Decadent Vegan Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Rich Vanilla Frosting
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Decadent Vegan Dark Chocolate Cupcakes, a delightful treat that’s sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike! The secret to their extraordinary moistness lies in the addition of applesauce, making them perfect for anyone avoiding eggs or dairy. These cupcakes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, and they boast a wonderful chocolate flavor complemented by a smooth and creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet afternoon snack. You can easily halve the recipe if you want to make a smaller batch. Everyone in the family will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boiling water
2 cups (Boil water)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup (Add to boiling water)
all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups (Sift)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (Sift)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (Sift)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Sift)
margarine
1 cup, softened (Cream with sugar)
white sugar
2 1/4 cups (Cream with margarine)
applesauce
3/4 cup (Mix with margarine)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (Mix into batter and frosting)
shortening
1/2 cup (Beat with margarine for frosting)
powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups, sifted (Add to frosting mixture)
soy milk
1/4 cup (Mix into frosting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare your muffin tin(s) by lining them with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the boiling water and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and let it sit and cool for a few minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
4
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened margarine and 2 1/4 cups of white sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Stir in the 3/4 cup of applesauce and add the 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing well.
6
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the cocoa mixture, stirring until just combined.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. If you prefer making a cake, alternatively divide the batter into 3 non-stick sprayed 9-inch cake pans.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes for cupcakes, or 25-30 minutes for a cake, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, allow the cupcakes or cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
10
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of shortening and 1/2 cup of margarine until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
11
Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar while beating continuously for about 3 minutes.
12
Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of soymilk, continuing to mix for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with additional soymilk or powdered sugar as needed.
13
Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, generously frost them with the prepared vanilla frosting and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe?
This is a recipe for Decadent Vegan Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Rich Vanilla Frosting.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be vegan, avoiding both eggs and dairy.
What oven temperature is needed for these cupcakes?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What is used as an egg substitute in this recipe?
Applesauce is used to provide moisture and act as a binder in place of eggs.
How long do the cupcakes take to bake?
The cupcakes should bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I make a cake instead of cupcakes?
Yes, you can divide the batter into three 9-inch cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
How do I prepare the cocoa mixture?
Combine 2 cups of boiling water with 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
What are the dry ingredients that need to be sifted together?
The all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt should be sifted together.
What ingredients are creamed together for the batter?
1 cup of softened margarine and 2 1/4 cups of white sugar are creamed until light and fluffy.
How much applesauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of applesauce.
What type of milk is used for the vanilla frosting?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of soy milk for the frosting.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
How do I check if the cupcakes are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done.
Can I make a smaller batch of this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions you can easily halve the recipe for a smaller batch.
What fats are used in the frosting?
The frosting uses a combination of 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 cup margarine.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the frosting?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
What is the beating time for the final frosting stage?
After adding vanilla and soy milk, continue mixing for another 5 to 7 minutes.
How much vanilla extract is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
Adjust the consistency by adding additional soy milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Why is it important to let the cupcakes cool on a wire rack?
Cooling completely ensures that the frosting does not melt when applied to the cupcakes.
What type of cocoa powder is used?
The recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder.
What is the amount of all-purpose flour used?
The recipe requires 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much baking soda and baking powder are needed?
You need 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Yes, it is dairy-free, using margarine and soy milk.
What is the prep for the margarine in the batter?
The margarine should be softened before being creamed with the sugar.
What are the recommended tags for this recipe?
Tags include vegan, cupcakes, chocolate, dessert, frosting, and dairy-free.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe contains 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What texture should the creamed sugar and margarine have?
The mixture should be beaten until it is light and fluffy.
What occasions are these cupcakes suitable for?
They are perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, or as a sweet afternoon snack.