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Close-up of Vegan Cupcake Recipe Vanilla with a bite taken, topped with frosting and strawberry

Vegan Cupcake Recipe Vanilla – Gluten-Free Friendly


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  • Author: Elisa Keebler
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Light, fluffy, and moist vegan cupcakes topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion, with an easy gluten-free option.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend with xanthan gum)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, soy, or coconut)
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or vegetable)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup vegan butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 23 tbsp plant milk
  • Optional flavorings: lemon zest, cocoa powder, berry puree

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl or jug, combine plant milk, oil, vanilla, and vinegar.
  4. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes (regular) or 20–22 minutes (gluten-free) until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Frost only when completely cooled.
  7. To make frosting: Beat vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, and plant milk as needed for consistency. Spread or pipe onto cupcakes.

Notes

  • Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best structure.
  • Gluten-free cupcakes may need 1–2 extra minutes of bake time.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container to prevent drying.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg