These Vegan Hostess Cupcakes are just like the classic, but made 100% plant-based! They’re made with moist vegan chocolate cake, a fluffy marshmallow crème filling, chocolate ganache, and topped with the signature swirl of vanilla icing. They’re as dreamy as they sound.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There are 4 main components to making the best copycat Hostess Cupcakes:
- Chocolate cake batter: The rich, moist base of the cupcake. We used our foolproof Vegan Chocolate Cake recipe made with 10 simple baking staples like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and non-dairy milk.
- Marshmallow crème: Hostess cupcakes are known for their signature creamy marshmallow center, and these vegan cakes are no different! This easy homemade version uses vegan marshmallow fluff, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Vegan ganache: Our homemade vegan chocolate ganache is the perfect glossy, rich chocolate topping made with two ingredients – semisweet chocolate chips and vegan heavy cream.
- Vanilla icing: A quick mix of powdered sugar, vegan heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt creates the iconic swirl that brings the whole dessert together.
How to Make Vegan Hostess Cupcakes
- Bake the cupcakes. These cupcakes are adapted from our recipe Vegan Chocolate Cake. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs, about 16 minutes.
- Make the sweet marshmallow filling. Whip with a standing or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Fill the center of the cupcakes. Transfer the marshmallow filling to a piping bag and squeeze a few tablespoons into the center of each cupcake.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache. Once the cupcakes have cooled to room temperature, dip the top of each cupcake into the chocolate ganache, shaking off any excess so that only a thin coating remains over the top.
- Make the vanilla icing. Whisk together the powdered sugar and vegan heavy cream, then pipe onto the cupcakes. Allow it to set, then enjoy!
Find the full printable recipe here: Vegan Copycat Hostess Cupcakes
