Red Velvet Cupcakes (no dairy, eggs, nuts)

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

(Based on a recipe from Veggieful.com)

I've always thought there was something magical about a red velvet cupcake. Maybe its because I never even tasted a red velvet cupcake until I was a teenager. The name itself holds a more elegant feel on your tongue both in speech and the way it melts on your tongue. It is not your average chocolate or vanilla cupcake. A step up on the ladder in my opinion.  Seriously cool color. Seriously cool flavor. Makes for one seriously cool cupcake. Being able to make something other than chocolate or vanilla for the batter makes for a much more exciting and a unique experience for your vegan cupcakes. After finishing the red velvet batter, adding a delicious cream cheese frosting on top completes a wonderful and exquisite treat for you to enjoy with your friends and family.

Makes: 16; prep time: 10 minutes
cooking time: 20 minutes

Cupcake Batter

   2 C all-purpose flour, sifted
   4 tsp. baking powder
   pinch salt
   1/2 C cocoa powder
   1 C  sugar
   1/2 C canola oil
   1-1/2  C soy or rice milk
   2 tsp.  vanilla
   1 T  apple cider vinegar
   4 tsp.  natural vegan red coloring

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

   ½ C Dairy free margarine

¾ C Dairy-free cream cheese

1/8 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

2-1/2 C confectioner’s sugar

Preheat oven to 370 °F and line 16 cupcake pans with liners. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder and sugar. Stir until combined. Add in the oil, soy milk, vanilla, apple cider vinegar and red food coloring. Mix well until the batter is smooth and without lumps. Divide the mixture between the cupcake liners. Bake for 20 minutes or so until risen and the tops of the cupcakes bounce back when touched.

In a mixer, cream the margarine, cream cheese, salt and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar and mix on low for a few minutes. Increase to medium speed until light and fluffy. Chill for 30 minutes before frosting cupcakes.