If you’re on the hunt for a spice-filled treat that’s a little bit unique but 100% delicious, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these cupcakes come out — warm, cozy cinnamon notes in a tender crumb, topped with the creamiest, naturally sweet cashew frosting with a delicate blackberry twist. When I first tried this combo, I was hooked immediately. Grab your apron and get ready to make a fan-freaking-tastic batch that’ll have your family and friends begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Uses wholesome pantry staples like coconut sugar and flax eggs for a naturally sweet and vegan-friendly cupcake.
- Unique Frosting Twist: Cashew-based frosting blends blackberries for a creamy and fruity finish unlike your average frosting.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The warm spices paired with tangy lemon and vanilla in the frosting truly elevate these cupcakes.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a party dessert, these cupcakes deliver every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe starts with ingredients that balance each other perfectly, creating cupcakes that are moist and flavorful, with a frosting that’s luxurious but fresh. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll want to gather before you start baking.
- Coconut sugar: I love it because it adds a subtle caramel taste and keeps it less refined than white sugar.
- Vegan butter: This gives the cupcakes a tender crumb without any dairy.
- Molasses: Just a touch for depth and richness — don’t skip it!
- Flax eggs: A brilliant vegan egg substitute that helps bind everything together.
- Plain flour: Your base for fluffy cupcakes; you can swap for gluten-free if you want.
- Baking soda: Your rise agent — fresh is key here for that perfect lift.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: The stars of the spice show, bringing warmth and comfort.
- Vanilla: Adds sweetness and depth to both batter and frosting.
- Soy milk: Use any plant milk you prefer; soy works great for texture.
- Cashews: Soaked overnight for creamy frosting without dairy.
- Coconut milk and oil: Essential for richness and smooth frosting.
- Blackberries: I mash these to add a gentle fruity tang to the frosting.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the frosting and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Variations
I love making this Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe my own, switching up little things to fit the season or mood. Feel free to get creative — it’s fun to explore how different tweaks can add a personal touch.
- Spice it up: Swap out nutmeg for ground ginger or cloves if you want a punchier spice profile; my family goes wild for the ginger version during the holidays.
- Fruit switch-up: Instead of blackberries, try raspberries or even a few mashed dates for a sweeter frosting twist.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seeds soaked instead of cashews if you’re avoiding nuts — works wonderfully with the right blending.
- Gluten-free: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend; I learned this when baking for friends with allergies and it was a hit.
How to Make Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Frosting First
Start by mashing the blackberries into a pulp with a fork. This releases all their juicy flavor. Then toss them into your food processor along with the soaked cashews, coconut milk, coconut oil, vanilla, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend for 7-8 minutes until it’s super smooth and creamy. Don’t be shy — stop and scrape down the sides a few times to get everything incorporated perfectly. Pop the frosting in the fridge to chill — this step is key so it firms up nicely when you’re ready to frost the cupcakes.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cupcake Batter
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tin with 10 cases. In a large bowl, beat together the coconut sugar, vegan butter, and molasses till it’s smooth and luscious. Then add your flax eggs and mix everything again until combined. Next, sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg — I find sifting avoids lumps here and helps the cupcakes be extra fluffy. Stir everything together before adding the soy milk and mixing with a spoon just until the batter is thick yet pourable. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally fine.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Spoon the batter about two-thirds full into each cupcake case. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I usually check at the 18-minute mark so they don’t dry out. Once out, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the chilled cashew frosting. I love swirling generous, pretty rosettes atop each cupcake — it looks so inviting! For a finishing touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles and pop a fresh blackberry right in the center. They look as good as they taste!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe
- Soak cashews well: I discovered soaking cashews overnight makes the frosting incredibly smooth and creamy — rushing this step results in a grittier texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking the cupcake mix makes them dense; I always mix just to combine and the texture comes out fluffy.
- Use fresh spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg lose flavor fast, so fresh spices make a big difference in taste.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting: Frosting melts if the cupcakes are warm, so patience here pays off in a neat finished look.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these cupcakes with fresh blackberries and a sprinkle of colorful, natural sprinkles for that extra pop. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of cinnamon on the frosting swirl for an aromatic hint right before serving — it’s such a simple touch that really delights the senses.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes go amazingly well alongside a cup of chai tea or a creamy oat milk latte — the spices complement each other so well. For a brunch setup, pair them with fresh fruit salads or a light almond yogurt for a complete treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love arranging these cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter with extra blackberries scattered around and tiny edible flowers for a colorful display. Wrapping each cupcake in a small parchment paper collar also adds a charming bakery vibe — it’s a little step that impresses every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store these cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge because of the cashew frosting. They keep well for up to 4 days. Before serving, I like to bring them to room temperature for 30 minutes to soften the frosting and restore the cupcake’s tender crumb.
Freezing
Freezing frosting-topped cupcakes can be tricky, so I freeze the cupcakes without frosting wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost fresh. This method keeps them tasting fresh and not soggy.
Reheating
If you want a warm cupcake experience, reheat unfrosted cupcakes in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. Then add your frosting just before serving so it stays creamy and fresh.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the cashews with soaked sunflower seeds to create the frosting. The texture comes out creamy and the flavor is mild enough to complement the blackberries without overpowering the cupcakes.
-
How long do the cupcakes stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these cinnamon cupcakes with cashew frosting usually stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
-
Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the frosting ahead is a great idea to save time. Keep it chilled in the fridge, and before piping it on cupcakes, give it a quick stir or gentle re-blend if it’s separated.
-
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this entire recipe is vegan-friendly, using flax eggs instead of chicken eggs and plant-based milks and butters. It’s a perfect option if you’re looking for a dairy and egg-free treat.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen — it’s that perfect combination of cozy spice and fruit-forward creaminess that just delights everyone who tries it. I hope you give it a go and find just as much joy in baking and sharing these cupcakes as I do. They’re sure to add some extra sweetness and warmth to your day, whether for a special occasion or just a well-deserved treat. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Cinnamon Cupcakes with Cashew Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 large cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious vegan cinnamon cupcakes topped with a creamy cashew and blackberry frosting. These cupcakes combine warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a moist, vegan base, and are finished with a smooth, tangy frosting made from soaked cashews and fresh blackberries. Perfect for a sweet treat that’s both dairy-free and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Cupcakes
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water)
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup soy milk
Frosting
- 1 cup cashews, soaked and drained (see notes)
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup blackberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the Frosting: Mash the blackberries to a pulp in a small bowl using a fork. Add the mashed blackberries, soaked and drained cashews, coconut milk, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend for 7-8 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. Once smooth, set the frosting aside in the fridge to chill.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tin: Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a cupcake tin with 10 cupcake cases to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the coconut sugar, vegan butter, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the flax eggs and mix well to combine. Stir in the plain flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in the soy milk and stir gently with a spoon until the batter is thick but pourable.
- Fill Cupcake Cases: Spoon the batter into the cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full, allowing space for rising during baking.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—it should come out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate the Cupcakes: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the chilled blackberry cashew frosting. Pipe the frosting in a swirl pattern on top of each cooled cupcake. Optionally, decorate with extra sprinkles and blackberries.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your vegan cinnamon cupcakes with cashew frosting as a delightful dessert or snack.
Notes
- Cashews can be soaked overnight in cold water or in boiling water for 20 minutes to soften them for the frosting. Use enough water to just cover the cashews, then drain and rinse well before use.
- Flax eggs are made by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit until gelatinous. This serves as an egg substitute to keep the cupcakes vegan.
- Use plain (all-purpose) flour for the best texture, but a gluten-free flour blend could be tried for gluten-free adaptations.
- Ensure the soy milk and vegan butter are at room temperature to help with smooth mixing.
- The frosting can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *