Raw: Strawberry Banana Cupcakes

I have been dreaming of cupcakes for days. I wanted cupcakes but not a muffin top around my mid-line if you know what I mean. I looked at numerous recipes and finally turned off the laptop, turned off the iPad and went within. I thought of what my favorite snacks were right now. Bananas, strawberries, banana strawberry smoothies,  any nice cream variation, cashews...cashews...more cashews....and dates!

I thought of gluten free cupcakes, fluffy cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes and finally it dawned on me - raw cupcakes with our ultimate favorite right now banana nice-cream!
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I lined a cupcake liner with a cashew and date based crust infused with cinnamon and ginger. I stuck that in the freezer and the next morning made us strawberry banana nice-cream to fill the cupcake liner and for breakfast!

My husband declared he could enjoy it everyday! It is THAT good!

I put one scoop in each cupcake liner and topped with frozen berries. Placed them back in the freezer while I picked fresh flowers for the picture.
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The most beautiful cupcakes I ever did see! Of course I am bias as I made them. ;)

I love knowing they are vegan, raw, gluten-free and paleo friendly! The recipe reflects 3 cupcakes but could be increased for more. We're trying to keep our desserts light and healthy this week so we can maintain our physique this season! :)
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Raw, Vegan & Gluten-Free Crust:

• 1 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup soaked dates
• 1/8-1/4 tsp cinnamon
• dash of ginger
  
  

Directions:

1. Place the cashews in a food processor and pulse until it fine, leaving a few chunks if you'd like.
2. Place the balance of the ingredients in the food processor, pulse until well combined, use a spoon or spatula to push down sides as needed. It will stick together when you pinch it once it is ready.
3. Place the mixture into 3 Silicone Cupcake Liners and press with wet fingers to mold to the shape. Place in the freezer overnight.

2 Ingredient: Strawberry Banana NiceCream:

• 3 cups frozen bananas
• 1 cup strawberries

Loving preparation:

1. Pulse the bananas and berries in a high speed blender. Push sides in the center with the spatula, continuing to pulse until it is whipped. 
2. Place 1 scoop in the cupcake liner and top with berries. Grab a spoon and enjoy or place in the freezer to firm up more. 
   
3. We chose to place the cupcakes in the freezer and enjoyed the remainder of strawberry banana nice cream in a cup, topped with berries!

How did the cupcakes turn out? Crave busting delicious with a exquisite combination of flavors that are so pretty you could eat them with your eyes. Enjoy soft with a spoon or freeze for a more firm variation.

How in the world does this relate to Vegan Alchemy?

"You don't have to be a chef or even a particularly good cook to experience proper kitchen alchemy: the moment when ingredients combine to form something more delectable than the sum of their parts."
Erin Morgenstern

I'm already loving Vegan Mofo! It's bringing my culinary creativity to the next level! What will we drool over tomorrow? Stay tuned!
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With love,
Christa
xoxo