Best Vegan Chocolate Cup Cakes Recipe for Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Craving something rich, indulgent, and completely plant-based? These best vegan chocolate cupcakes offer a deliciously moist and fluffy texture, loaded with deep cocoa flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s sweet tooth.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to enjoy a healthier treat, this recipe is a must-try. Made with wholesome ingredients and no complicated steps, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy night in.

The secret to their fluffiness lies in the combination of plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar, which creates a natural rise, while the coconut oil adds a subtle richness. Plus, they come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute baking.

Best of all, you can customize the frosting and toppings to match your mood, from classic vegan chocolate ganache to fresh berries or nuts. Ready to bake the most irresistible vegan chocolate cupcakes?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan chocolate cupcakes are a game-changer for several reasons:

  • Moist and tender: The use of plant-based milk and oil ensures a soft crumb that doesn’t dry out.
  • Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items; everything you need is pantry-friendly.
  • Quick to make: Mixing and baking take less than 40 minutes total.
  • Allergy-friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, and nuts (unless you add toppings), making it suitable for many diets.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust flavors or frostings to suit your preference.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also want to check out our Magic Dough Recipe for a versatile bakery-style dough and the comforting Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe, which offers a fresh, healthy twist on sushi flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier option)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (cane sugar or coconut sugar works too)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant milk)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted) or any neutral oil
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Muffin tin with 12 cups
  • Paper cupcake liners
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This helps the cupcakes release easily after baking.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a vegan “buttermilk.” Then whisk in the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Make sure all lumps are broken up and ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cupcakes may turn out dense.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips if using, for extra melty pockets of chocolate in each cupcake.
  6. Divide the batter evenly into the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full to allow room for rising.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay!”

  • Frosting Ideas: Try a vegan chocolate ganache made with coconut cream and dark chocolate, or a simple vegan buttercream using powdered sugar and vegan margarine.
  • Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Upgrade: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture (skip if nut allergies).
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Storage: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Cupcake
Calories 190 kcal
Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Sugar 16 g
Protein 2 g
Fiber 3 g

Serving Suggestions

These vegan chocolate cupcakes are perfect on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Add a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries complement the chocolate beautifully and add a touch of brightness.

For a fun party idea, serve these cupcakes alongside other vegan treats such as our Lump Of Coal Recipe cookies or a fresh fruit platter. They also pair well with warm drinks like a chai latte or a rich cup of vegan hot chocolate.

Conclusion

Making the best vegan chocolate cupcakes is easier than you think, and the result is a delectable treat that everyone will love — whether they follow a vegan diet or not. This recipe balances rich chocolate flavor with a tender crumb, all without eggs or dairy.

The flexibility to customize frosting, add-ins, and toppings means you can create cupcakes perfect for every occasion.

Give these cupcakes a try for your next gathering or simply as a sweet pick-me-up. Don’t forget to check out other delicious and creative recipes on our site, like the Magic Dough Recipe or the delightful Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe.

Happy baking and enjoy every bite of these vegan delights!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

Description: Deliciously moist and rich 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 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk almond milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
  5. Fold in vegan chocolate chips gently.
  6. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cupcakes cool completely before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 26 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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