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    Home » Cakes and Cupcakes

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes (Dairy-Free)

    Published: Feb 14, 2023 · Modified: Feb 24, 2025 by Mariah Knight

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    Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes are made with simple and healthy ingredients like cacao powder, and coconut flour. They have a rich, chocolatey flavor and are topped with a naturally dyed pink frosting!

    Big bite taken out of a chocolate cupcake with pink frosting.

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe:
    • 🍴Ingredient Notes
    • 🍴Step by Step Instructions
    • How to make Dairy-Free Chocolate Ganache
    • How to Make Naturally Dyed Pink Frosting
    • Expert Tips
    • How to store leftovers
    • Recipe Card
    • Want more recipes?
    • 💬 Reviews

    Why you'll love this recipe:

    Allergy Friendly - This recipe is great for those with dietary restrictions! They're made without nuts, gluten, dairy, or refined sugar.

    Versatile - Make these cupcakes for birthday parties, Valentine's Day, Baby Showers, or any special event!

    Flavor - These gluten-free cupcakes have a rich chocolate flavor! (And they're not overly sweet!)

    Easy - To make this cupcake recipe you only need a mixing bowl, spatula, and a whisk. No electric mixer, stand mixer or fancy equipment is required!

    Love healthy chocolate recipes like this? Check out my Dairy Free Chocolate Cake, Healthy Brownie Skillet, or Chocolate Cake Pops!

    🍴Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients measured out for gluten free dairy free chocolate cupcakes.
    • Coconut Sugar - You can also use Lakanto Monkfruit for a sugar-free replacement.
    • Eggs - I have not tried using an egg replacement for this recipe.
    • Dairy-Free Yogurt - Any plain yogurt will work with this recipe. I used an unsweetened coconut yogurt.
    • Vanilla Extract - Just a splash helps to balance out the chocolate flavor.
    • Cacao Powder - You can use traditional cocoa powder, but I like cacao powder because it’s less processed and more nutrient dense. TerraSoul is one of my favorite brands – great quality and great price!
    • Coconut Flour - Do not swap for any other flour. Check out this post for more information on baking with coconut flour vs. almond flour!
    • Baking Powder & Baking Soda - You'll need both to create the fluffy texture.

    🍴Step by Step Instructions

    Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

    Start by adding all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir together until fully combined.

    Dry ingredients for gluten free chocolate cupcakes in a glass mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

    Next, add all wet ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined.

    Step 3: Fold Together

    Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir together until a thick batter forms.

    Chocolate cupcake batter in glass mixing bowl.

    Step 4: Preparing to Bake

    Line 6 cupcake tins with parchment paper liners or coat with a non-stick spray.

    Add about ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake tin. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. (Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean they're done!)

    Chocolate cupcake batter in parchment paper lined cupcake tin.

    Step 5: Cooling

    Remove the cupcakes from the baking tin and place on a metal cooling rack.

    Baked chocolate cupcakes in baking tin.

    How to make Dairy-Free Chocolate Ganache

    Chocolate ganache is very easy to make! It's a great dairy-free frosting option!

    Just melt about a ⅓ cup of dark chocolate until it's smooth and silky. (I love Pascha & Hu Kitchen Chocolate.)

    Add coconut milk, almond milk, or any dairy-free milk, 1 teaspoon at a time until you've reached your desired consistency. (Mix with a fork or whisk.)

    How to Make Naturally Dyed Pink Frosting

    Start by adding any premade dairy-free vanilla frosting into a food processor with a few tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberries.

    Blend on high until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. For a darker pink color, add more freeze-dried strawberries.

    Expert Tips

    • If you want to use pre-made chocolate frosting, I recommend Simple Mills or Miss Jones for dairy-free options. (They also make vanilla frosting!)
    • Do not pack the cacao powder into the measuring cup. Spoon it in and use a knife to scrape off the excess.
    • Use a large cookie scoop or small measuring cup to fill each cupcake tin evenly.
    • Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding any frosting or chocolate ganache.
    • Top the cupcakes with sprinkles or fresh fruit! (Raspberries or strawberries are my favorite.)
    • Make a double batch if you're serving a crowd!
    Chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting on a wooden board.

    How to store leftovers

    Leftover cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week!

    More Gluten-Free Desserts!

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      Easy Easter Bunny Ear Cupcakes (Gluten-Free)
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    After you make these Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

    Recipe Card

    Big bite taken out of a chocolate cupcake with pink frosting.

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes are made with simple, healthy ingredients. They have a rich, chocolatey flavor and are topped with a dairy-free chocolate ganache!
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Cupcakes
    Calories 126 kcal

    Equipment

    • Muffin Tin
    • Muffin Liners

    Ingredients
      

    Wet Ingredients

    • ½ Cup Coconut Sugar You can also use Lakanto Monkfruit for a sugar-free replacement.
    • ⅓ Cup Dairy-Free Yogurt I used unsweetened coconut yogurt.
    • 2 Eggs
    • 2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract You can also swap for vanilla paste.

    Dry Ingredients

    • ½ Cup Cacao Powder You can swap for cocoa powder.
    • 2+½ Tablespoons Coconut Flour
    • ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
    • ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda
    • ¼ Teaspoon Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Start by adding all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir together until fully combined.
    • Next, add all wet ingredients into a mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined.
    • Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir together until a thick batter forms.
    • Line 6 cupcake tins with parchment paper liners or coat with a non-stick spray.
    • Add about ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake tin. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-18 minutes. (Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, they're done!)
    • Remove the cupcakes from the baking tin and place on a metal cooling rack.

    Notes

    Expert Tips

    • If you want to use pre-made chocolate frosting, I recommend Simple Mills or Miss Jones for dairy-free options. (They also make vanilla frosting!)
    • Do not pack the cacao powder into the measuring cup. Spoon it in and use a knife to scrape off the excess.
    • Use a large cookie scoop or small measuring cup to fill each cupcake tin evenly.
    • Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding any frosting or chocolate ganache.
    • Top the cupcakes with sprinkles or fresh fruit! (Raspberries or strawberries are my favorite.)
    • Make a double batch if you're serving a crowd!

    How to store leftovers

    Leftover cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week!
    **See full post for more information and step by step photos.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 213mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 4gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 93IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg
    Keywords dairy free chocolate cupcakes, gluten-free chocolate cupcakes, healthy chocolate cupcakes, paleo chocolate cupcakes
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!

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    Hi, I'm Mariah!

    I am a food photographer and recipe developer based in Connecticut. I love all things gut health, clean living, and I have a slight obsession with chocolate! Here you'll find simple and easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free recipes that your whole family will love!

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