Anesthesiology

Healthy Swaps & Star Bakers: Olivia Diaz Shines in the Bruin Bake-Off

Written by Megan Lebre, MEd

Three women holding trays of baked goods, standing outside a kitchen with a sign.

In December 2025, UCLA Recreation brought extra cheer to campus with Holly Jolly Play Days, featuring the 4th Annual Bruin Bake-Off, an annual favorite event that invites UCLA staff and faculty to showcase their baking talents while incorporating healthier ingredient swaps.

We’re thrilled to celebrate DAPM team member, Olivia Diaz, who advanced to the final round with her Sprinkled Vanilla Cupcakes. Embracing the health and wellness-focused challenge, Olivia reimagined her recipe by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a blend of vegan and regular butter for a lighter, yet still delicious, buttercream frosting.

While she didn’t take home the grand prize, Olivia had a fantastic time competing and felt the support and encouragement from colleagues across UCLA Health and campus. She also generously shared her recipe so others can recreate her healthier twist on a classic vanilla cupcake at home.

Catch up on the event by watching the full Bake-Off on the UCLA Recreation YouTube Channel, and learn more about the competition through UCLA Recreation and UCLA Teaching Kitchen.

Two people in a kitchen preparing and serving desserts on a counter.

 

Olivia Diaz's Sprinkle Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
1 and 2/3 cup of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
1/8 tsp of baking soda
1/8 tsp of salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
½ cup of Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)
½ cup of 2% milk (instead of whole milk)
3 egg whites (instead of 2 whole eggs)
1 tbsp of vanilla extract
 

Batter Instructions: Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl and then the dry ingredients in another
bowl. Combine both and the batter is ready!
 

Frosting:
2 sticks of butter
2 sticks of vegan butter (instead of regular butter)
2 tbsp of 2% milk (instead of whole milk)
1 package of confections sugar (904g)
1 tbsp of vanilla extract
Frosting Instructions: In a stand mixer, whip the butter and vegan butter at room temp until light
and fluffy. Start adding the confections sugar a cup at a time and cover the mixer with a towel to
prevent confections sugar from leaving the bowl. After about 3 cups of confections sugar, add the
milk and vanilla extract. Continue adding the sugar until you finish the package and then the
frosting is complete!
 

Sprinkles:
Natural colored Jimmies Sprinkles
Baking & Preparing Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners – add the batter to fill each cup 2/3 of the way. Bake for
17 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before adding the frosting and jimmies
sprinkles