Preheat the oven to 350°F & grease & prepare your cupcake pan with paper liners. I like to give them a gentle spray of pan grease since this is a lower oil recipe- this will help them release
In a measuring cup combine the oil, applesauce & molasses
In a larger mixing bowl combine the flour with the sugar, cocoa powder, spices, salt, egg replacer & baking soda~ whisk or sift to combine
Add to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl all at once & whisk to a smooth batter, then add the other measure of hot boiling water whisking well to combine
Pour the batter into your prepared pan & bake immediately in the preheated 350°F oven for approximately 25-30 minutes
While the cupcakes are baking prepare the shelf stable cream cheese icing recipe by creaming the room temperature vegan butter on medium to high speed until light & fluffy I usually let this go for about 5 minutes
Add the sifted confectioners sugar & vegan lactic acid (*or apple cider vinegar if using) & mix on low speed until all is incorporated, then increase the speed to medium high and whip for 1 minute