Vegan GF Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternative if needed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup vegan butter or solid coconut oil softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp plant-based milk as needed
- Crushed peanuts and vegan chocolate drizzle for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat the vegan butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Add plant-based milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Decorate: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the peanut butter frosting, then sprinkle with crushed peanuts and drizzle with vegan chocolate.
- Serve & Enjoy: Share and relish these delectable treats with friends and family!
How about prepping ahead?
- Once cooled, the cupcakes can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months
- To serve, thaw them at room temperature and then proceed with the frosting
- Store the frosting in a freezer-safe container
- When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature and give it a good mix to restore its fluffy personality
Fill 'Em Up: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake
Did you know that you can even FILL these cupcakes with a surprise?
- For a gooey surprise, fill the cupcakes with a peanut butter center.
- Once the cupcakes are baked and cooled, use a cupcake corer (or a small knife) to remove a piece of the center.
- Fill the hole with creamy peanut butter, then replace the top part of the core.
- Frost as usual, and voilà, a hidden treasure awaits within!
Need lunch-time ideas?
Interested in more ideas on how to prep lunch ahead of time? Read the blog article!
