Fantastic Vegan Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Valentine’s Day is one of the days each year in which we especially acknowledge the people we care about.  We send flowers, cards, or even bake them something extra special.  I love to bake, so I am baking my family some wonderful cupcakes.  These are phenomenal, and by adding a little extra flavor like raspberries or rose water, you have a very sophisticated and gourmet cupcake.  You can serve these in so many different ways, with so many different flavors, your Valentine will love these.
Send me some pictures.  I would love to see what you are making.  Happy Valentine’s Day to you!  I hope your day is filled with wonderful things.

Fantastic Vegan Cupcakes

Cupcakes:

Dry ingredients:

1 cup flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Wet ingredients:

1/3 cup oil

2/3 cup milk

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

In a bowl combine the wet ingredients, oil, milk, lemon juice and vanilla.  Set aside.

In another bowl combine the dry ingredients, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cardamom.  Be sure to sift the flour.

When oven is at 350F, mix dry and wet ingredients, stir until combined.

Use an ice-cream scoop to fill 8 cupcake liners.

Bake for 13-14 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Icing:

3/4 cup vegan margarine (earth balance)

2 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons of raspberry jam (without seeds) (optional, but great for flavor and color)

1/8 teaspoons rosewater (optional)

With an electric mixer, whip margarine until fluffy, then add the sugar.  Continue to whip.

If the icing seem soft, place in fridge for 10-15 minutes before icing the cupcakes.

Apply to cupcakes and serve.  See video for ideas of how to serve these cupcakes.

Cookie Dirt Recipe:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup carob or chocolate powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons margarine

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon molasses

1 tablespoon water (if needed)

Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.  In a separate bowl combine all wet ingredients.  Combine the wet and dry ingredients.  The mixture should have a crumble like consistency.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Cool before sprinkling on the icing.