The Fluffiest Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe Ever Made

Crafting these delectable vegan red velvet cupcakes sparks pure culinary magic in your kitchen.

Vibrant crimson colors dance across fluffy, tender crumbs that surprise even traditional dessert enthusiasts.

Cocoa and plant-based ingredients blend seamlessly into a decadent treat nobody would guess lacks dairy.

Smooth beetroot adds natural richness and stunning ruby-like hues without overwhelming sweetness.

Creamy cashew frosting provides dreamy texture that melts deliciously on your palate.

Simple techniques make these cupcakes accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll fall in love with this compassionate, indulgent dessert that proves plant-based baking can be utterly irresistible.

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes Plant-Based Bliss

  • Impress friends and family with a delectable plant-based treat that satisfies everyone's sweet tooth, regardless of dietary preferences.
  • Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion that calls for a stunning and delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Enjoy a straightforward recipe with easy-to-find ingredients and simple mixing techniques that create a professional-looking cupcake in no time.

Ingredients for Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the red velvet cupcakes.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cupcake's moisture and texture.
  • Almond Milk: A dairy-free liquid that helps bind the ingredients and creates a moist cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm, sweet flavor to the cupcake base.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic red velvet color to the cupcakes.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Vegan Cream Cheese, Vegan Butter: Provide a creamy, rich base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a complementary flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Bake Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Set the Stage

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your muffin tin and line it with adorable cupcake liners, creating the perfect launching pad for your plant-based treats.

Step 2: Blend the Dry Powerhouses

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure these dry ingredients mingle and become best friends with a gentle whisk.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk with enthusiasm:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Almond milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Vibrant red food coloring
  • Apple cider vinegar

Watch as these ingredients transform into a luscious crimson mixture.

Step 4: Marry the Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently but confidently until the batter becomes silky smooth and uniform in color.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

The cupcakes are ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Whip Up the Dreamy Frosting

Create a cloud-like vegan cream cheese frosting by beating together:
  • Vegan cream cheese
  • Vegan butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is impossibly smooth and irresistibly fluffy.

Step 7: Dress Your Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, generously slather them with the decadent cream cheese frosting.

Each bite promises a heavenly explosion of flavor.

Tips for Moist Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

  • Use natural red colorants like beetroot powder or pureed raspberries for a vibrant, chemical-free red velvet look.
  • Measure ingredients precisely and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain moisture and tender crumb.
  • Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes without adding coffee taste.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent baking results.
  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving.

Storing and Reheating Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve frosting design.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain texture and freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. For frozen cupcakes, thaw completely before gently warming to prevent moisture loss.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

  • Flavor Boost Pairing: Serve vegan red velvet cupcakes with creamy coconut chai latte for a complementary spice and sweetness combination.
  • Coffee Companion: Pair with cold brew coffee or espresso to enhance the rich chocolate undertones of the cupcakes.
  • Wine Elegance: Match with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which balances the dessert's sweetness and provides a sophisticated adult twist.
  • Complementary Beverage: Enjoy with almond milk or oat milk to maintain the vegan theme and provide a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the cupcake's texture.

Flavor Variations on Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap refined sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nut-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of almond milk and omit any nut-based ingredients for those with nut allergies.
  • Raw Chocolate Variant: Create a no-bake version using cacao powder, dates, and cashew cream for a healthier, uncooked alternative.

FAQs

  • Why use apple cider vinegar in this recipe?

Apple cider vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a light and fluffy texture in the cupcakes while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

  • Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and rise.

  • How do I achieve the vibrant red color without artificial food coloring?

Use natural alternatives like beetroot powder or concentrated beet juice, which can provide a beautiful red hue while adding natural nutrients to the cupcakes.

  • What makes the vegan cream cheese frosting creamy and stable?

The combination of vegan cream cheese and vegan butter creates a smooth, rich frosting that holds its shape and provides a classic tangy cream cheese flavor without dairy products.

Print
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Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red velvet cupcakes take center stage with this plant-based delightful twist on a classic dessert. Rich cocoa and subtle tanginess combine in a cruelty-free treat that satisfies sweet cravings while celebrating compassionate baking.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Dry Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (vegan-friendly)

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 g) vegan cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) vegan butter
  • 2/3 cups (80 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tablespoon almond milk

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution.
  3. Whisk almond milk, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter becomes smooth and uniform in color, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Carefully distribute batter into cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  6. Place muffin tin in preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean.
  7. Remove cupcakes from oven and transfer to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely for about 30-45 minutes.
  8. Prepare frosting by whipping vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy, creating a smooth consistency.
  9. Once cupcakes are entirely cooled, generously spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over each cupcake, creating decorative peaks and swirls.

Notes

  • Select high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cupcakes.
  • Ensure red food coloring is vegan-friendly and plant-based to maintain the authentic red velvet appearance.
  • Substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice if unavailable, maintaining the same acidic reaction for cake texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent cupcake batter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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