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1
For the black garlic paste: Put the oil and black garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse until it becomes a thick paste (about a minute).
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2
Set aside.
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3
For the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F; line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.
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4
Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
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5
In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, mix the granulated sugar and vegan butter together on medium-low speed until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes; scrape down the bowl.
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6
Slowly mix in the soy milk, applesauce and vanilla, scraping down the bowl a couple of times to make sure everything is fully mixed.
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7
Slowly add the flour mixture and mix to combine.
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8
Fold in the vinegar and garlic paste by hand, being sure not to over-mix.
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9
Divide the batter among the liners and sprinkle some white chocolate chips on top.
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10
Bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 18 minutes.
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11
Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting.
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12
For the honey black garlic brittle: Add the granulated sugar and corn syrup to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes; the mixture should be amber or honey-colored.
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13
(Or heat until it reaches 300 degrees F on a candy thermometer.)
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14
Add the vegan butter and garlic paste and microwave for another minute and a half.
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15
Add the baking soda and vanilla and whisk together.
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16
Immediately pour the mixture onto a nonstick pan (or a pan lined with aluminum foil).
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17
Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes.
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18
For the cardamom frosting: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, blend the vegan shortening and butter until fully incorporated and mixed well, scraping down the bowl a few times, about 5 minutes.
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19
Add 1 1/2 cups of the confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon of the soy milk and the cardamom and mix for 2 more minutes.
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20
Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon soy milk, and whip for another minute.
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21
If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more of soy milk.
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22
If too thin, add 1/4 cup more sugar.
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23
To assemble, pipe some cardamom frosting on each cupcake.
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24
Place a shard of the garlic brittle through each fondant heart and place on the cupcakes.
