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Classic Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Vegan Butter Frosting Recipe

4.3 from 22 reviews

These Classic Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes are a deliciously fluffy treat made without any animal products, perfect for vegans and those seeking a dairy-free dessert. This recipe offers a gluten-free option, ensuring everyone can enjoy these moist cupcakes topped with creamy vegan vanilla frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1¾ cups gluten free flour
  • ¾ cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk
  • ¼ cup + 3 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Frosting

  • 1 cup vegan butter (cold, straight from the fridge)
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and perfect shape for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the non-dairy milk, neutral oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter light and airy.
  4. Fill Cupcake Liners: Transfer the batter into a measuring cup for easier pouring and fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  5. Bake Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake at 350°F for 20-24 minutes. The ideal baking time is approximately 22.5 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center, which should come out clean.
  6. Cool Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and prepares them for frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Using a hand mixer, beat the cold vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  8. Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them by spreading or piping the vanilla buttercream on top as desired.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these vegan vanilla cupcakes to delight guests or enjoy as a sweet treat anytime.

Notes

  • For best results, use cold vegan butter straight from the fridge for the frosting to achieve a creamy texture.
  • Filling the cupcake liners about two-thirds full prevents overflow during baking.
  • You can substitute the gluten free flour for regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
  • The neutral oil can be any mild flavor like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.

Keywords: vegan vanilla cupcakes, gluten free cupcakes, dairy free cupcakes, vegan dessert, plant based cupcakes