Nut Free Cupcakes

I have a 5 yr old with a life-threatening peanut & tree nut allergy. Unless you have seen a reaction, it's difficult to understand how lethal these foods can be. It's very scary and not something I had ever experienced before.

From my experience, most of the grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Tom Thumb, Kroger, Albertsons, Super Target and Walmart, have nut allergen warnings on their baked goods. Most of the boxed mixes are okay, though a few will have warnings on them. Fortunately packaged foods are supposed to be labeled.

I haven't found a mom & pop-style bakery that will guarantee no exposure to nuts, so I just bake my own from a box. My daughter's school doesn't allow birthday parties, but when we have class parties, I send safe treats for my daughter.

I wonder if the parent of the child with an allergy could send a safe item? Most parents of allergic children I know would not want to risk their child eating something that may be safe without having read the label.

1 mom found this helpful

Can't recommend cupcakes but because I myself am allergic to tree nuts and kids just lick off the frosting I started buying birthday "doughnuts" and taking those.

The kids actually eat those and you can buy them iced or decorated with sprinkles/coconut, etc. Maybe that is an idea?

1 mom found this helpful

If you know which child has the allergy, call that mom. She knows where to get safe food for her child, and would be really greatful that you care enough to make sure her child can be included without risking his/her life.

Yes, it's a pain in the neck for you. But a child's life is at stake. If it were your child who could die within a few minutes of exposure to the nut, you'd insist too.

Good luck.
S.
SAHM of 3 (one with peanut allergy)

1 mom found this helpful

My friend called around to the grocery stores a few years ago. One of them was ok -- maybe Tom Thumb or Kroger. I can't remember. Worst case scenario -- Target and Kroger carry a brand of cake mixes that are nut free. You could use these mixes to make the cupcakes.

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter's BFF has a severe nut allergy - and her mother mentioned that Society Bakery was good for 'no nut contact' cakes. I would double check with them just to be safe, tho. The Society Bakery I use is at the corner of Greenville Ave & McCommas (M-Street area), but there may be others. Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi D.,

My daughter is also in a peanut free class. For her birthday I was told that Sams club is peanut free and Kowalski's bakery (not sure were there located). I agree ask the mom, she will know.

Happy Birthday to your little guy!