluten free, you should by an oat flour that's specifically labeled gluten-free. The one I used isn't, which means there is potential for trace amounts of gluten. However, Bob's Red Mill also makes an oat flour that is specifically labeled gluten-free.

    Head-on view of a bag of Bob's Red Mill Oat Flour

    In addition to using oat flour, these cupcakes contain raw sugar (instead of granulated), buttermilk, vegetable oil, beet juice, and some white vinegar.  Those are all the ingredients that make these a little bit different than the typical cupcake recipe.

    The cupcakes are made in a very similar manner to a typical cupcake: whisking together the dry ingredients, mixing together the wet ingredients, and then blending all together. Normally, I tell you not to mix your batter too much or else you'll get a dense cupcake. But for this gluten-free cupcake recipe, you're supposed to mix the batter for about 2 minutes, until it's very smooth.

    My favorite part of this was mixing the wet ingredients because look at how pretty they are in that gorgeous pink color! As you can see from the final cupcake photos, the color did not stay at all and definitely ended up as more of a brown than anything. They don't call them not-so-red velvet cupcakes for nothing!

    Note that your batter will be quite thin as you fill your liners and to only fill them about ½ way full. I filled ¾ of the way full the first time and had some major overflowing in the oven.

    Collage showing process for making Bethenny Frankel's not-so-red velvet cupcakes, including pink liquid ingredients with beet juice, dry ingredients with whisk, and cupcakes baked in tins

    When the cupcakes cool completely, frost them with the cream cheese frosting... Another super  easy-to-make recipe. Which is to die for, by the way! I licked it off the mixing paddle of my KitchenAid so much that when I was cleaning up the kitchen I thought I had already washed it. Oops! The frosting uses reduced-fat cream cheese and almond extract (which is SO yummy in this frosting). Bethenny's recipe calls for nondairy butter, but I used regular since I have no dairy aversion (but if you want dairy-free, use nondairy butter and be aware that cream cheese isn't totally dairy free). It's also recommended that it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up a bit before you frost the cupcakes.

    I made a double batch of the cream cheese frosting since 1 batch only got me through half the cupcakes. Maybe I like a lot of frosting?

    I also added regular artificially colored sprinkles on these naturally colored cupcakes, which is obviously a no-no if you're trying to keep things all natural. But the cupcakes needed a little extra color since they're not-so-red velvet and I couldn't find my naturally colored sprinkles.

    Landscape view of Bethenny Frankel's not-so-red velvet cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles on wooden board

    These gluten-free red velvet cupcakes are incredibly delicious, but they definitely have a bit of a different consistency from the typical red velvet cupcake. I found them to be a lot more crumbly and they fell apart super easily. Not necessarily a bad thing, but let's just say they don't look so hot when you take them out of the cupcake paper.

    I guess delicate is a better word? Yes.

    Head-on view of one of Bethenny Frankel's not-so-red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and rainbow sprinkles out of cupcake paper to show how delicate and crumbly they are sitting on wooden board

    And the flavor of red velvet cupcakes is all there. Lots of sweetness with a touch of chocolate and a nice tang from the buttermilk. Obviously the cream cheese frosting is just the icing on top... Literally and figuratively. LOL.

    OK Bethenny Frankel, I've got to give you credit for making some pretty freaking tasty SkinnyGirl cupcakes!

    Head-on view of one of Bethenny Frankel's not-so-red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and rainbow sprinkles on a wooden board with a second cupcake in the background

    Oh, and if the people you're serving these to are picky eaters, I think you should go ahead and keep the fact that there's beet juice in them a secret. You can't taste it and nobody needs to know.

    Overall, these cupcakes are totally worth making and eating since they're a dessert that's so tasty but at the same time not horrible for the waistline. That's definitely one of my favorite things about Bethenny's book. All of the recipes swap out "regular" ingredients for more healthy ingredients without compromising the flavor at all.

    Now pardon me while I go devour two more Bethenny Frankel Not-So-Red Velvet cupcakes 😉

    Do you ever make healthy swaps when you're baking?

    If you're looking for other cupcake recipes that aren't quite as healthy, check out my Funfetti Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes or my Sweet Tea Vodka Cupcakes. For another awesome gluten-free cupcake recipe, I'm loving these Chai Cupcakes from Gluten-Free Palate!

    Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red-Velvet Cupcakes -- Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red-Velvet Cupcakes are not quite red like your typical red velvet cupcakes. But they're also a little bit healthier and gluten-free! | wearenotmartha.com

    Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red Velvet-Cupcakes

    Bethenny Frankel's Not-So-Red Velvet Cupcakes are not quite red like your typical red velvet cupcakes. But they're also a little bit healthier and gluten-free!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Gluten Free Cupcakes, Healthier Red Velvet Cupcakes, Natural Red Velvet Cupcakes
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Frosting Chill Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Makes: 2 dozen cupcakes

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ cups oat flour
    • 1 ½ cups raw sugar
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp cocoa powder
    • ¾ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 3 Tbsp beet juice (from can of beets/beet juice)
    • 1 tsp white vinegar
    • 1 tsp real vanilla extract

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • 16 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (can also use non-dairy butter), room temperature
    • 1 tsp real vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp almond extract
    • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and place liners in two cupcake or muffin tins (if you only have one, you can bake in batches). 
    • In a large bowl sift together oat flour, raw sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a separate large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, beet juice, vinegar, and vanilla extract. 
    • Add the flour mixture to the liquid mixture and beat with an electric mixer until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Batter will be pretty thin.
    • Fill the cupcake liners about ½ way full and bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes. 
    • Remove cupcakes to wire racks and cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • Beat all the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if frosting isn’t firm enough.

    Notes

    • Recipe lightly adapted from Bethenny Frankel's The Skinnygirl Dish
    • Note that I doubled the original cream cheese frosting recipe to ensure there was enough for all 24 cupcakes.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Tweet
    Share
    Pin38
    Yum
    Share
    38 Shares
    « Baked Zucchini Chips
    Margarita Cupcakes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melanie says

      July 27, 2010 at 9:58 pm

      Yum! Red velvet cupcakes are my FAVE. Definitely going to try out this recipe asap!

    2. Corinne (breathe and savor) says

      July 27, 2010 at 11:07 pm

      mmmmm cupcakes. like you i have been craving baked goods lately. time to get baking!

    3. Jan says

      July 28, 2010 at 12:18 am

      I bought a can of beets in a fit of healthiness not long ago, but can't bring myself to eat them. My grandmother used to grow beets and pickle them, which were really good, but I'm not a fan otherwise. Now I have a reason to open the can. I'll try these!

    4. Erica says

      July 28, 2010 at 4:48 am

      The cupcakes looks awesome! And I just love Bethenny to pieces. Love her eating philosophy and her hilarious sense of humor. Great meal overall. Hope you're having a fantastic week

    5. Michelle says

      July 28, 2010 at 8:25 am

      I don't bake nearly as much for the exact same reason but I am absolutely loving this recipe!

    6. Daisy says

      July 28, 2010 at 8:28 am

      everything looks mouth watering from the cupcakes too that stuffed chicken. I am such a terrible bakler! great job chels.

    7. sweetersalt says

      July 28, 2010 at 9:43 am

      I love red velvet, but I'm not into artificial coloring either (although I have used natural food coloring before). These look great!

    8. Kelly says

      July 28, 2010 at 11:30 am

      Looks fantastic, although it's a little frustrating that you had to purchase so many ingredients you didn't have on hand just to make it. Please tell me your box of raw sugar is not a box of tiny little packets because that would take forever!!!

    9. Chels says

      July 28, 2010 at 11:35 am

      haha YES! they were the little packets, but it wasn't too bad to open them, just did a bunch at a time. And i had most of the ingredients on hand, just had to purchase the raw sugar, oat flour, and almond extract, which are all things I will definitely get good use out of! I refuse to not make recipes just because I don't have ingredients! It's the only way you'll learn to work with new things! haha [chels]

    10. Naomi(oneFF) says

      July 28, 2010 at 10:00 pm

      ommmmg did you have leftovers??!?! 🙂 haha I love bethanny she is so fun to watch on tv and she has some great recipes! i want one of those!!!

    11. Maiah says

      July 28, 2010 at 10:53 pm

      Dying to try some of Bethenny's recipes - now i'm going to have to start with this cupcake mix because those photos look divine! 🙂

    12. Kerstin says

      July 29, 2010 at 12:35 am

      I'm intrigued by the oat flour - they look yummy and the natural color from the beets is definitely the way to go!

    13. Sophie @ yumventures says

      July 29, 2010 at 9:59 am

      The use of beets sounds great, I'll have to try this healthed up recipe!

    14. Sophie @ yumventures says

      July 29, 2010 at 9:59 am

      ALso realized they are gluten free -- yay!

    15. Sonja says

      September 29, 2012 at 12:58 pm

      I bookmarked the cupcake recipe but please tell me how to find the recipe for your lemon spinach cuscus with feta chicken.

    16. Pam says

      August 29, 2018 at 4:42 pm

      Do you find they collapse after removing them from oven?

    17. Sues says

      August 29, 2018 at 10:55 pm

      @Pam- They definitely shouldn't! Over-beating batter can cause collapsing, so this may have been the issue... Let me know if you try them again!

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Sues

    Hi and thanks for visiting! I started We are not Martha to show you how to make recipes that impress without stress, including easy weeknight dinners, delightful desserts, + lots of cocktails.

    Learn More...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Popular Now

    • Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
    • Momofuku Milk Bar's Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
    • Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
    • Chicken Dog Treats

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Sues
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY AMAZON SHOP TO DISCOVER SOME OF MY FAVORITE COOKING AND BAKING ITEMS THAT I USE IN MY OWN KITCHEN. WE ARE NOT MARTHA IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. ORDERING ANY PRODUCTS MENTIONED HERE ARE AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

    Copyright © 2022 WE ARE NOT MARTHA