In a world of processed treats and sugar-laden desserts, it’s time to reclaim your right to indulge without sacrificing your well-being. These vegan keto chocolate cupcakes are proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
Not only are they a delight for your taste buds, they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body. Free from gluten, low in carbs, and containing no added sugar, these cupcakes are a smart and satisfying choice for anyone looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Get ready to bake a batch of cupcakes that you can feel good about eating – and sharing with your loved ones! They’re definitely one of my go-to vegan keto desserts!
Key Ingredients for Vegan Keto Chocolate Cupcakes
These aren’t your average cupcakes! To make them vegan, keto-friendly, and deliciously guilt-free, you need to sub in a few key ingredients that make all the difference. Here’s what goes into these delectable treats and why each component is so important:
- Blanched Almond Flour: This super-fine flour creates a delicate crumb and prevents a grainy texture.
Important: Avoid almond meal, which can make the cupcakes heavy and unable to hold their shape.
- Chia Eggs (Vegan Egg Replacement): A simple blend of chia seeds and water mimics the binding properties of eggs.
How it Works: The chia seeds absorb the water, creating a gel that helps hold the batter together.
- Erythritol (Keto-Friendly Sweetener): This sugar alcohol offers a naturally sweet taste without the calories or blood sugar spike.
The Result: Guilt-free sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates that rich, dark chocolate flavor we all crave!
Pro Tip: Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor intensity. You can substitute dark chocolate or syrup, but make sure they are also sugar-free.
Let’s Bake! Simple Steps to Delicious Vegan Keto Cupcakes
- Preheat Your Oven: Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly risen cupcake.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, gently whisk together all of the batter ingredients until just combined. Tip: Avoid overmixing, which can result in tough cupcakes.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, then carefully fill each liner about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, whisk together all frosting ingredients until smooth. Fill a piping bag with the frosting.
- Frost and Enjoy! Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the peanut butter frosting on top of each cupcake in a swirl pattern. Then, enjoy your vegan keto masterpieces with pride!
Sweetening Your Vegan Keto Cupcakes: A Guide to Healthy Options
When it comes to vegan keto baking, choosing the right sweetener is crucial. Traditional sugar is off-limits, but there are several delicious and healthy alternatives that won’t spike your blood sugar. Here are a few of our favorites:
Erythritol:
Our go-to choice for most keto recipes! Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that has virtually no calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. Tip: It can sometimes have a slight cooling aftertaste, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your preference.
Stevia:
A natural sweetener derived from the Stevia plant. It’s calorie-free and very potent, so a little goes a long way. Important: Some people find the aftertaste of stevia to be slightly bitter, so try different brands to find one you like.
Monk Fruit:
Another natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the monk fruit. It’s known for having a clean, sweet flavor. Consider: Monk fruit can be more expensive than other sweeteners.
Vegan Keto Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the chia egg
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 0.5 cup water (luke warm)
For the cupcake mix
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1.5 cup blanched almond flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup erythritol powder
- 2 tsps baking powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
For the frosting
- 0.5 cup vegan yoghurt (thick)
- 0.5 cup sugar-free peanut butter
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp erythritol
Instructions
Prepare the Chia Egg:
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.
- Stir well and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it forms a gel-like consistency.
Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of blanched almond flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of erythritol, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.
- Add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and the prepared chia egg to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of thick vegan yogurt, 1/2 cup of sugar-free peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of erythritol (or more, to taste), and 2 tablespoons of water (or more, as needed, to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency).
- Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip, or use a knife or spatula for spreading.
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting onto each cupcake.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, berries, or sugar-free chocolate chips, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
