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Freshly baked vegan cupcakes with swirled frosting on a white kitchen table, captured in natural light.

Vegan Cupcakes

Fluffy, moist vegan cupcakes made with simple plant-based ingredients — perfect for every occasion.
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Course: baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Plant-Based
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Emily Nelson
Cost: $5–$8

Equipment

  • 1 Muffin tin (12-cup) Standard size
  • 12 Paper liners For easy cleanup
  • 2 Mixing bowls Large
  • 1 Whisk Wire
  • 1 set Measuring cups/spoons Dry and liquid
  • 1 Electric mixer For frosting
  • 1 Cooling rack Wire
  • 1 Ice cream scoop Optional, for portioning

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour Sifted
  • ¾ cup Granulated sugar Can sub coconut sugar
  • ¼ cup Cocoa powder Omit for vanilla version
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar Reacts with baking soda
  • ⅓ cup Vegetable oil Or melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup Non-dairy milk Almond, soy, or oat
  • ¼ cup Hot water or coffee Enhances cocoa flavor

Optional Frosting

  • 1 ½ cups Powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup Vegan butter Softened
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice Adds brightness
  • a few drops Food coloring Optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the muffin tin with paper liners.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, mix non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes to curdle.
  • Add vanilla extract and oil to the wet mixture. Combine with dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Pour in the hot water or coffee and stir gently to incorporate.
  • Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to fill cupcake liners ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, frost with prepared frosting and serve.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1.3mg