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Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

These moist and fluffy cupcakes are easy to make and oh-so-delicious!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 16 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 cup soy milk (or another thick nondairy milk)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour measured correctly*
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup warm water

For the frosting:

  • 1/2 cup vegan buttery sticks
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1+ tbsp nondairy milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cupcake pans with ~18 cupcake liners.
  • Whisk the soy milk and vinegar together and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.
  • In the meantime, in a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda & powder, and salt.
  • Add the milk mixture, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix just until combined.
  • Add in the warm water and mix until the batter is smooth and silky.
  • Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each up ~3/4 of the way.
  • Bake for 16-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with just crumbs on it (don’t overcook or they turn out dry).
  • For the buttercream, add the vegan butter to a mixing bowl. Beat for a couple minutes, until fluffy.
  • Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and cocoa powder and beat until combined.
  • Add 1 tbsp milk and vanilla continue to beat. Add more milk, as necessary, until you reach the desired consistency. If the frosting gets too liquidy, add more powdered sugar. You want a smooth but firm consistency.
  • Once the cupcakes are cooled**, spread or pipe the frosting (we prefer a Wilton 2D tip). Keep plain or add any toppings you’d like!

Notes

*Measure your flour using this method.
**You can also stuff the cupcakes at this point. Create a small hole in the center of the cupcake and stuff with preferred filling, like our no bake cookie dough
Keyword buttercream, cake, chocolate, cupcakes, plant-based, vegan