Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly brewed strong coffee?

The recipe specifies strong, freshly-brewed coffee for optimal mocha flavor, but you could substitute with an equal amount of strong instant coffee dissolved in hot water.

What are sweetened cacao nibs and can I omit them?

Sweetened cacao nibs are roasted, crushed cocoa beans with a slightly bitter, chocolatey flavor, often sweetened. You can omit them if preferred, but they add a nice texture and depth to the cupcakes.

Why does this recipe use both AP flour and whole wheat pastry flour?

The combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat pastry flour helps achieve a tender crumb while incorporating some whole grain goodness into the cupcake batter.

How should I store these Mocha Spice Cupcakes with Maple Ganache?

Due to the ganache softening at room temperature, it's recommended to keep the finished cupcakes in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness.

4.3K Views 13 years ago

Mocha Spice Cupcakes With Maple Ganache
[Vegan]

Name: Mocha Spice Cupcakes With Maple Ganache [Vegan]
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: Batter; 2 cups strong, freshly-brewed coffee; 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup maple sugar; ½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil (or a blend); 2 tbsp. flaxseed meal; ½ tsp. vanilla extract; 1 cup AP flour; 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour; 1 tsp. powdered stevia; 2 tsp. baking powder; ½ tsp. baking soda; 1 tsp. cinnamon; ½ tsp. allspice; 1/8 tsp. cloves; 1/3 cup sweetened cacao nibs; Ganache; ¾ cup vegan butter, softened; ¼ cup coconut oil, softened; 6 tbsp. non-dairy milk; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 tsp. maple extract; ¼ cup maple syrup (more or less, depending on taste)

AO By: Annie Oliverio

Author Bio

Annie Oliverio's recipes are all plant-based, and many are free of oil and refined products... Read More

Order with Instacart Download Our App

Two vegan Mocha Spice Cupcakes topped with creamy maple ganache and a sprinkle of cacao nibs, presented on a white plate.

For brands

Want to reach our audience?

Partner with One Green Planet →

Discover more recipes with these ingredients

Mocha Spice Cupcakes With Maple Ganache [Vegan]

12 cupcakes

Dairy Free

Just delicious and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients You Need for Mocha Spice Cupcakes With Maple Ganache [Vegan]

Batter

2 cups strong, freshly-brewed coffee
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup maple sugar
½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil (or a blend)
2 tbsp. flaxseed meal
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup AP flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp. powdered stevia
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/3 cup sweetened cacao nibs

Ganache

¾ cup vegan butter, softened
¼ cup coconut oil, softened
6 tbsp. non-dairy milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. maple extract
¼ cup maple syrup (more or less, depending on taste)

Order with Instacart Download Our App

How to Prepare Mocha Spice Cupcakes With Maple Ganache [Vegan]

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12 muffin tins w/ paper muffin cups or spray lightly with oil.
Make the ganache first as it needs a couple of hours to chill.
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut spread, coconut oil, nut milk, vanilla & maple extracts and maple syrup. Place in the refrigerator to firm and chill.
In a large bowl, combine the flours, stevia, baking powder, baking soda and spices.
In another bowl, whisk together the hot coffee w/ the cocoa powder, maple sugar, EB Coconut Spread, flaxseed meal and vanilla extract. Whisk to thoroughly combine and then pour into the dry mixture. Stir well, pressing out any lumps. Stir in the cacao nibs.
Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cupcakes are firm and springy on top.
Allow to cool completely.
To finish the ganache, pour the mixture into a blender – it should be firming up, but not completely solid – and process until very smooth and creamy. Either pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes or simply spread over the tops.
Keep cupcakes in the refrigerator as the ganache will soften at room temperature.