raw fudge cupcakes with vanilla bean frosting

These are totally delicious! Everyone in my family agrees, even Greg (my big brother) who has the pickiest palate of all. If you want to make a cute, sweet and tasty dessert for a party, or for no reason at all - make these!

I'm basically saying whatever your situation: go make these. now. 

As with most raw desserts, they're mostly nuts, seeds and dates... hur-RAW!
I made them specifically to post on the blog, actually. I feel bad because lately I've just been eating tons of salad, and a bit of fruit... wonderful for me, but not that exciting for you. We all know what a banana looks like, and how amazing salad is.

So I hope you like them! I like things sweet, so feel free to take out some of the agave in the frosting. And with all raw recipes, you can pretty much do/change whatever you want and they'll still turn out great.
The recipe does make a little extra frosting... but I'm sure this won't be a problem for you =)

Raw Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla-Cashew Frosting: makes about 15-20, with extra frosting

frosting:

1 cup raw cashews

2-4 Tb agave 

Seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod

1 t vanilla extract

Pinch sea salt

2 Tb melted coconut oil 

Water, only if needed

cupcakes:

1 cup raw nuts (ex. walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.)

1/2 cup dates

2 Tb agave

1 t vanilla extract

Pinch sea salt

1/2 t cinnamon
4 Tb cacao 

1/4 cup coconut flakes

1/4 cup hemp seeds

To make frosting: blend raw cashews into cashew butter in a high-speed blender (Vita-Mix). Make sure to keep pushing the cashews down so they get blended and you don't burn out your motor.  It doesn't need to be super creamy, but make sure it's past the floury stage. It'll probably be really thick.

Then mix the cashew butter and all other ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Put in piping bag and set in fridge. 

To make cupcakes: Pulse nuts in food processor until very fine, add dates until they're broken down. Then add all other ingredients and pulse until it sticks together, but doesn't stick to your hand (rough dough). Use a cookie cutter to form the "dough" into shapes; I just used a circle. Pipe frosting onto the top of the cupcakes and refrigerate for a bit if you want. Then enjoy!

This is a crowd-pleaser for sure. It's fun when you get to tell people they're healthy.