Vegan Hostess Cupcakes

Hostess Cupcakes are super nostalgic for all Millennials but I promise this vegan version holds up! Vegan Hostess Cupcakes are made up of moist chocolate cake, soft vanilla buttercream filling and rich chocolate ganache topping. Let's learn how to make them!

What are Hostess Cupcakes?

Hostess CupCakes are a popular brand of snack cakes produced by Hostess Brands, LLC. They are iconic treats known for their distinctive appearance and delicious flavor. Here's some of their best features:

• Moist Chocolate Cake Base
• Creamy Filling
• Chocolate Ganache Topping
• Signature Icing Swirl
• Portability

Overall, Hostess CupCakes are cherished for their nostalgic appeal, delicious taste, and convenient packaging, making them a regular snack choice for many millennials.

Fortunately, like any cupcake, these heavenly desserts can be made better by following my guide for perfect vegan cupcakes. This will ensure the end result is light, sweet and moist.

There are also plenty more cupcake recipes on my site if nostalgic perfection isn't your thing.

Hostess Cupcake Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Provides structure to the cupcakes and helps create a tender crumb when combined with other ingredients.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cupcakes and also contributes to their texture and moisture content. It caramelizes slightly during baking, adding flavor and helping to create a soft texture.
• Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Gives the cupcakes their rich chocolate flavor and dark color. Cocoa powder also adds depth and complexity to the taste.
• Instant Espresso Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor by providing a subtle hint of coffee without making the cupcakes taste overtly like coffee. It adds depth and richness to the chocolate.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) and Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the cupcakes and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

Wet Ingredients

• Nondairy Milk (1 cup): Provides moisture to the cupcakes and helps bind the other ingredients together. It also adds richness and creaminess.
• Nondairy Yogurt (½ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the cupcakes while also contributing to their structure. The acidity in yogurt reacts with the leavening agents to create a light and airy texture.
• Canola Oil (½ cup): Acts as the fat component in the cupcakes, ensuring they stay moist and tender. Canola oil has a neutral flavor, allowing the chocolate flavor to shine.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes and adds depth and complexity.

Vanilla Cream Filling Ingredients

• Non-Hydrogenated Shortening (½ cup): Provides the base for the creamy filling and icing. It adds richness and stability without containing animal-derived ingredients.
• Vegan Butter (2 tablespoons): Enhances the flavor of the filling and icing, adding a buttery richness without using dairy products.
• Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the filling and icing while also thickening it to achieve the desired consistency.
• Nondairy Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps to thin out the filling and icing to achieve the desired texture.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Adds flavor to the filling and icing, enhancing its overall taste.
• Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the filling and icing.

Ganache Topping Ingredients

• Semisweet or Dark Chocolate (3 ounces): Creates a rich and decadent ganache with deep chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Heavy Cream (⅓ cup): Provides the creaminess and richness typical of ganache without using dairy products. It helps to achieve a smooth and velvety texture for the ganache. If you can't find it, full fat coconut milk works too.

How to Make Homemade Hostess Cupcakes (with pictures!)

This recipe was inspired by Broma Bakery's recipe for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes. Please check out that recipe for more information and guidance.

• Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners. Set aside.
• Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
• Bake: Fill each cupcake wrapper about ¾ of the way full with cake batter. Bake on center rack of preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Filling: While the cupcakes cool, begin preparing the filling. Beat together the non-hydrogenated shortening and vegan butter until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar, nondairy milk, vanilla and salt until a light buttercream comes together.
• Fill Cupcakes: Scoop about ¾ of the filling into a piping bag fit with a small, round piping tip. Insert the tip into the center of each cupcake and squeeze lightly, pushing about 2 tablespoon of filling into each one.
• Ganache: Add the chocolate to a glass bowl. Pour the nondairy heavy cream into a glass measuring cup and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow to sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until completely smooth. Dunk the top of each cupcake into the ganache, shaking off any excess.
• Icing: Transfer the remaining filling to a squeeze bottle fit with a narrow piping tip. Pipe the trademark Hostess loops across the top of each cupcake. Allow icing to set for 5 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips and Tricks

Making Velvety Ganache

1. Use High Quality Chocolate: If you want a rich, velvety ganache, use high quality dairy-free chocolate. For this recipe that should be a high tier semi sweet chocolate or dark chocolate.
2. Heat Chocolate Gently: Melting chocolate can be a tricky process as it can scorch relatively easily. Place the chocolate in a mixing bowl and pour the hot cream over the top of it. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before whisking until smooth. Whisk in one direction to avoid clumping.
3. Work Quickly: Once the ganache is smooth, immediately begin dipping your cupcakes. If allowed to sit for too long, the chocolate will begin to thicken/harden.

Making Hostess Cupcakes

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vegan substitutes for traditional baking ingredients, such as nondairy milk, nondairy yogurt, vegan butter, and non-hydrogenated shortening. Quality ingredients will ensure the best flavor and texture for your cupcakes.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients, including flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, helps to remove any lumps and aerate the mixture, resulting in a smoother texture in the cupcakes and icing.
3. Don't Over-mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can result in dense and tough cupcakes. Aim for a smooth batter with no visible flour streaks.
4. Fill Cupcake Liners Correctly: Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds to three-quarters full with batter to ensure the cupcakes rise evenly without overflowing.
5. Pipe Filling Carefully: Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to inject the filling into the center of each cupcake. Insert the tip into the top of the cupcake and squeeze gently until the cupcake feels slightly heavier.
6. Decorate with Precision: Once the cupcakes are iced and ganache is set, you can pipe the signature white swirl on top using a piping bag/squeeze bottle fitted with a small round tip or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I omit the espresso powder from the cupcake batter?

While espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, you can omit it if you prefer. However, it adds depth and richness to the cupcakes, so consider keeping it in for optimal taste.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

Bake the cupcakes for the specified time in the recipe, then insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cupcakes are done. Avoid overbaking to prevent them from becoming dry.

Can I make the cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can make the cupcakes in advance. Store them unfrosted and unfilled in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage. Thaw them before frosting and serving.

Do I need to cut out a part of the cupcake before filling?

No! Just stick the tip of the piping bag directly into the center of the cupcake. Squeeze lightly while retracting the tip from the cupcake. The sides of the cupcakes will expand slightly.

Storing Hostess Cupcakes

To ensure your vegan Hostess cupcakes stay fresh and delicious, it's essential to store them properly. Here's how to do it:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cupcakes within a few days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
2. Refrigeration: If you need to store the cupcakes for a longer period or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can refrigerate them. Place the cupcakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. Freezing: If you want to store the cupcakes for an extended period, you can freeze them unfrosted and unfilled. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
4. Thawing: When you're ready to enjoy the cupcakes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can serve them as they are or bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
5. Avoid Moisture: Keep the cupcakes away from moisture to prevent them from becoming soggy. If storing in the refrigerator, ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent absorption of odors from other foods.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Vegan Hostess Cupcakes at their best for as long as possible.

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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