This light and tender Mary Berry Vegan Cupcakes recipe is made with a simple blend of non-dairy milk and vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute, along with sunflower oil, flour, and baking powder. The result is an incredibly moist and fluffy cupcake that is entirely egg-free and dairy-free. This recipe is a fantastic option for anyone with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a delicious plant-based treat. It makes a perfect batch of 12 cupcakes.
Jump to RecipeMary Berry Vegan Cupcakes Ingredients
- 100g (3.5 oz) plain flour
- 100g (3.5 oz) caster sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 120ml (4 fl oz) unsweetened non-dairy milk (oat or soy work well)
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How To Make Mary Berry Vegan Cupcakes
- Prepare the oven and tin: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 12-hole muffin or cupcake tin with paper cases.
- Make the vegan buttermilk: In a small jug, combine the non-dairy milk and vinegar. Stir and set it aside for 5 minutes. The mixture will curdle slightly and thicken, which helps to create a tender crumb.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda. Whisk them lightly to ensure they are well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: To the milk mixture, add the sunflower oil and vanilla extract. Whisk briefly to combine.
- Mix the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a whisk to gently mix until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps of flour. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes tough.
- Bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Recipe Tips
- The “Buttermilk” is Key: Don’t skip the step of combining the non-dairy milk and vinegar. The slight acidity and curdled texture are crucial for a light and tender crumb in the absence of eggs and traditional dairy.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing the batter too much will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense and chewy cupcake. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks have disappeared.
- Choose the Right Oil: Sunflower oil is a great choice because it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the cupcakes. Canola oil also works well.
- Frosting is Flexible: These cupcakes pair well with a classic vegan buttercream, chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of icing sugar.
What To Serve Vegan Cupcakes
These vegan cupcakes are perfect on their own or with a simple dusting of icing sugar. For a richer dessert, top them with a vegan buttercream made from vegan butter and powdered sugar. They are also a wonderful addition to a dessert table at a party, especially when paired with fresh fruit like berries or sliced mango. A cup of coffee or a glass of plant-based milk makes a great accompaniment.
How To Store Vegan Cupcakes Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Unfrosted vegan cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting.
Mary Berry Vegan Cupcakes Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour? This recipe works best with plain (all-purpose) flour. Gluten-free flour blends can be used, but the results may vary, and you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly.
- How do I make a vegan frosting? A simple vegan buttercream can be made by beating 1/2 cup of vegan butter with 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk and a splash of vanilla extract.
- What is the purpose of the vinegar? The vinegar acts as a leavening agent when it reacts with the bicarbonate of soda. This reaction creates carbon dioxide bubbles, which are what make the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Coconut Cupcakes Recipe
- Mary Berry Buttercream Icing For Cupcakes Recipe
- Mary Berry Ginger Cupcakes Recipe
Mary Berry Vegan Cupcakes Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: British12
servings10
minutes20
minutes150
kcalMary Berry Vegan Cupcakes are a light, fluffy, and incredibly moist plant-based treat. This simple recipe uses a “buttermilk” substitute to create a tender crumb without eggs or dairy, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
100g (3.5 oz) plain flour
100g (3.5 oz) caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
120ml (4 fl oz) unsweetened non-dairy milk
1 tsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare oven and tin: Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a cupcake tin.
- Make vegan buttermilk: Combine non-dairy milk and vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Whisk oil and vanilla into the milk mixture.
- Mix the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Bake the cupcakes: Fill cupcake cases and bake for 18-20 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let cupcakes cool on a wire rack before frosting.