These Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes are an absolute dream—soft, fluffy, and bursting with juicy strawberry flavor in every bite. They’re incredibly easy to make, with no fancy ingredients or equipment required. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or just satisfying a sweet craving, these cupcakes come together quickly and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Plus, they’re completely dairy-free and egg-free, making them a fantastic treat for just about everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple to Make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just basic pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
Light, Moist, and Flavorful: These cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert: soft, fluffy, and full of natural strawberry goodness.
Naturally Vegan: No dairy, no eggs, no problem. These cupcakes are plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or midweek treat, they’re pretty enough to impress and easy enough to make anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious vegan strawberry cupcakes:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for your cupcakes. For a lighter texture, sift it before using.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy. Don’t skip either one.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar to sweeten the cupcakes without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star here. You’ll puree some and dice a few for a double burst of flavor.
Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well. It adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
Neutral Oil: Vegetable or canola oil keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to give the cupcakes that classic rise and soft crumb.
Optional Frosting Ingredients: Vegan butter, powdered sugar, more strawberries (pureed or jam), and a little vanilla for the frosting.

Variations

Want to put your own twist on these cupcakes? Here are a few fun ideas:

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry: Add mini vegan chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished cupcakes.
Lemon Strawberry: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, zesty contrast.
Strawberry Jam Swirl: Drop a teaspoon of strawberry jam into the center of each cupcake before baking for a gooey surprise.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Wash and hull your strawberries. Puree most of them until smooth, and finely dice a few to fold into the batter. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, sugar, plant-based milk, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Do not overmix—this is key to keeping your cupcakes tender. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and fill each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Whip up a quick vegan strawberry frosting by combining softened vegan butter, powdered sugar, strawberry puree or jam, and a dash of vanilla. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes, then garnish with a small strawberry or sprinkles if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything mix together more smoothly for a uniform texture.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar: It reacts with the baking soda to give you that essential cupcake lift.
Puree Until Smooth: Make sure the strawberry puree is completely smooth for even flavor and moisture.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: If the cupcakes are even slightly warm, the frosting will slide right off.

How to Serve

These cupcakes are a treat all on their own, but you can dress them up for special occasions:

###For a Fancy Touch:
Top each with a fresh halved strawberry, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a swirl of vegan whipped cream.

###Party Perfect:
Serve them on a tiered stand with other fruity or chocolatey desserts.

###With Drinks:
Pair with a glass of cold oat milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a fruity rosé if you’re going the adult dessert route.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once frosted, store them in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding frosting.

Reheating

No need to reheat, but if you love a warm cupcake, pop one (unfrosted) in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing or chopping to avoid a soggy batter.

What’s the best plant-based milk for baking these cupcakes?
Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work great. Just use an unsweetened version to control the overall sweetness.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted. Frost right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready. Don’t overbake, or they’ll dry out.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes are a simple yet stunning dessert that anyone can make and everyone will enjoy. They’re fruity, fluffy, and full of feel-good flavor, making them a must-bake whether you’re vegan or not. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and delicious plant-based baking can be!

Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe