Vegan Chocolate – Orange Cupcakes Recipe

by Eva Updated: June 13, 2026

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Since I have discovered that most simple bakes can be made without eggs and butter, I try to make them vegan because I do try to eat more vegan these days. Vegan diet does make a difference when it comes to fighting climate change. It’s one the biggest impacts you can make. And since a cake will taste the same with our without dairy or egg – why not try to make them vegan.

Vegan substitute for eggs

The first choice would be flaxseed: mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed with two-three tablespoons of water, which creates a gel-like consistency that works well in baking.

For a lighter texture, consider using unsweetened applesauce; a quarter cup can replace one egg in recipes. Additionally, mashed bananas offer a natural sweetness and can substitute eggs in pancakes or muffins.

Vegan substitute for butter

So you of course, have the supermarket substitutes of vegan butter or good old margarine. Another popular choice is coconut oil, which can lend a subtle sweetness and rich texture to your recipes. For cooking and baking, olive oil or avocado oil can also work well, offering healthy fats without compromising flavor.

Is chocolate and orange a good combination?

Chocolate and orange might seem like an unusual pairing at first – sweet chocolate and zesty orange -, but they create a delightful combination that many people love, me included. The rich, smooth flavor of chocolate complements the zesty, bright notes of orange, resulting in a harmonious balance. If you haven’t tried them in this unison yet, just go for it! Think about chocolate-covered orange slices, a decadent chocolate orange cake, or a simply delicious chocolate orange ganache. Additionally, the contrasting textures of creamy chocolate and juicy orange add an exciting element to each bite.

Tips when making vegan chocolate orange cupcakes

So, vegan chocolate orange cupcakes with vanilla icing. They were really yummy. It’s a bit fiddly to zest and juice the oranges but it well worth the hassle. In fact, I even added the flesh (it was about two spoonfuls of two oranges, so not much) – just didn’t want to waste it. But it’s optional and it doesn’t make any difference in the recipe.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Orange Cupcakes Recipe

Vegan Chocolate - Orange Cupcakes

Super delicious, with fresh fruit these chocolate orange cupcakes are a real treat!

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, European

Servings cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

250 g plain flour
100 g soft brown sugar
100 ml olive oil
200 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp cocoa or carob powder I added one each
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp soda bicarbonate
pinch salt
50-80 g chocolate chips optional
2 tbsp orange flesh optional

For the icing

420 g icing sugar
225 g margarine
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Wash and cut up the oranges. First, zest them, then you can squeeze the juice out. Remove any seeds. I've also added about two spoonfuls of the flesh, because I didn't want to waste it.
Put everything in a mixing bowl and combine.
Preheat oven to 175 Celsius.
Divide the batter evenly between your cupcake holders and bake them for about 15 minutes. Check with a fork when they are ready.
You can make some icing or have them without, equally delicious! Let them cool down before icing them.