Best Vegan Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Ever Made Simple

Updated On: October 5, 2025

If you’ve been searching high and low for the best vegan chocolate cupcake recipe ever, then your quest ends here! These cupcakes are rich, moist, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor, all while being completely plant-based and free from any animal products.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to indulge in a healthier treat, these cupcakes will satisfy your chocolate cravings without compromising on taste or texture. They’re perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

What makes these cupcakes stand out is their simplicity and use of wholesome, everyday ingredients. From the velvety cocoa to the fluffy crumb, every bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, even for beginners. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who thought vegan desserts couldn’t be decadent. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

  • Moist and Fluffy: These cupcakes stay soft and moist for days thanks to the combination of plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar.
  • Deep Chocolate Flavor: Using high-quality cocoa powder and a touch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate taste, making it rich and complex.
  • Simple Ingredients: No strange or hard-to-find items, just pantry staples you probably already have.
  • Allergy-Friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, and nuts, making it suitable for many dietary restrictions.
  • Versatile: Perfect on its own or topped with your favorite vegan frosting or fruit.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, to enhance chocolate flavor)
  • ½ cup boiling water

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Mix the plant milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes to curdle and form vegan buttermilk.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
  4. Add the oil, vanilla extract, and vegan buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined — be careful not to overmix.
  5. Stir in the espresso powder if using. Then carefully pour in the boiling water, mixing slowly to incorporate. The batter will be thin; this is normal and helps create a moist texture.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, frost with your favorite vegan frosting or enjoy them plain — either way, they’re irresistible!

Tips & Variations

“For extra fudgy cupcakes, add ¼ cup of vegan chocolate chips to the batter just before baking.”

  • For a gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle spicy kick that complements the chocolate.
  • Frosting ideas: Try vegan cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or a simple chocolate ganache made with coconut cream.
  • Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freeze: These cupcakes freeze beautifully. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Cupcake
Calories 190 kcal
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Carbohydrates 26 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 16 g
Protein 2 g

Serving Suggestions

These vegan chocolate cupcakes are delightfully versatile and pair well with many accompaniments. For a classic touch, frost them with vegan buttercream or chocolate ganache.

Try topping with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a light finish. They also make a wonderful dessert served alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or fresh coconut whipped cream.

For a fun twist, serve them at your next party with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive look. They’re sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike!

Conclusion

This vegan chocolate cupcake recipe truly stands out as a delicious, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. From the moist texture to the rich chocolate flavor, it proves that vegan baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional recipes.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based baking, these cupcakes are a perfect starting point that is sure to become a favorite.

Remember, baking is about joy and creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your own frosting and toppings. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love trying out the Magic Dough Recipe for a versatile vegan dough or the indulgent Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a savory plant-based meal.

For something sweet and festive, the Manny Randazzo King Cake Recipe is an excellent choice. Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Ever

Description: Deliciously moist and rich vegan chocolate cupcakes that everyone will love. Perfectly fluffy with a deep chocolate flavor.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting or serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 27 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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