Delectable Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes

(FoxNews)

Just because you are a vegan, doesn't mean you have to give up dessert.

In my cupcakes, I have a few tricks for making them vegan.

My favorite trick is using vinegar. I know it sounds weird, but vinegar is actually a great ingredient to use.

Just a tiny bit of it in your cupcake, and what it does is it react with the baking soda, which helps the cupcakes rise and makes them really moist and fluffy.

Cook Time:18 min

Prep Time:30 min

Total Time:48 min

Servings: 14

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour plus ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum)

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup cold coffee, water, or coconut milk

1/2 cup canola oil

2 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening

3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2-5 tablespoon soy, almond, or rice milk

1 1/2 cup hulled and sliced fresh strawberries

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two (12-cup) cupcake pans with 14 cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk together coffee, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until just combined. Do not over-mix.

Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean with a few crumbs clinging to it. *Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting*

Using a hand-held or stand mixer, beat the shortening until smooth.

With the mixer running on low, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon nondairy milk at a time, as needed, until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. *You may not need to use all of the nondairy milk* Beat on high for two more minutes until light and fluffy.

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost the cupcakes and garnish with sliced strawberries.