Best Vegan Strawberry Cupcake Recipe for Delicious Treats

There’s something undeniably delightful about strawberry cupcakes — their light, fluffy texture paired with the sweet, tangy burst of fresh strawberries makes for an irresistible treat. If you’re looking for a cupcake recipe that’s entirely plant-based yet doesn’t compromise on flavor or moisture, you’re in the right place.

This best vegan strawberry cupcake recipe is perfect for springtime celebrations, birthdays, or just a sweet pick-me-up any day of the week. Using wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners, these cupcakes deliver a perfect balance of fruitiness and tenderness without any animal products.

Plus, they’re easy to make, even if you’re new to vegan baking!

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply want to try something fresh and fruity, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. We’ll walk you through every step, from mixing the batter to crafting a luscious strawberry frosting that’s just as dreamy as the cupcakes themselves.

Ready to bake the best vegan strawberry cupcakes? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan strawberry cupcake recipe stands out because it uses real fresh strawberries both in the batter and frosting, giving you an authentic, vibrant strawberry flavor. Instead of relying on artificial extracts or powders, these cupcakes are packed with natural sweetness and moisture, thanks to the juicy berries and plant-based milk.

The cupcakes are incredibly light and fluffy, proving that vegan baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional recipes.

Moreover, this recipe is easy to customize — you can swap ingredients for gluten-free alternatives or adjust the sugar to your preference. It’s perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions who still wants to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert.

And if you love trying other vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a comforting meal or the Collard Green Casserole Recipes to round out your menu.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup organic cane sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• 12-cup muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Cooling rack
• Blender or food processor (for frosting)
• Pastry bag or knife (for frosting application)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle — this creates a vegan buttermilk.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your cupcakes will be light and airy.
4. In another bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and the vegan buttermilk mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
6. Fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
10. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting (recipe below).

Strawberry Vegan Frosting

A creamy, naturally pink frosting to top your cupcakes beautifully.

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar (to thicken) or a splash of plant milk (to thin).
4. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tip: For extra strawberry flavor, gently fold in 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry jam or preserves into the batter or frosting.

If you prefer a lighter frosting, try using coconut whipped cream mixed with strawberry puree instead of vegan butter frosting. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

You can also add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus twist that complements the strawberries beautifully.

To make these cupcakes even more special for celebrations, decorate with fresh strawberry slices or edible flowers. If you want to experiment, check out our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a decadent vegan chocolate alternative or the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to serve alongside these cupcakes for an indulgent dessert experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan strawberry cupcakes are perfect on their own with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a more festive dessert table, serve them alongside fresh fruit platters or vegan ice creams.

They also pair wonderfully with light, refreshing beverages like sparkling water infused with mint and lemon.

For a fun twist, try sandwiching two cupcakes together with frosting in the middle to create strawberry cupcake sandwiches. Or serve them as part of a dessert spread with other vegan goodies like our Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe to impress your guests.

Conclusion

Creating the best vegan strawberry cupcakes at home is easier than you think, and this recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful, and beautiful batch every time. Using fresh strawberries and simple, wholesome ingredients means you get all the natural sweetness without any artificial additives.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes deliver happiness in every bite.

Don’t forget to experiment with the frosting and toppings to make the cupcakes uniquely yours. And if you want to explore more vegan baking, check out some of our other delicious recipes like the Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for hearty meals or the Collard Green Casserole Recipes for nutritious sides.

Happy baking!

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