Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Creamy Vanilla Icing Recipe
These vegan vanilla cupcakes are a delightful plant-based treat perfect for any occasion. Moist and fluffy, they’re made with rapeseed oil, oat milk, and a vanilla-infused batter, topped with a creamy vegan vanilla buttercream icing. Easy to bake and irresistibly delicious, these cupcakes are great for anyone seeking a dairy-free, egg-free dessert option.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Wet Ingredients
- 50ml rapeseed oil
- 1 tsp cider vinegar
- 200ml plant milk (oat milk recommended)
- 2 tsp vanilla paste (divided use)
Dry Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 150g golden caster sugar
For the Icing
- 200g vegan plant butter block, softened
- 400g icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla paste
- A large pinch of salt
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a jug, combine the rapeseed oil, cider vinegar, and oat milk. Stir well to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole cupcake or muffin tray with paper cases to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, tip in the self-raising flour, baking powder, and golden caster sugar. Stir together to combine thoroughly.
- Create the Batter: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the wet mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla paste and stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Cupcake Cases and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cupcakes are golden and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them onto a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare the Icing: Beat the softened vegan plant butter block with 2 teaspoons of vanilla paste until soft and creamy, approximately 2 minutes using an electric mixer or by hand.
- Add Icing Sugar: Gradually add the icing sugar in batches, beating well after each addition to achieve a fluffy consistency. Add a large pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Decorate the Cupcakes: Transfer the icing into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe swirls onto the cooled cupcakes to decorate them beautifully.
- Storage: Keep the iced cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the vegan butter block is softened before beating to achieve a smooth icing texture.
- You can substitute the oat milk with any other plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
- If you prefer a sweeter cupcake, you may increase the golden caster sugar by 25g.
- To make gluten-free cupcakes, replace self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
- Decorate with fresh fruit, sprinkles, or edible flowers for extra flair.
- Store cupcakes in a cool, dry place to prevent the icing from melting.
Keywords: Vegan vanilla cupcakes, plant-based cupcakes, dairy-free cupcakes, egg-free cupcakes, vegan desserts, vanilla buttercream, easy vegan baking