Chocolate Cupcakes

VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, FISH FREE, EGG FREE, DAIRY FREE, NUT FREE*

Cupcakes

This vegan cupcake recipe is light, moist, and more delicious than any cupcake recipe I've ever used made with dairy and eggs! This is my modified version, inspired by 'Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World' by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero.

Although I do occasionally eat free range eggs, I can't stomach the thought of eating raw eggs - so this batter is spoon-licking good, and I love it it as much uncooked as cooked!

* 1 cup soymilk (I use vanilla soy)
* 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
* 3/4 cup raw sugar
* 1/3 cup pureed prunes
* 1 tablespoon canola oil
* 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup plain flour
* 1/3 cup cocoa powder
* 3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease a muffin tin and line with patty cases. This makes 9 large or 12 small cupcakes.
2. Whisk the soymilk and apple cider vinegar together, set aside to curdle for a few minutes. Add the sugar, prunes, oil, vanilla and beat till foamy.
3. In a separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, bicarb, baking powder and salt. Add half to the wet mixture, stir, add remaining dry ingredients and beat using electric mixers.
4. Pour into patty cases so they are approx 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a skewer come out clean. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack and cool completely.

Chocolate Frosting

This recipe by Ashley Skabar makes enough frosting to be piped onto the cupcakes, with a little leftover. It keeps well in the fridge and makes a delicious alternative to the chocolate cream in the stuffed strawberries!

* 2 cups of icing sugar, sifted
* 1/4 cup vegan margarine, softened (I use Nuttelex)
* 1/4 cup soymilk (again, I like to use vanilla)
* 3/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Cream sugar and margarine together with electric mixer till thick and well combined. Add soymilk, cocoa, vanilla and mix until smooth.

* Be sure to check individual ingredients for any trace amounts or ingredients that vary between brands J

Remember to check out Party Bags 4 Kids for birthday and special occasion party bags! Gluten free always available.