How do I know when it is done?

Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.

Can I change the flavor?

Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.

What should beginners watch most closely?

Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Back to Recipes

Cupcakes

Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with Dairy-Free Frosting

Name: Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with Dairy-Free Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup maple syrup; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 cup dairy-free cream cheese (such as almond or soy-based), softened; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 4, 2026 · Updated Jul 11, 2026

American 35 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepwinter-bakingnut-freedairy-freefrostinglow-caloriepartycomfort-food

Enjoy these easy, nut-free and dairy-free maple cupcakes infused with cozy winter spices, ideal for beginner bakers and allergy-friendly parties. Topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting, they make a perfect winter dessert.

Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with Dairy-Free Frosting

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Servings 12

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup maple syrup
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup dairy-free cream cheese (such as almond or soy-based), softened
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

BeginnerBakes nut-free maple cupcake ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
In a small bowl or cup, mix the dairy-free milk with the apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 2 minutes to create a dairy-free 'buttermilk' substitute.
Add the dairy-free 'buttermilk' to the wet ingredients and stir to combine thoroughly.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, beat the dairy-free cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together in a bowl using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, spread or pipe the frosting evenly over each cupcake.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

BeginnerBakes nut-free maple cupcake batter before baking

Tips

Equipment Needed

To bake these Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with Dairy-Free Frosting, beginner bakers will need the following essential equipment to ensure perfect results: 12-cup Muffin Tin: Provides structure and shape for cupcakes during baking. Cupcake Liners: Non-stick liners, either paper or silicone, make removal easy and presentation neat. Mixing Bowls: At least two - one large for dry ingredients, one medium for wet.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Flour: Use all-purpose flour for soft, tender cupcakes. For gluten-free needs, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free cake flour blend to maintain texture. Sweeteners: Pure maple syrup gives unique sweetness and moisture, but can be replaced with agave nectar or honey (not vegan) if preferred.

Oven Note

Perfect baking starts with understanding your oven. Follow these beginner-friendly tips to bake flawless Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes: Fully Preheat: Always preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before baking for even heat and proper rising. Middle Rack Placement: Bake cupcakes on the center oven rack to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent overbrowning or undercooked centers.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Enhance your Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with these simple, beginner-friendly upgrades that add flavor and festive appeal: Add Citrus Zest: Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to brighten warm spices with fresh notes. Swirl Fruit Preserves: Fold 2 tablespoons of nut-free fruit jam like raspberry or apricot into the batter for bursts of sweetness. Sprinkles & Toppings: Decorate the frosting with allergy-safe sprinkles or cinnamon sugar for color and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with Dairy-Free Frosting ahead?: Yes. Bake it ahead, cool it fully, and store it as directed so the texture stays as close to fresh as possible.
How do I know when it is done?: Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.
Can I change the flavor?: Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.
What should beginners watch most closely?: Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Ingredient Replacements

½ cups all-purpose flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier bake or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, checking texture before baking.
baking powder: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
ground cinnamon: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze when the ingredients are freezer-friendly.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

Winter Spice Nut-Free Maple Cupcakes with Dairy-Free Frosting

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions