Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes (GF, Dairy-Free, Healthy, Refined Sugar-Free)
Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes (GF): fluffy ‘n moist healthy chocolate cupcakes with a soft crumb, topped with creamy, smooth chocolate frosting! The best GF oat flour cupcakes—Refined Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free!
”Make one, eat one. Make one, eat one. It’s the ideal work situation!” <– That just about sums up Erik’s entire philosophy in life about “helping” me in the kitchen. 😉
Like, how motivated do you think he’d be without a little sampling here and there? Ha!
A couple years back, when I first shared this vegan gluten free chocolate cupcakes recipe, Erik’s entire motivation for helping me was “make one, eat one” and, of course, his natural altruism. Heh heh.
Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes (Dairy-Free)
Since then, so many readers have made and enjoyed my gluten free dairy chocolate cupcakes recipe. Have you tried it yet? I thought today would be the day for sharing updated photos, answers to your common questions about these healthy vegan chocolate cupcakes and more!
Are you ready for the best vegan gluten free chocolate cupcakes ever? Let’s bake this!
What do these Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes Taste Like?
Vegan Chocolate Frosting: creamy, silky, smooth, and thick frosting that’s easy to frost, and won’t melt or droop on your perfect gluten free chocolate cupcakes! There’s a wonderful balance between chocolate and non-dairy milky-creaminess. And no coconut flavor!
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes: Perfectly fluffy ‘n soft with just the right amount of oomph to hit that satisfying sweet spot. These healthy vegan cupcakes have the best crumb: rich ‘n chocolatey with an edge of dark chocolate flavor to balance out the sweet, creamy chocolate frosting.
Are these Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes … Dairy-Free? GF? Refined Sugar-Free? Healthy?
Yes, yes and yes! These gluten free vegan chocolate cupcakes are not only the best healthy chocolate cupcakes you’ll ever have… they’re the best gluten free dairy free cupcakes recipe you’ll ever have! They’re also refined sugar-free, too!
Where can I find a Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe?
Here is my moist and fluffy Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe (Almond Flour, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free). Enjoy!
How do I store this Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe?
Room Temperature: this gluten free dairy free cupcakes recipe stores very well at room temperature for 3 days. Of course, the vegan gf cupcakes are best the 1st day, but the cake & frosting stay fresh & yummy in an airtight container, kept out of direct sunlight for 3 days.
To Freeze: store these healthy chocolate cupcakes in a freezer-friendly container for up to 1 month. Store carefully if frosting the chocolate cupcakes in advance. Thawing instructions in Notes! 🙂
How do I turn these Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes into Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake?
Easy! Click on the link for my Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe. You’ll be taken through, step-by-step, to learn how to turn these healthy chocolate cupcakes into gluten free vegan chocolate cake!
Q&A for Healthy Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes (GF)
- Can I make the chocolate frosting for these vegan gf cupcakes in advance? While you might be able to make the chocolate “ganache” portion of the chocolate frosting 1-2 days in advance, I wouldn’t recommend making the frosting too far in advance. The chocolate frosting will dry out in the bowl and not be suitable for frosting your vegan gf cupcakes.
- Where do I find the coconut cream to make the vegan chocolate frosting for these cupcakes? This is the coconut cream that I use in these vegan gluten free cupcakes.
- Where can I buy vegan chocolate chips? Find dairy free vegan chocolate chips here.
- Can I use gf all purpose flour in these vegan gf cupcakes? A few readers have tried swapping the oat flour in these vegan chocolate cupcakes with gluten free all purpose flour with success. Try it and let me know what you think!
- Are these sugar free vegan cupcakes? These gluten free vegan chocolate cupcakes are refined sugar-free!
- I love these chocolate oat flour cupcakes… do you make anything else GF with oat flour? Yes! Nearly every recipe on Beaming Baker is made with gluten free oat flour. Here’s a sampling of my favorite oat flour recipes with chocolate:
Best Tools for the Best Easy & Moist Paleo Chocolate Cake (Vegan)
Click below to see the tools & ingredients I used to make these vegan gf cupcakes aka the best refined sugar free vegan cupcakes ever!!
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Super cute and useful hand mixer. My favorite tools for whipping up vegan chocolate frosting.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: a staple in my vegan kitchen!
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer: For those days when you just don’t feel like mixing by hand. 😉
- Coconut Oil: One of the most used ingredients in my pantry. A total vegan baking staple.
- Cupcake Liners: These are wonderful liners made of unbleached parchment that peel off easily.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Such an amazing taste, it always adds that extra little sumthin’ sumthin’ to my cupcakes.
How’d you like learning how to make the best gluten free vegan chocolate cupcakes recipe in the world? 😉 Well, I suppose that’s up to you to decide! In the meantime, let me express my gratitude for being a part of the Beaming Baker community. I truly appreciate the time you take to share in these kitchen adventures with me. ‘Til the next one…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
. Click below to Pin .
Did you make this vegan gluten free cupcakes recipe? Take a pic & share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it!
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Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes (GF, Dairy-Free, Healthy, Refined Sugar-Free)
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes (GF): fluffy ‘n moist healthy chocolate cupcakes with a soft crumb, topped with creamy, smooth chocolate frosting! The best GF oat flour cupcakes—Refined Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free!
Ingredients
FROSTING
- 1 batch Vegan Chocolate Frosting
CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour – if using homemade oat flour, make sure it’s very finely ground (not coarse)*
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – not dutch processed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the frosting: The night before, begin preparing one batch of this Vegan Chocolate Frosting. Do not whip the frosting until the cupcakes are cooled and ready to be frosted.
- Make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add water and milk to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second increments until just warm. This will prevent the melted coconut oil from solidifying once mixed with these liquids.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients: water, milk, coconut oil, sugar, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Whisk until just incorporated, making sure no flour patches remain.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared muffin pan—filling each cup about 3/4 of the way. Bake for 16-20 minutes. Mine took 18 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. The toothpick should come out with a few dry bits of cake on it, but no liquidy batter.
- Place muffin pan on a cooling rack to cool for 30 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin pan and continue cooling on rack until completely cool before frosting.
- Frost the cupcakes: Whip the frosting as instructed. Frost the cupcakes. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
If you prefer cake, try my 5-star Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe.
Delicious Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Desserts
Equipment
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Nonstick Parchment Muffin Liners
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Whisk Attachment for Hand Mixer
Buy Now →Notes
- *If using homemade oat flour, make sure to sift the flour to remove coarse bits of oats that could create grainy cupcakes.
- Storage notes: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Okay to keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, in a cool, dark environment.
- Freezing Instructions: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw at room temperature for 15-40 minutes before enjoying.
- Substitution Notes in post above.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes, Chocolate, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Baking
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.
These cupcakes are incredible! I followed the recipe exactly as written and they came out fluffy, chocolate-y, and moist. No one would ever know that these are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar free!
Woohoo!!! I’m so pleased to hear that, Josie. 🙂 It’s amazing when people can’t tell at all—my goal with every recipe on the blog. Enjoy!
Hi I am making these this weekend! My son is allergic to dairy and it is difficult to find cocoa powder that is dairy free or trace free – I was wondering if I could sub the cocoa powder with cacoa powder? Has anyone done this?
I LOVE your blog – you are truly amazing <3
Hi Mich! Yes, that should be fine. 🙂 Also, THANK YOU!!! That’s so sweet of you to say. Big hugs to you! Xo
This recipe became a staple in my kitchen, thanks so much!
Woohoo! So happy to hear it Pam! .
Hi Demeter! Where do you get your oat flour? I’ve seen Bob’s Red Mill oat flour, but it is not GF. Thanks, and I can’t wait to try these!
These were delicious! So rich! I used almond flour and they were perfect. Question…I would like to make a cake instead of cupcakes? Have you tried that? Any changes I should make? Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!
Hi Gina! So glad you enjoyed the cupcakes. 🙂
Here’s my recipe for chocolate cake (inspired by these cupcakes): https://beamingbaker.com/vegan-chocolate-cake-recipe-vegan-gluten-free-dairy-free-refined-sugar-free/
Happy baking!
I found your blog using the Google search engine. I’m used to enjoying cupcakes that contain typical ingredients, such as eggs, milk and butter. I’m willing to get out of my comfort zone by trying a vegan cupcake. Unfortunately, it’s a challenge to find gluten free flour in my area. Is it possible that I can substitute all purpose flour?
Hi LaTrice! So happy to have you here. ☺️ That might work—I haven’t tried it myself. Let me know how it turns out!
Thank you for this recipe! This is the best gf, dairy free vegan cupcake I’ve tried to make! I ground my own oat flour, so the texture was a little too course in the cupcake, but I think if I buy a finer flour they will be perfect next time. Loved them!
Hi Stacy! It’s my pleasure. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Oh yes—the oat flour needs to be fine. Hope you get to try again! .
I have to say, these cupcakes are pretty darn good! They came out a bit dense for me, but I really enjoy the flavor! It’s a relief to find a good dessert recipe for birthdays since my little brother can’t have dairy and gluten!
Awesome! So glad you liked it, Anna. 🙂 Yep, I do love me some dense cake. 😉 Happy that you little bro gets to eat this! .
Hi! Do you have any nutritional facts for these?
Thank you!
Hi Maci! Not yet. I’m working on adding nutritional info across the site. It’s a huge, tedious task, so thank you for your patience. 🙂
This sounds like a great cake recipe, love that it has got no eggs… It means it is scalable to smaller quantities which is perfect for me!
Thanks Brian! Good point. 🙂 Sometimes all ya need are just a few cupcakes. 😉
Yay – chocolate cupcakes for everyone. That icing looks perfect and I could eat them all.
Oh yes!! The icing is SO good!! Thanks Danielle!
I love chocolate cupcakes! These look so decadent and chocolatey – simply delicious! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
They’re the best!! 🙂 Thanks Natalie!
I am loving that these are vegan and gluten free. Delish!
Right? 😉 Thanks Jacque!
These HAVE to be the most gorgeous cupcakes I’ve ever seen. Chocolate is the key to my heart so I’m in heaven reading this post right now. Thanks for sharing the recipe! 🙂
Aw, thanks Chris! 🙂 Chocolate is definitely everything!! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m so excited to try this recipe! I LOVE that you use oat flour because vegan and paleo ingredients can be kind of expensive, and I’ve been trying to find some cheaper options. So thank you!
Woohoo!!! Oat flour is my friend! . It’s one of my favorite ingredients to use. I can’t wait to hear what you think, Elle! ☺️
OK…so I was not a fan of how the cupcakes came out. I’m pretty sure it was something I did and not necessarily the recipe, or maybe a little of both. I do want to try this one more time with less cocoa, a bit more almond milk (maybe I’ll change this to coconut milk or cashew milk to see if that will add the flavor I’m looking for). The batter was almost like paste and the frosting that went with this recipe was more like caramel consistency. I whipped the hell out of it too. At one point I placed in the mixer to speed things along but it didn’t change the consistency. They were a bit bitter (much like dark chocolate tasting). I don’t really know what happened here
Hi Jess, yes I’m definitely sure that something went wrong. The batter should be much more liquidy–it should be a thick liquid, just what you’d expect from a cake batter. Based on the thickness of your batter and the bitter dark chocolate taste, I think the issue may have been with your cocoa powder (there was too much of it). Did you gently spoon and level the cocoa powder? It sounds like the cocoa powder might’ve been packed or perhaps settled in the container before using. For the frosting: it should be soft enough to frost, but not runny whatsoever. You may have overwhipped it, which would lead to the frosting overheating and becoming runny. Hope this helps!
My cupcakes came out similar, bitter. Not sure why, the batter tasted yummy. I will try again but loved how easy it was to make and in finding the ingredients.
Yum 😋
Why not Dutch processed?
I prefer to use this densely flavored cocoa but will it fail in this recipe?
Thank you!
Hi Angela! Dutch process will not react with the other ingredients in this recipe, so the cupcakes will not rise properly. Hope this helps!
Hi Demeter! I’m excited to try out this recipe. Do you have specific ingredients to make that awesome looking frosting of yours? My son is sensitive to gluten & dairy but would love for him to try a healthy frosting as well(he’s 3)
Thanks!
Hi Maria! The ingredients are listed here: https://beamingbaker.com/make-homemade-chocolate-frosting-vegan-paleo-gluten-free-dairy-free-refined-sugar-free/ Can’t wait to hear what you two think! 🙂
Thank you so much, can’t wait to try this out!!
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
That should work! Hope you enjoy these, Julie! 🙂
do you think gf four will work in place of oat flour?
Hi Megan, yes, I believe a few readers have tried it before with success. Let me know how they turn out for you! 🙂
do you think f four will work in place of oat flour?