Well, it being Valentine's Day tomorrow, I wanted to make a sweet treat. Plus I've been watching "Cupcake Wars" on The Food Network far too much late at night...LOL...So I decided I HAD to make some cupcakes! And of course they HAD to be Vegan.
I have to say, they came out really well. The only thing I'd change next time, is the frosting. It was a bit too sweet. I think I'd cut back on the sugar.
Other than that they are DIVINE!!!
I can't wait to bring them into work & fool all my carnivorous co-workers! :o)
Now, I threw all caution to the wind & used very non "good for you" ingredients. Of course, all ingredients can be altered & made organic, etc.
Plus you can also include choc. chips, nuts, dried fruit, or whatever you like.
The frosting can also be altered anyway you like. You could add food coloring, or fruit & nuts in that as well.
The skies the limit when it comes to cupcakes!!! I just wanted a very simple recipe this time....But I'm sure as I watch "Cupcake Wars" more & more, I may be posting a lot of variations to this basic recipe! :o)
Vegan Chocolate Cake & Cupcake Recipe
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1 & 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 cup water
Sift together; Flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
Add the oil, vanilla, vinegar, and water. mix together until smooth.
Spray empty cupcake cups with non-stick spray. Fill each cup 3/4 full.
Bake for 15 min. or until toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool.
Vegan "Cream Cheese" Frosting Recipe
1/2 cup vegan cream cheese substitute (such as Tofutti)
1/2 cup butter substitute (I like Earth Balance organic buttery spread....left at room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup soy flour
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Beat the "cream cheese" and "butter" together with the vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until light (in texture, not color)
Beat in the soy flour.
Followed by the confectioners' sugar until light & fluffy.
Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before using.
Then all that's left to do is frost & ENJOY!!
