Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a muffin pan or spray paper cups with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, non-dairy milk and vanilla. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
Add dry mixture to wet mixture in 3-4 batches until almost combined.
Add chocolate chips and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove cupcakes from oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Once completely cool, ad icing and garnish.Nutritional Information