Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten-free flour mix
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 1/4 cups soy milk
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup espresso
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 chipotle dark chocolate bar, cut into 12 large chunks
  • 8 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 8 ounces vegan butter spread, such as Earth Balance
  • 3/4 cup soy milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Method

  • For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard cupcake or muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
  • In medium bowl, whisk together with an electric mixer or hand whisk the flour mix, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking powder, chipotle powder, cinnamon, salt and xanthan gum until well integrated.
  • Add in the soy milk, oil, espresso, vanilla and vinegar, and mix until smooth.
  • Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters-full with batter.
  • Place 1 chunk of chipotle chocolate into the center of each cupcake and bake until baked through, 13 to 15 minutes.
  • Cool the cupcakes completely.
  • For the buttercream: Whip the powdered sugar, cocoa, butter spread, soy milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Put into a pastry bag and cut 1/2-inch off the tip.
  • To assemble: Generously frost the top of each cupcake with the chocolate buttercream frosting.