From scratch Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes that are tender, chocolatey, and perfect in every way.
You are going to love this easy gluten free vegan chocolate cupcake recipe based off of gluten free wacky cake.
If you love cake you might like my Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Ganache Cake. My Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Espresso Donuts are equally as scrumptious.
For more ideas and gluten-free baking inspiration check out my Gluten-Free Desserts.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Originally posted in February of 2013, and recently given a photo refresh, these Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate cupcakes are going to win you over!
The Gluten-Free Vegan Cupcakes have been a favorite in our house for years.
The photo I originally added to the post didn’t do the cupcakes justice.
Recently I’ve been going through older recipes and refreshing the photos and content. Now that my photography is where I want it to be, I want ever recipe on my site to have a lovely photo – these Gluten-Free Vegan Cupcakes included.
What do you want in a cupcake? You want that perfectly domed top, moist crumb, and an overall great mouth feel. And that's what you deserve in a cupcake, regardless of whether or not it's Gluten-Free
It can be hard to find that in a Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcake, let alone a Vegan Gluten-Free cupcake.
Gluten-Free Vegan Cupcakes
There are a couple of tips and tricks to getting the right texture with gluten-free cupcakes. First, you have to follow the recipe. So many people comment on recipe posts saying that they made a ton of substitutions and the recipe didn’t turn out.
If you use substitutions, you are doing so at your own risk.
Second, you want to mix at the right time and not over-mix. When you are beating the ingredients you’ll want to beat it for the time listed. This adds air which in turn helps the cupcakes rise. Beating any longer will cause the batter to stiffen.
Both those tips are relevant to most cupcake recipes, not just these Gluten-Free Vegan Cupcakes.
How to make Gluten-Free Vegan Cupcakes
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt until there are no visible clumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix together the coffee (or water plus coffee granules), vinegar, vanilla extract, and olive oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Stir only until they just come together. The mixture should be thin and lumpy.
- Spoon batter evenly into cupcake pans, filing it about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool on a rack. Once the cupcakes are cool, frost each cupcake with your favorite frosting.
For the full list of ingredients and instructions please see the gluten-free vegan chocolate cupcakes recipe cared below. For another frosting option my friend Brianna from Flippin delicious has an incredible Dairy Free Frosting.
These Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes have a perfectly domed top, tender crumb, and amazing chocolate flavor, and I'll tell you a little secret, they're simple to make.
Start to finish, you'll have your teeth sinking into these light and fluffy gluten-free vegan cupcakes in less than an hour.
Despite the short wait time from bowl to oven to mouth, they'll taste so good that you'll find yourself wondering if an hour is really all that it took.
These cupcakes have a deep cocoa flavor mixed with an airy texture, a combo to die for, and they'll be such a huge hit at your next party or event. If they even make it out of the kitchen. And hey, I won't blame you if they don't.
If you are looking for gluten-free cupcakes (non-vegan) you'll love my gluten-free chocolate cupcakes.
How to make smooth dairy-free frosting
My favorite way to make dairy-free frosting is to use half dairy-free butter (I use earth balance butter sticks) and half palm shortening (which is coconut oil shortening).
Let both come to room temperature, then cream them together before adding in the rest of the ingredients.
If you like these cupcakes, you'll love my Gluten-Free Vanilla Bean Cupcakes and my Gluten-Free White Peppermint Cupcakes.
If you are looking for a chocolate frosting recipe to pair with these cupcakes, check out this smooth and creamy Vegan Chocolate Frosting. If you're more of a buttercream person, you'll want to make this Vegan Frosting.
Did you make these gluten free vegan chocolate cupcakes? Please leave a starred rating and a comment letting me know what you thought!
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
With only 8 ingredients for the cupcakes, you'll be sinking your teeth into these Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes in no time.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brewed coffee (or 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons of espresso powder or instant coffee granules)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons (¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp) olive oil or vegetable oil
For the frosting:
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup palm shortening, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position rack in center of oven. Line a 12 serving cupcake pan with papers; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt until there are no visible clumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix together the coffee (or water plus coffee granules), vinegar, vanilla extract, and olive oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until they just come together. The mixture should be thin and lumpy.
- Spoon batter evenly into cupcake pans, filing it about ⅔ full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool on a rack.
- For the frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free butter, palm shortening vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well. Alternate one cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of dairy-free milk until all ingredients are blended.
- Beat in additional dairy-free milk if needed to obtain desired constancy.
- Frost and enjoy!
Notes
- Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend works best in this recipe.
- When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
- If you don't need dairy-free or vegan, you can use regular butter and milk in this recipe.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 cupcakeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 287Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 227mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 0gSugar: 44gProtein: 0g
legacycowgirl
These look so good. I will try them soon. Always looking for a good tasting gluten free chocolate recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Kortney
Those seriously do have a perfectly domed top!
Abby
How can I convert this into a cake recipe?
chrystal
Hi Abby,
You can double the recipe and bake it in two round 8 or 9-inch cake pans. Start with 22 minutes and watch for doneness from there.
Best,
Chrystal
Natalie
These look like the perfect cupcakes! So delicious!
Alisa Fleming
You make even the simplest cupcakes looks so bakery-worthy and enticing. I love that icing swirl.
chrystal
Awe. Thank you!
Sam
Nice and fluffy - but had 2 runs at this now- and both times centres have collapsed in- any ideas?
Followed instructions to a T
chrystal
Can you tell me what flour blend you are using and if you are at high elevation?
Best,
Chrystal
Donna
I can’t wait to make these. When you list 1 cup of brewed coffee you mean 1 measuring cup, correct? Not a teacup?
chrystal
Hi Donna,
Yes, one liquid measuring cup's worth. This is the main liquid part that helps activate the cocoa and brings out the flavors in the cocoa.
Best,
Chrystal
Amanda
So chocolaty! These really would satisfy any craving for chocolate!
chrystal
Thank you!
Leslie
I love this! I can have my coffee and chocolate together. This is a really delicious sounding cupcake!
chrystal
Thank you!
Best,
Chrystal
Kristina
these look fabulous! I love the giant pillows of frosting... 🙂
chrystal
Thank you!
Aly
Can I just use warm water an omit the coffee? Making them mainly for my kids but no one in our house is a fan of coffee (I know shock horror!)
chrystal
Hi Aly,
Yes, you can use hot water 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Ann
I have plain or sr gluten free flour. Which should I use please
chrystal
Hi Ann,
No self rising gluten-free flour works best in this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Bev
This recipe looks easy. Can I make these cakes the day before serving? I've heard gluten free baked goods are best eaten on tbe day they are made.
chrystal
Hi Bev,
Yes. You can make these the day before. The frosting will help keep it moist.
Best,
Chrystal
Michelle
Hello, can I replace the coffee with something else? Thanks!
chrystal
Hi Michelle,
You can use hot water in place of the coffee.
Cheers,
Chrystal
Rose Gonzalez
Can I use regular all purpose flour
chrystal
You should be able to.
Best,
Chrystal
Tricia
Can I substitute honey for the sugar? I know the rule is up to one cup is an equal substitution for most recipes. I just didn't know if it would work for this one?
chrystal
Hi Tricia,
I haven't personally used honey in this recipe, so I'm not sure. Sorry I can't be more help.
Best,
Chrystal
Adrienne
Can these be frozen before they are iced?
chrystal
Hi Adrienne,
Yes, they can be frozen. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
Best,
Chrystal
Meg
I just made these and they look great but the olive oil flavor is really strong. Wondering if maybe a vegetable oil or vegan butter might be a better flavor.
chrystal
Hi Meg,
Not all olive oils are equal, some are stronger then others. You can definitely use a vegetable oil in this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Amanda
I never expected much from gluten free baked goods, but I have some gluten sensitive co-workers and wanted to make treats everyone could enjoy. This recipe is fantastic! I tasted the batter and was not optimistic, but after baking... world of difference!! I didn't taste the olive oil at all. Used hot water instead of coffee, but threw in some vegan chocolate chips for extra yum, and they were heavenly. Way better texture than I had even dared to hope. The gf flour blend I used was mostly tapioca starch and potato starch, so no grittiness. I couldn't believe how fast they disappeared! Thanks for providing a great recipe, my first gluten free baking experience was a win.
chrystal
Hi Amanda,
I'm so glad you like them! Thank you for stopping back by and letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Calla
Hi Crystal,
I am wondering if this recipe will work for me. It looks delicious! I am in need of a recipe that is gluten, dairy, nut, and casein free.
chrystal
Hi Calla,
This recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. You can use your dairy-free butter of choice in the frosting. I hope that helps!
Best,
Chrystal
Laura
Hi crystal,
We've tried he cupcakes already, (absolutely delicious and so moist) my husband who doesn't really have a sweet tooth, fell in love with these! I was going to make him a birthday cake version of this recipe, do you think it would work well in 7" sandwich form or would I need to adjust the recipe/timing? I'd appreciate your expertise, thanks
Laura x
chrystal
Hi Laura,
This recipe should work in a 7" pan, although I haven't tried it myself. It will need a little longer to bake, so start with the baking time and watch for doness from there.
Let me know how it turns out!
Best,
Chrystal
Gail Matthews
Can you use coconut oil ?
chrystal
Hi Gail,
You can use melted and cooled coconut oil in this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Heather Eoff
I have Bob’s Redmill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour. Can this be used in place of the 1 to 1 flour?
chrystal
Hi Heather,
Yes, you can use Bob's 1 to 1 in this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
MIRIAM SAUCEDA
I read through the comments and I don't think anybody asked if I can replace apple cider vinegar with the white vinegar. Thank you
chrystal
Hi Mirian,
Yes, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in this recipe. The taste may be slightly different.
Best,
Chrystal
Amber
Yum! I made these in the form of mini-cupcakes, and the cupcakes themselves were really really good (I used apple cider vinegar instead of white bc that's what I had, and I also threw in a vegan+gluten free chocolate bar chopped up rly finely). So fluffy and chocolatey. I live in England, where Bob's Red Mill isn't easily available, so I just used a different gluten free self rising flour, which I think made it a little grainier than optimal, but they still tasted insanely good - even better the next day after a night in the fridge!
I was not, however, a big fan of the icing. It was just really really too sweet, and not much flavor other than overpowering sugariness.
10/10 will make the cupcakes again, for sure, but might find a different icing recipe to go with them.
chrystal
Hi Amber,
I am so glad you like them. Sorry to hear the frosting wasn't for you, but I am glad you liked the cupcakes.
Best,
Chrystal
Sarah
Hi Crystal,
I'm excited to try these... but my kids have potato and rice sensitivities as well as gluten and egg allergies. Do you have any suggestions for flour mix that might work?
chrystal
Hi Sarah,
I haven't tried other flour blends with this recipe. For a flour blend that might work, maybe try this flour blend but use sourgum instead of the potato starch - https://meaningfuleats.com/erins-grain-free-flour-blend/. I also found this one for you: https://savorthebest.com/ancient-grains-gluten-free-flour-blend/
Hope that helps!
Chrystal
Lily
I made these for my little sister who has to be on this crazy diet. THEY CAME OUT PERFECT!!! really moist and choclatey. i used banana flour because she cant have most grains . and they were awesome. thank you!
chrystal
Hi Lily,
I am so glad you like them! Thanks for stopping by to let me know.
All my best,
Chrystal
Erica
I've made these before and they came out perfect, this time, they came out flat.... twice! Any suggestions?
chrystal
Hi Erica,
I'm sorry to hear they came out flat this time. A couple things. If you over mix them, it releases the air bubbles, or if your leavening agent has expired. Another thought, did you put them in the oven right away? Also, sometimes I accidentally leave an ingredient out, without realizing until after.
I hope those potential ideas help.
Best,
Chrystal
Erica
Hmm, the baking soda may be older. Will try that 🙂 Everything else, i did to a tee. (freaks me out leaving lumpy batter lol)
Thanks, Will let you know
chrystal
I get it! I hate lumpy batter too but remember that although baking is a science, there's a little magic there too. Some recipes are meant to have a couple of lumps, pancakes for example. I'm not saying leave it super lumpy but definitely give it a couple of good stirs with the whisk and as long as you don't see any of the dry ingredients, you should be good.
Best,
Chrystal
Robyn
Great taste, but I had trouble with them really sticking to the cupcake wrappers. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
chrystal
Hi Robyn,
I wonder if it has to do with the paper liners you used, or possibly how they were stored? I haven't had that issue.
Best,
Chrystal
Marya
Super easy to make. Although the texture was perfect, I thought they were rather bland. I prefer a sweeter cupcake and less frosting. However, I filled them with raspberry preserves and they were delicious!
chrystal
I'm so glad you liked them! Yes, they are not a super sweet cupcake but you can dress them up more if you like them richer. I love the idea of filling them with preserves.
Thank you for stopping back by.
Best,
Chrystal
Erika
I have to make these tomorrow for my brother. I don’t have vegan butter. Is there an alternative? Can I use vegan chocolate chips melted instead of cocoa powder they were out of these both in the store! Thank you!
chrystal
Hi Erika,
For the frosting, if you want you can make a ganache instead of frosting. See my ganache recipe at https://www.glutenfreepalate.com/gluten-free-vegan-chocolate-ganache-cake-14-ingredients/
I don't have a good sub for the cocoa. Even recipes that use melted chocolate chips often have cocoa in them.
Best,
Chrystal
Aimee
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! First I made the lemon cupcakes. My son and I had them nearly finished before bedtime. Then I made your chocolate cupcakes for my son's bday, with your frosting. Damn delicious! I've made gluten free cakes and cupcakes from the boxes, but these little guys are so light and fluffy, you can't tell they are gf!!! Magnificent job! I'll be trying more of them!
chrystal
I am so glad you loved them both! Thank you for taking time to stop back by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Tiffany Janson
I am saving this recipe! I can't count how many cakes I've thrown out as I've tried to find a genuinely good gluten free and vegan cake recipe. This one is moist and legitimately fluffy. Fluffy!!! Thank you for rescuing my family's birthdays!
Sarah
Do you have metric measurements please
chrystal
I'm sorry Sarah, I don't have them for these cupcakes yet. I am hoping to get all my recipes into metric measurements this year.
Best,
Chrystal