**Scrumptious Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Without Oil, Butter, or Eggs**
If you seek a healthier version of classic chocolate cupcakes that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this recipe, free from oil, butter, and eggs, is just what you need. These cupcakes are not only scrumptious but also appropriate for vegans and individuals with dietary restrictions. Here’s how to whip up these delightful desserts at home.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water or non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined thoroughly.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:**
In another bowl, mix the applesauce, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and water or non-dairy milk.
4. **Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cupcakes.
5. **Fill the Cupcake Liners:**
Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. **Bake:**
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
7. **Cool:**
Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for roughly 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Optional Frosting:**
For a healthy and easy frosting, mix cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a bit of non-dairy milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture. Alternatively, a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can provide a delightful final touch.
**Success Tips:**
– **Applesauce Alternatives:** If applesauce isn’t available, mashed bananas or pumpkin puree work as substitutes.
– **Sweetener Choices:** Modify the sweetness based on your preference by experimenting with various sugars or natural sweeteners like maple syrup.
– **Add-Ins:** For an extra flavor boost, consider incorporating a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter.
These oil-free, butter-free, and egg-free chocolate cupcakes demonstrate how enjoyable and rewarding healthy baking can be. Relish them as a guilt-free indulgence or share them with friends and family who will undoubtedly enjoy their rich chocolate taste and moist consistency.