Pirate Party Chocolate Cupcakes & Mickey Cake (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

For the Cake & Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (like avocado or sunflower)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water or coffee (to intensify chocolate flavor)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup dairy-free butter (like Earth Balance)
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup almond or oat milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorations

• Gold sugar sprinkles (gluten/soy/dairy-free)
• Themed toppers (like the pirate skulls shown)
• Optional: Mickey Mouse cake mold or DIY cutout using two small and one large round cakes