the ultimate vegan & gluten-free chocolate peppermint cups
if you’re looking for a dessert that’s decadent yet wholesome, these chocolate peppermint cups will check every box!!
rich, fudgy, and perfectly sweet, they’re packed with flavor but made with better-for-you ingredients. let’s dive into what makes them so special.

taste and texture
these brownie cups deliver the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint.
the deep, cocoa flavor is complemented by a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them taste like a festive treat.
texture-wise, they’re hearty, slightly fudgy but also so soft thanks to the melted chocolate in the batter, giving each bite a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
the frosting takes it to the next level.
it’s creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet, with the option to add peppermint extract for an extra burst of coolness.
the combination of the tender cupcake and velvety frosting is pure perfection.
why this is a healthy dessert
unlike traditional cups loaded with refined sugars and heavy oils, this recipe is made with nutrient-rich ingredients.
almond flour and oat flour provide fiber, healthy fats, and protein.
coconut sugar and maple syrup are natural sweeteners that have a lower glycemic impact compared to regular sugar.
plus, the use of dairy-free milk and chocolate keeps the recipe plant-based and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

why kids will love them
kids will adore these cupcakes because they taste like dessert magic.
the chocolate and peppermint combo feels like a treat straight out of a winter wonderland!!
they’re sweet, indulgent, and so fun to eat with their swirls of frosting on top.
parents will love them too, knowing they’re sneaking in some wholesome ingredients.
gluten-free goodness
these cupcakes are completely gluten-free, but you’d never guess it.
the almond flour and oat flour create a soft, fluffy crumb that’s just as good—if not better—than traditional wheat-based cupcakes.
no one will miss the gluten here! just make sure your oat flour is certified gluten free :).
how to make them
the recipe is simple and approachable.
you’ll start by mixing the wet ingredients, including melted chocolate and slightly warm almond milk to keep everything smooth.
then, whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and combine them with the wet mixture.
bake until the cupcakes are perfectly risen, then let them cool before adding the dreamy chocolate cream cheese frosting.

substitutions
this recipe is super flexible:
- for the peppermint flavor: if you’re not a fan, leave it out and make classic chocolate cupcakes instead.
- for the sweeteners: coconut sugar can be swapped with date sugar or light brown sugar, and maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar.
- for the flours: almond flour can be replaced with sunflower seed flour, and oat flour can be swapped for gluten-free all-purpose flour but the texture might be a bit gummy.
- for the frosting: if you don’t have vegan cream cheese, you can use whipped coconut cream for a lighter option.
the frosting
the frosting deserves its own spotlight.
it’s a creamy blend of vegan cream cheese and melted chocolate, with just a hint of vanilla and peppermint.
it’s indulgent yet light, making the cupcakes feel extra special!
the perfect dessert for any occasion
these chocolate peppermint cupcakes are perfect for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or just because.
they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients, but no one will know they’re a healthy dessert.
with their festive flavor and easy-to-follow recipe, they’re bound to become a family favorite.
if you love Healthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownie Cups, then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!
Decadent Healthier No Bake Ferrero Rocher Cups
Delicious Cinnamon Apple Cream Cheese Bake
The Best No Bake Healthy Brownies with Cookie Dough Date Caramel
The Best No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake
Healthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Fluffy Apple Rings
Gluten-Free Miso Banana Cake with Cinnamon Frosting (Plant-Based!)
Unreal Plant Based Chocolate Protein Cheesecake
The Ultimate Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Cake
Healthier Vegan and Gluten Free Thin Mint Cookies
No Bake Plant Based Vanilla Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake
Amazingly Vegan and Gluten-Free Flourless Brownies

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Healthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownie Cups
Recipe by Mary10
servings10
minutes25
minutes286
kcalapproximate macros per serving (10 Servings):
Calories: 286
Protein: 5.1g
Fat: 20.9g
Carbs: 21.9g
Ingredients
dry ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
1 cup oat flour
1 tbsp tapioca flour, arrowroot, or cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup coconut sugar
wet ingredients:
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp avocado oil or melted coconut oil
1.5 cups dairy-free milk, slightly warm
1/2 cup chocolate chips (choose brand with coconut sugar or date sugar to keep refined sugar free if wanted) melted with 2 tbsp room-temperature vegan butter or coconut oil
frosting:
8 ounces room-temperature dairy-free cream cheese
1/2 cup melted chocolate chips (melted with a little coconut oil)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional, adjust to taste)
Directions
- preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan or cupcake tin by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- melt the chocolate for the batter by combining 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 2 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil. Set aside.
- mix the wet ingredients: in a large bowl, whisk together the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, maple syrup, avocado oil (or melted coconut oil), slightly warm dairy-free milk, and melted chocolate mixture until smooth and well combined.
- combine wet and dry: gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- bake: pour the batter into the prepared pan or scoop into cupcake tins. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- prepare the frosting: in a medium bowl, mix the room-temperature cream cheese with the melted chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using). Adjust the peppermint flavor to taste.
- frost the cake or cupcakes once they have fully cooled. Enjoy!


