It's that time of year again. That time when I'm reminded of just how much I love pumpkin...pumpkin pie that is. There's just something so magical about the classic combination of pumpkin and spice, I don't know why it's not a year-round staple. I suppose that's what makes it so special though. In an effort to recreate that same flavor combination in a slightly more versatile recipe I came up with these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. They can easily be made into cookies or muffins and are so healthy, you can enjoy them any time of day. Here's one served plain as a muffin... 
And now dressed up for the full effect...
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese FrostingPumpkin Spice Cupcakes: Note: You'll notice that I used carrot instead of pumpkin for these (I would rather eat raw carrot than raw pumpkin) but you can easily substitute raw pumpkin or squash for the carrot. 1 c pecans 2 c coconut chips 2 c shredded carrots 1/2 c coconut flour 4 T lucuma powder 4 T coconut sugar 3-4 T pumpkin pie spice (will depend on the brand you use) 2 c pitted medjool dates, soaked 1-2 hrs (or soak for less time in the dehydrator) 12 drops vanilla stevia 1 tsp vanilla powder 2 pinches sea salt In a food processor, grind the pecans and coconut chips to a crumbly powder. Next add the shredded carrot, coconut flour, lucuma powder, coconut sugar, salt, vanilla powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Process until well combined and remove mixture to a bowl. Add soaked dates to the food processor with the stevia and process well to a paste (you may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times). Add the dry mixture back to the processor with the date paste and process well until a dough forms. To make muffins or cupcakes, form into muffin shapes and place in paper muffin cups. Dehydrate at 115 degrees for 4-6 hours, cool and frost. Alternatively, you can pat into cookie shapes for cookies and dehydrate or simply chill in the fridge. Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 1/4 c raw cashews, soaked 8 hours or overnight 1/2 c + 2 T water 3 T fresh lemon juice 1/4 c raw honey* pinch sea salt 8 drops vanilla stevia 1/4 tsp vanilla powder 1 T lecithin powder 1/2 c melted coconut oil 1 T melted coconut creme *This frosting is not overly sweet. Feel free to add more honey if you like it on the sweeter side. Blend cashews, water, lemon, honey, salt, and stevia in a high speed blender until smooth. Add the lecithin, coconut oil, creme, and vanilla powder and blend again to combine. Pour into a bowl and chill for 2 hours or more in the fridge. You can speed this process by chilling it in the freezer for 15 minutes or so but watch that it doesn't get too solid. If frosting cupcakes when they're warm from the dehydrator, serve them immediately as the frosting softens rather quickly on a warm cupcake. Alternatively, let the cupcakes cool slightly before frosting and store in the fridge if not serving right away. Top with pomegranate seeds, cinnamon, or superfood of choice. Note: You will have more than enough frosting for the cupcake recipe. Use leftovers as a sweet spread for raw crackers or bread, a luxurious addition to your smoothies, or try blending with nut milk to make a rich cream for your favorite coffee or tea drink (amazing with chai). Enjoy! :)