Hi hello! Today I'm talking about vegan cupcakes! I happen to date a vegan and his dad is dairy-free so I decided to whip something up that they can't usually eat! They are super yummy and sweet with a Christmas spin on them. (P.S. you should make sure that the person whose house you're making these at has a cupcake pan so you don't have to go to Publix to buy one last minute, hah!)

Serves 12 Regular Size Cupcakes

Ingredients:

CUPCAKES:

• 1 cup non-dairy milk + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), softened
• scant 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles + more for topping

FROSTING:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
• 2 1/2 - 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Splash non-dairy mil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a standard muffin holder with 12 paper liners.
2. Whisk the milk and vinegar in a measuring cup and set aside for a few minutes to get curdled.
3. Add softened butter to the bowl and mix. Then add sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
4. Sift in the following ingredients: 1 cup flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and then remaining 1/2 cup flour. Blend until smooth. 
5. Add sprinkles and gently stir with a mixing spoon.
6. Divide evenly among cupcake holders making sure NOT to overfill. Mine were a little over 3/4 full. 
7. Bake on a center rack at 350 for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
8. Let cool completely on a cooling rack. In the meantime, prepare frosting.
9. In a large mixing bowl add softened butter and beat until light and fluffy. Then add vanilla and mix once more.
10. Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and continue mixing until thick and creamy. Drizzle in a little non-dairy milk to thin. You want this frosting to be very thick so it will hold its shape once on the cupcakes.
11. Once cooled, frost cupcakes and top with sprinkles. Serve immediately. Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
    
    *Big thanks to Minimalist Baker for this recipe !