I love baking. If there’s ever a fundraiser or celebration morning or afternoon tea at work I’m the one that will show up with baked goods – with cupcakes generally my go to. So much so that I now have a cupcake stand that permanently lives on my work desk.
Since discovering the ‘Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World’ cookbook I do most of my cupcake baking vegan. I find they always turn out moist, fluffy and full of flavour. One of my favourite parts about that cookbook is it provides a fool-proof base which I can play from to make whatever combination of flavours I feel like making, and I’m yet to have any turn out badly! Today’s flavour is chocolate-orange with an orange buttercream icing (and some bonus orange sprinkles)
Ingredients List
For the Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup non-dairy milk (I use almond)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1.5 tsp orange essence
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- salt
For the Icing
- 1/2 cup non-dairy margarine (I use nuttlex)
- orange juice
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 1tsp orange essence
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Steps
For the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350F
- Whisk together the milk, vinegar and orange juice and set aside for a few minutes to slightly curdle
- Add the sugar, oil and extracts and mix together until foamy
- Sift in flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt and mix until no large lumps remain
- Pour into patty-pans and bake for 18-20 minutes
- Leave to cool while you prepare the icing
For the Icing
- Put the margarine in a bowl and cream with electric beaters
- Add the icing sugar in 1/2 cup batches, with a splash of orange juice each time
- Add the essences and beat until smooth and fluffy
- Spread the icing on the cupcakes when completely cool and top with sprinkles
- Enjoy!
What’s your favourite cupcake combination? Have you tried baking vegan before?
Share the Love
I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Kimberley - Dream. Delight. Inspire.
February 25, 2013 at 12:03 pm (12 years ago)I am experimenting more and more with vegan recipes and this one looks delicious! Definitely going to try these out – thanks for sharing!
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
February 25, 2013 at 9:51 pm (12 years ago)If you like baking I definitely recommend that cupcake book and they have a cookie one which is great too. I think they did a vegan pie book as well but I haven’t got my hands on it yet. The recipes are all great and the basic versions give you lots of varieties to play with.
Let me know if you give them a try!
Veggie Mama
February 25, 2013 at 6:17 pm (12 years ago)I have made these! I did choc-cherry. So delicious!
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
February 25, 2013 at 9:52 pm (12 years ago)Ooh they sound good! I’ve done the choc-oreo ones a few times – they are always winners at gatherings!
Thanks for hosting the link-up, I’ve found so many great blogs my recipe to-try list is getting longer and longer!
Lisa @ Greek Vegetarian
February 26, 2013 at 12:33 am (12 years ago)Yuuuuuuum, these look beautiful! I always wanted a cupcake co-worker. Your lucky colleagues!
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
February 26, 2013 at 9:32 pm (12 years ago)Most of these got eaten by my housemates so I’m pretty popular at home right now! How are you going with all the veggies?!
Christie @ Fig & Cherry
February 26, 2013 at 1:50 pm (12 years ago)These sound delish, especially the orange icing.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
February 26, 2013 at 9:35 pm (12 years ago)Yeah, I think it helps offset the rich chocolate cake and keeps the whole thing from tipping into the sickly sweet territory. Balance is key!
Thanks for stopping by!