Introduction: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
Craving rich, chocolatey cupcakes without the dairy or eggs? These Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate treatβmoist, fluffy, and deeply satisfying, all without animal products. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking for a healthier dessert option, this easy one-bowl recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients β Simple & Plant-Based
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ΒΎ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- β cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- β cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ΒΎ teaspoon baking soda
- Β½ teaspoon baking powder
- ΒΌ teaspoon salt
Optional Vegan Frosting:
- Β½ cup (115 g) vegan butter
- 1ΒΎ cups (210 g) powdered sugar
- ΒΌ cup (20 g) cocoa powder
- 1β2 tablespoons plant milk
- Β½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Wet Ingredients
- Set your oven to 33Mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to create vegan βbuttermilk.β0Β°F (180Β°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining each cup with cupcake liners.
- Mix almond milk with apple cider vinegar in a bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken and curdle into a vegan βbuttermilkβ alternative.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Incorporate sugar, oil, and vanilla into the vegan buttermilk, then whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Sift & Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combinedβavoid overmixing to keep the batter light and tender.
Step 4: Bake
- Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18β22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Frost (Optional)
- Beat vegan butter until creamy. Combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spoon.
Why Youβll Love These Cupcakes
- π± 100% vegan β no eggs, no dairy
- π« Ultra chocolatey and indulgent
- π§ Fluffy & moist with no weird ingredients
- β Simple one-bowl method β all done in less than 45 minutes!
- π Perfect for birthdays, parties, or snack cravings

Nutrition Facts (Per Cupcake, Unfrosted β Approx.)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 160β180 kcal |
Carbs | 25β28 g |
Fat | 6β8 g |
Protein | 2β3 g |
Fiber | 1β2 g |
Values vary depending on frosting and plant milk used.
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Tips & Variations
- π₯₯ Use coconut oil for a slight tropical twist.
- β Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding Β½ teaspoon of espresso powder to the mix.
- πΎ Easily go gluten-free by swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- π§ Turn it into a cake β double the recipe and bake in an 8-inch round pan.

Storage
- Store frosted or unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for 3 to 5 days.
- Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days; bring to room temp before eating.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Conclusion: Vegan Never Tasted This Good
These Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as delicious as traditional treats. Whether youβre baking for yourself, your family, or a mixed-diet crowd, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and joy in every bite.
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