Craving a rich, moist chocolate treat that fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle? Look no further!
These vegan chocolate cupcakes are a decadent delight that combine the intense flavor of cocoa with plant-based ingredients, ensuring every bite is both delicious and cruelty-free. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try a new dessert that’s dairy and egg-free, this recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and taste.
These cupcakes are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple pantry staples and minimal prep time. They’re fluffy, tender, and topped with a luscious vegan chocolate frosting that will satisfy even the most devoted chocolate lovers.
Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion — birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try for your next baking adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously moist and fluffy: Thanks to the combination of plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar, these cupcakes rise beautifully and maintain a soft crumb.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find items here — just everyday vegan staples that come together effortlessly.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap the frosting or add mix-ins like vegan chocolate chips or nuts to make these cupcakes your own.
Perfect for all occasions: Whether you’re baking for a vegan friend or just want a healthier chocolate treat, these cupcakes fit the bill.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin or cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Optional: piping bag for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk and apple cider vinegar together. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle — this acts as a vegan buttermilk.
- Add oil and vanilla: To the curdled milk, add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, whisking to combine thoroughly.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost and decorate: Once cooled, frost with your favorite vegan chocolate frosting and add sprinkles or chopped nuts if desired.
Tips & Variations
“For extra moist cupcakes, try adding 1/4 cup of vegan yogurt or applesauce in place of some of the oil.”
- Chocolate chips: Fold in 1/3 cup of vegan chocolate chips into the batter for melty pockets of chocolate.
- Nutty twist: Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Frosting options: Try a vegan cream cheese frosting or peanut butter frosting for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Cupcake (without frosting) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Carbohydrates | 26 g |
Sugars | 14 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan chocolate cupcakes are perfect as a standalone dessert, but why not elevate your serving experience? Pair them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas. They also make fantastic party treats — dress them up with colorful vegan sprinkles or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation.
If you love exploring more vegan desserts, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try the creamy Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your meals beautifully.
Conclusion
These vegan chocolate cupcakes are a testament to how plant-based baking can be both simple and indulgent. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a batch of cupcakes that rival any traditional recipe in taste and texture.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any chocolate craving. Plus, the versatility means you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different frostings and mix-ins to make this recipe truly your own. Happy baking!
For more delicious vegan recipes, explore our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and the delightful Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. Your vegan culinary journey has never been this exciting!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Description: Delicious and moist vegan chocolate cupcakes perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with simple plant-based ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting or serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 27 g
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