It's beginning to look a lot like deliciousness, everywhere you go! (Sung in brilliantly, gorgeous, singing voice, of course).
These cupcakes are my new favourites. Rich, Christmas spices, a moist and chewy cake, making that perfect gingerbread texture (in my not so humble opinion). All topped with a salted caramel gingerbread frosting. Let's say that again, salted caramel gingerbread frosting. I mean really, is there anything else you need in life? A spoon maybe?
This recipe took some serious work in the kitchen. Serious = lots of batter eating. You might have seen my sunken cupcake attempt on Instagram or Facebook, but not to worry, I figured it out. The secret? Three tips!
- Preheat your oven, no last minute warm ups. Some older ovens can take a long time to heat up properly.
- Don't over mix your batter! You will kill all those lovely fluffy bubbles you need.
- No peeking! Once those cupcakes are in the oven, I absolutely forbid you to open that oven door until the 20 minute mark.
Three tips to this deliciousness. Just look at these babies, how can you resist taking an enormous, frosting covered bite out of these gorgeous Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes?
To make vegan gingerbread cupcakes:
Let's get baking! In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. Then in another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients.
Pour the wet into dry and mix until just combined. Make sure to give that batter a taste because you won't be sorry.
Divide the batter among 12 cucpake liners.
Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Wait until completely cooled to frost.
Beat all the frosting ingredients together until fluffy and delicious.
Add a big 'ol dollop of frosting on top, and devour.
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet ingredients:
- ½ cup fancy molasses
- ½ cup non-dairy milk, such as soy or almond
- ⅓ cup light oil, such as canola vegetable
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting:
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk, such as soy or almond
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners, or lightly grease the pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix until just combined. Don't over mix! Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners.
- Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- To make the frosting, use a mixer or hand beater to mix all the frosting ingredients together until light and fluffy. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Aimee B. says
These are really lovely. I decided to make mini cupcakes, so I halved the recipe, which yielded 2 dozen. I used Grandma's mild flavor molasses and it worked perfectly. Even my hubby, a self proclaimed gingerbread hater, loved these. I got the oooooohs from him, lol! I didn't make the frosting. I just used some left over vanilla that I had to use up. I think it would be great with cream cheese frosting, too. Anyway, a definite keeper. Oh, and Sam, I would LOVE it if you'd consider a holiday cookbook. 🙂
Shannon Nielsen says
I was wondering this year what to make to drop off at friends and family for a holiday cheer. This was the perfect recipe.
I did not add the molasses to the cupcake batter but instead I add maple syrup! I have some fuss eaters. I also added half the molasses to the frosting and then add the other half maple syrup. I had read other comments and so I played it safe. If I was making them for I would have add all of it because I love the flavor of molasses. For the frosting I add no milk and a small pinch of salt, I wanted the frosting to be stiffer so I could pipe.
Everyone loved themmm soooo much! Thank thank you
Keep them coming!
Sally7 says
I halved the molasses in both cupcakes and frosting since I could only find Grandma’s and it’s pretty strong for me. I subbed in more almond milk to make up for the liquid in the cake. The frosting was fine without additional liquid (I wanted to be able to pipe it, so I needed it pretty stiff). I also cut down on the salt in the frosting as some of the eaters-to-be aren’t big salt fans.
They were delicious—so light and fluffy and spicy. I made them in mini muffin pans (silicone), and they took about 13 minutes. Very cute and yummy. Thanks for the recipe, Sam!
Pela says
Hello Sam! We enjoy your recipes so much! May I ask - how would this wonderful gingerbread recipe convert to cake form - either a round pan (or pans) or rectangular pan? What measurement would I need? Thanks so much! I’m excited to try this!
Millie says
Thanks for the recipe! Which brand do you recommend for the regular molasses and the fancy molasses? I used Grandma's recipe and the frosting turned out a bit too salty and the cupcake actually a little smoky. Thank you, I'd love to try making these again!
Sam Turnbull says
I use Crosby's fancy molasses. 🙂
Kristen says
I think the recipe is great but i think the molasses is too much. It all I tasted over anything else, and the cake wasnt very sweet either. I will try it again but reduces the molasses.
Sam Turnbull says
Did you use fancy molasses? Blackstrap molasses is stronger in flavour. You can read about different types of molasses here. Hope that helps!
Buffy says
I made these without cloves (too overpowering to me) for a dinner party tonight and I have to stop myself from eating too many! Gingerbread is not my usual dessert of choice but these are delicious!
Sam Turnbull says
Amazing!
jonoave says
Forgot to rate them. - 4 / 5 stars.
jonoave says
I also just tried this recipe. Followed it almost exactly, and I agree with some commenters that think it's too sweet.
Guess I should have learned by now that American recipes tend to be on the sweeter side of things, and I should reduce the amount of sugar .
Other than that, the texture and the taste of the muffins were great!
Sam Turnbull says
I'm Canadian (not American), but you can reduce the sugar if you like!
Grace says
Delicious cupcakes!! Everyone at my party loved them!
I did lessen the amount of molasses slightly (I used plain molasses) and I didn't add salt to the icing. Even though I used shortening the icing was still a little too soft. It tasted amazing though!
Sam Turnbull says
Glad you enjoyed! Try reducing the non-dairy milk in the frosting for a stiffer frosting. 🙂
Grace says
Can I use regular molasses?
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, different types of molasses have different strengths so you can see how that might affect the taste here in this guide.
Dominika says
These cupcakes are heavenly! I made them today, they are slightly heavy on molasses, but I think this makes them taste like vintage Jamaican gingerbread. I run out of molasses so didn't add any to the frosting and only used dairy free butter (I didn't have shortening nor know what it is 😉 ) great recipe, thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed!
Lisa says
Hi! I’m thinking of making these for the annual vegan bake sale I co-organize. I’m not a fan of salted caramel, though. Is there another kind of vegan icing you can suggest? I’m thinking vegan cream cheese might be good. It’d be great if it could stand up to heat, though, because this is an outdoor event. In Florida. (I know, yikes. Unfortunately, we have no say in the date.) Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Lisa, I have a vegan cream cheese frosting in my cookbook that would be great. It should stand up to a warm summer day decently well as long as they are kept in the shade. Hope that helps!
Lisa says
Cool, thank you!
Sergio says
This is the best gingerbread cake recipe I've ever made! Fluffy and moist and incredibly aromatic. I made some minor changes however: I halved the quantity of the soft brown sugar (I find that 3/4 of a cup of sweetener is sweet enough for any cake this size), I doubled the amount of ginger and I subbed a single teaspoon of white wine vinegar for the apple cider vinegar. This said, I do credit the huge success of my cake solely to you and you have my gratitude for sharing this amazing old-fashioned dessert!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoy it, Sergio 🙂
Hannah says
Hi!
I just stumbled upon these and they sound delicious. I’ve never used shortening before, so I’m a bit uneasy using it, can I just use vegan butter for the frosting? If so, how much would I use?
Thank you so much!
Sam Turnbull says
I recommend shortening for the best result and texture. If you sub vegan butter, it would be the same amount, but vegan butter tend to get melty at room temperature so make sure to keep all the ingredients cold and store the cupcakes in a cool place so the frosting doesn't melt. Enjoy!
Asten says
These will be going in the bin. I can't believe I just wasted all of these ingredients! Way too sweet. Way too much molasses in the cake mix.
Sam Turnbull says
Sorry you didn't enjoy them, Asten.
Emma says
Wow, what a rude comment, Asten!
I'm going to a Christmas party tomorrow night, so I look forward to taking these along Sam! I've even got cute little Christmas cupcake cases 🙂
Asten Demeza says
It's not rude, it's the truth. I also had christmas cupcake wrappers... which were wasted. I follow recipes online all the time, and I bake all of the time. This recipe was no good. That is all.
You do you.
Nicole says
Just because you spoke your truth, does not mean it wasn't rude. Any time you make a recipe off the internet, you run the risk of not liking it and having to throw it out. Learn from it and move on.
I think this recipe is amazing. I have fed it to many people and never had a single complaint. In fact multiple friends and family members ask me to make this regularly, exactly as it is in the recipe. So as you can see, your truth, is not my truth. Your truth is a preference, as mine is. So try stating your opinions in a more friendly manner.
Amy Palmer says
Hi,
I bake for farmer's market where the vegan crowd are some of my biggest customers. I am continually searching for the ultimate recipes for people that really care about ingredients, One of my goals is to have a vegan or gluten free recipe be either as wonderful or better than people remember from what they have comparisons to, especially from long traditions or from International recipes. My question is...has anyone tried to use a really good ginger beer or ginger ale in baking something like your cupcakes, or even a ginger loaf? Could it substitute the apple cider vinegar or be added to it? I want it to be moist and spicy and wonder if it would add or take away from your delicious sounding recipe! Thoughts? Thanks...always searching!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Amy, the apple cider vinegar is to help the cupcakes rise properly so I wouldn't replace it. These cupcakes have a ton of flavour as is, so if you haven't given them test yet, then I would recommend trying them before changing anything. Enjoy!
Karen M. says
Hi, I just came across this recipe and want to try it for several vegan family members. However, I really dislike apple cider vinegar. Do you think I could use regular white vinegar? Is it just for the acid that it is required? Thank you.
Karen M. says
Never mind - I looked it up online and will try an alternative (lemon juice).
Sam Turnbull says
You can't taste the apple cider vinegar. I use it because it has a milder flavour than white vinegar. I think you might be able to taste the white vinegar in the cupcakes, so instead if you wanted to sub it I would recommend lemon juice 🙂
Karen M. says
UPDATE! ~ Absolutely delicious and rave reviews from my two vegan family members AND others who tried them! So moist and gingerbread-y. I did cut down the molasses just a tiny bit, I used all shortening for the frosting (it was all I had), plus for my taste I felt there was too much salt in the frosting recipe so I added more icing sugar to help with that. Next time I will use 1/2 teaspoon salt. I used the lemon juice and it was just fine. Thank you for a wonderful recipe and I look forward to making them again.
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! So happy you loved them, Karen 🙂
Candice says
Is there something I can use in place of shortening? I cannot seem to find a non-hydrogenated version anywhere.
Sam Turnbull says
You can just use a regular shortening such as Crisco brand. Enjoy!
Megan says
This has quickly become a favorite in my house. The gingerbread is spot on fantastic. The frosting though, the frosting is amazing! My toddler absolutely loves it and would in fact eat all of it off all of the cupcakes if I let him.
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! Amazing! So happy you enjoyed it, Megan! 😀
Melissa says
Hi, I read a few comments stating the molasses was too strong? I’ve never used molasses before so not aware of the taste but I want to make for my 10 year olds birthday party. Will the kids like or find too strong. My daughter has asked especially for a vegan substitute for Jamaica ginger cake . Plus I don’t want to use Margarine. Anything healthier? Cheers. P.s I’m in Uk
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Melissa, if you've ever had gingerbread before the main flavour is molasses. I don't think the taste is too strong because it's my recipe! Haha. I don't have any substitutes for margarine in this recipe. Sorry, I can't be more help!
Swapna says
Is there any substitute for molasses as i dont find them in the place where i stay. I know for gingerbread that is the main ingradient.
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Swapna, yes, molasses is one of the key flavours in gingerbread, but here are some substitute options you could try. Enjoy!
Aneeta says
Hi there, do you think I could make this as a bundt cake or a round cake instead of cupcakes? If so, Would the ingredients measurements be the same for a bundt/round?
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Aneeta, it would make 1 9" round cake pan, I'm not sure about a bundt pan. Of course, the baking time would be longer so keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to test doneness. Hope that helps!
Trisha says
I made these this week to test out for the holiday season, and they were good. I am not sure which kind of molasses you used (mild or full flavor), but I used the full flavor and it was really strong. While I liked it, my daughter did say it was too spicy for her. My coworker also made the comment (which I noticed as well right away), that there was a very powerful salt flavor that wasn't the greatest. I had already read a review on Pinterest to cut the salt so I did 1 tsp only, and it was still was strong. So I guess for those who are looking for some insight on ingredients, if you are going to use the full flavor molasses and you want to keep it more mild in flavor, go less, and cut the salt in the frosting at least half. Or just make sure you use the mild flavor molasses to get a less spicy flavor.
Sam Turnbull says
Sorry, you didn't enjoy them, Trisha! For your reference, I used fancy molasses.
Trisha says
Sorry if my comment wasn’t clear, I enjoyed them, it was my daughter who said they were too spicy. I got many rave reviews on the frosting, again using only 1 teaspoon of salt.
Lea says
This vegan cupcake is easy to make, moist, and delicious. I used avocado oil and flax milk in the wet ingredients.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed it!
Rhiannon says
Hi,
Would all purpose gluten free flour work with this? Or would i need to add xanthan gum or similar to the recipe?
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Rhiannon, I haven't tried it myself, and I'm not a gluten-free baker so I am not too sure, but I have heard good things about the Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 flour. Hope that helps!
Rhiannon says
Great! Thanks for the quick reply! These look awesome and I wanted to make them for a family Christmas this year but there are a couple of people who are gluten free. I'll let you know how it goes if I end up making them!
Jens says
This look like an amazing recipe. I´ll have to try as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing.
Sam Turnbull says
My pleasure, I hope you love it!
Tiffany Badrak says
I just made your ultimate chocolate cake and gingerbread cupcakes for my sons birthday. WOW!!!! Not only did they turn out just like you said, they were loved by all,vegan and non-vegans alike. I will definitely be making both again soon. Thank you so much for sharing your recipes
Sam Turnbull says
Wow! What a wonderful birthday! So happy they were enjoyed by all 🙂
Bradley says
I needed 18, so I did 1.5 batches, increasing every ingredient by 50%. Something went wrong, though. They never rose in the center...had a big dimple there. It's not the baking soda, as it's the same stuff I've used for other baking and all works well. Cupcakes weren't very sweet, either...they likely will be after I frost them, though.
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, it sounds like somewhere a measurement was off, as they should be sweet and raise just fine. I hope you enjoy them anyways!
Laura says
Made these today--they came out well. Fluffy batter, rose nicely. (Though I only got 10 cupcakes out of them using a rough 1/4 C.). I used coconut milk as the milk because it was what I had on hand, which led me to trying something different with the icing, since I wanted to tie in and turn up the coconut. Made a version of this broiled topping (http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/coconut-gingerbread-cake) with only the sugar/coconut/ OJ, not the orange pieces or zest (again, didn't have an orange) and this topping finished these off nicely. The orange/sugar in the topping seeped nicely into the cake batter and added a nice dimension to the existing flavors.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed them Laura!
Rachel says
Do I put them in the fridge after frosting them
Sam Turnbull says
Cupcakes stay freshest when kept at room temperature and eaten within 1-2 days. The fridge can dry them out a bit. Hope that helps!
Pk love says
These were aweful..... sorry! I really wanted to love them but the molasses taste was overbearing!
Sam Turnbull says
So sorry you didn't like them Pk love. Yes, there is a strong molasses taste just like in gingerbread, so if that isn't a flavour you like, you won't like these cupcakes. I hope you find some other recipes you love!
Cassy says
Made these tonight for the first time and it won't be the last. They were SO amazing, I am thrilled I found this recipe. It will sub for making more Xmas cookies this close to the holiday. They taste just like gingerbread, and are light and fluffy - plus that vegan icing my word 😀 Easy to convince others veganism is the way to go with delicious treats like these. This is our first Vegan Christmas so I am exited to share with the family!~
Sam Turnbull says
Woot! Congrats on your first vegan Christmas Cassy! I'm so thrilled you loved the cupcakes. Wooing them to the vegan side, one cupcake at a time. Love it! 😀
KG says
Doubled the recipe and baked for about 40 minutes in a 9x13 pan. Turned out great! Instead of frosting, I served it with a warm lemon sauce. Delicious!
Sam Turnbull says
Yum! Sounds fabulous!!
Veda H. says
Hi,
I wanted to make this recipe and I was wondering if the baking time would be different if I made 24 mini cupcakes instead of 12 regular sized ones?
Thanks,
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, they would take less time to bake. I would guess they would take about 10 - 15 minutes. I have never tried baking them myself, so be sure to keep a close eye on them. You will know they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy!
Carolyn says
This recipe is my new favorite! My book club friends loved the cupcakes and we are usually a group who needs a chocolate fix. 🙂 I'd love to use the recipe to make a bundt cake for another holiday get-together. Would doubling the cake recipe work?
Sam Turnbull says
Oh yay! So glad everyone loved them so much 🙂 One batch of the recipe would make a 9" layer, so doubling it could get you two 9" layers. The baking time might be closer to 40 minutes. Just keep an eye on them, you will know when they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy!
Kelsei says
Hello, these look delicious and I'm planning on making them for Christmas! I have a question though and it may sound silly, but why is the icing described using the word caramel? Is it because of the color, since there's no caramel in it? Thank you 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
It just tastes like salted caramel 🙂 I hope you love them!
Diana says
These look fantastic! I haven't been able to locate the vegan shortening though... is there something I could substitute with? I'm not vegan but am doing these for a work holiday party with a number of vegans/vegetarians attending.
Sam Turnbull says
Vegetable shortening isvery common and should be in your baking isle. One common brand is Crisco. If you still can't find it, you can replace the shortening with more vegan butter. The vegan butter might melt, so just make sure to keep the cake cool. Hope that helps!
Brandon Lillibridge says
Thank you for being such a reliable recipe source! I made these a couple days ago and they disappeared so fast...I told myself it would be a once in a year type recipe but I miss them already so I'm making them again tomorrow and doubling the batch. Great for holiday giveaway treats 🙂 Keep being awesome.
Sam Turnbull says
Awww best compliment! You're so welcome Brandon, I'm glad you love my recipes 🙂
Jane says
OMG, these are simply to die for!! I made half the batch to try and they were gone even before I had a chance to make the frosting! (Hubby and two little girls, 7 and 4 ate them all up, hubby was the greedy one, age 3!!). We're not vegan but we love vegan cupcakes as they're so much lighter and lovelier.
I didn't change a thing to this recipe - so perfectly light, moist, taste of Christmas. I'm going to make these for our family Christmas lunch! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! 1/2 a batch will never be enough cupcakes!! So happy you and your family devoured them 🙂
Sapna Shah says
The texture of cake is wonderful and the flavours of the spices all come through and really do taste of gingerbread.Nothing at all I would change,, thank you for sharing this delight of a recipe with us all!
Sapna Shah says
Forgot to give some stars!
Sam Turnbull says
Aww what a compliment! You're very welcome Sapna 🙂
Tazmen says
These are delightful!
Gingerbread is my favorite holiday treat so I did a test run today to see if I wanted to make them for Thanksgiving and Cristmas and you can bet they are on the list!!
They are spicy and gingery, though I did over bake them a bit so they came out a little chewy. I added some fresh grated ginger root to the batter too! The frosting was yummy, and added more powdered sugar to stiffen it a little.
These are my new favorite cupcake
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!!! I love that. So happy you loved them so much Tazmen. I hope your family does as well 😀
Shayna says
I made these today and the recipe is absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, although I don't think it's the fault of the recipe, they would not easily come out of their liners and I had to peel the liners off in pieces. I've used the liners before without a problem, any idea how I can fix this for next time?
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you loved them! My favourite are parchment liners or silicon liners both never stick. Otherwise you could try lightly spraying the liners with spray oil before filling them. Hope that helps!
VeganPeep says
These are so good that I've made three batches of them in one week. They have been a birthday breakfast, they have impressed my boss, and they have been one of the things a very sick friend can eat right now (in addition to just me eating a ton of them). So, thanks for posting this, it's fantastic. 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! I love that! So very happy you love the cupcakes so much. I love wooing people with vegan treats! 🙂
Kaila@HealthyHelperBlog says
I WANT THEM ALL!! OMG these look so fluffy and delicious! Especially that icing! You seriously can do no wrong when it comes to gingerbread.
Sam says
Right!? Gingerbread for the win!!! I love these cupcakes!
Katie says
Can this recipe subbed for a cake recipe?
Sam says
Hi Katie,
Yes it should work fine. The recipe would make one 8" round cake, and might take a little longer to bake. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake, it should come out clean. Enjoy!
Melissa says
I made these today and they are so good! Keeper!
Sam says
Oh yay! So happy you love them Melissa! I just posted a recipe for chocolate cake too 😉
Lauren N says
Those look so yummy! The frosting is making me drool lol I'm going to have to make these for the holidays =)
Thanks!
Sam says
Aww you're welcome!! Enjoy!
Jim says
UK metric values and 'translations' (sorry, I'm not a fan of frosting so didn't make that)...
Dry Ingredients:
220g plain flour
100g Soft Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoon Ginger
½ teaspoon Nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
Wet Ingredients:
180g Molasses
120g Non-Dairy Milk of Choice
60g Vegetable Oil (or other light oil)
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Very straightforward to make, feels a bit early for Christmas today though.
Sam says
Haha, yes very Christmas-y. Enjoy!
Keren says
Just wondering how long these last?
Sam says
I find cupcakes are always best in the first two days, and after that they tend to get a bit dried out.
Anonymous says
I ate all of them.
Sam says
Haha! That's the right number to eat!
Monica Moore says
I found this recipe via Pinterest and made them for my family for Xmas. They were DELICIOUS!
Samantha Turnbull says
Aren't they!? So glad you tried them out Monica. I love them too. I always need excuses to make cupcakes! haha
Linda Warren Seely says
What is icing sugar?
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi Linda, just another name for confectioners sugar, or powdered sugar. 🙂
Kathy says
Oh wow...these look luscious!! Thank you!! I love gingerbread...one of my faves!!!
Samantha Turnbull says
You're welcome Kathy! I love gingerbread too! Such a yummy holiday treat.
Azu says
They look delicious! I love the texture of muffins made with oil instead of butter. Pinned!
Samantha Turnbull says
Thank you Azu, and thank you for sharing 🙂