S'mores Cupcakes {vegan}

Pardon the delay in the post; but it came to be that time of year where I go through the process of moving. Thankfully, I'm in a great new place in Brooklyn, this time, complete with countertops. At any rate, a few weeks ago, some friends and I developed a "cake-off" themed party. Battling for the title of best cupcake, complete with a chart for rating cakes based on both taste and appearance, some great contenders were brought to the table. The cupcakes shown above happen to be the winner, and I'm rather proud to say, even received a rating of 100 (even though the scale was from 1-10). Thanks to you who boosted my ego. :)

{VEGAN}

S'MORES CUPCAKES WITH VEGAN MARSHMALLOW BUTTERCREAM

RECIPE BASED ON S'MORES CUPCAKES FROM "VEGAN CUPCAKES TAKE OVER THE WORLD"

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. canola oil

2 tbsp. molasses

1/4 c. soy yogurt

1 1/4 c. soy milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs

GANACHE

3 Tbsp. soy creamer

1/3 c. dark chocolate chips

VEGAN MARSHAMALLOW BUTTERCREAM

1/2 c. vegan margarine

1/2 c. vegan shortening

1 jar vegan marshmallow creme

1 c. confectioner's sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Mix the brown sugar, oil, molasses, yogurt, soy milk, and vanilla in a large bowl.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a separate bowl and mix. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix it up. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in three batches, mixing well after each addition. Fill cupcake liners full. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before decorating.

Ganache: Simmer soy creamer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Set aside and cool for 10 minutes.

Buttercream: Beat margarine and shortening in mixer bowl on high speed until creamy. Beat in marshmallow creme. reduce speed and beat in confectioner's sugar and vanilla. Increase speed to high, beat until fluffy.

Assembly:

Spread a layer of chocolate ganache onto cooled cupcakes. Pipe top with buttercream. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, or chocolate shavings, or just garnish with a graham cracker piece and chocolate chunk.