Raw Chocolate Cupcakes (for the health conscious sweet freaks)

 When I was living in Perth there was a lovely organic community cafe called the Fern that hosted donation based dinners every Monday night. On the night I was able to attend, the owner had made a raw chocolate mousse dessert that my friend and I intended to share, but I'm pretty sure I ate 95% of because apparently my rudeness overrides my ability to control my sweet tooth. Intrigued by the unique flavor and texture of the mousse, I asked the owner the recipe and was taken back when she told me it was mostly made from avocado. Umm, say what?!  How did I not know about this. 

After my bout with the Fern's avocado induced mousse, I started experimenting with some avocado inspired recipes.  I have a serious sweet tooth and love my chocolate, but I'm also aware of the negative effects of excessive sugar and striving to live healthier. There are so many desserts we can enjoy from natural, raw ingredients without harming our body.  One of my favorites so far are raw chocolate cupcakes. A healthier alternative to store bought shit, with ingredients mindfully brought together to suffice the sweet cravings. The chocolate frosting is incredible and I'm still in awe of the magic cacao and avocado creates. I've made these several times, and today I figured I'd document and share.

Cupcakes
500g walnuts.  For this I used 250g pumpkin seed instead because one of the kids I look after has a nut allergy. Sunflower seeds are another alternative, but have fun and experiment. 

2 heaping tablespoons of raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
16 pitted raw fresh dates
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract

combine walnuts, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt
blend until ground, but not too fine
add dates and vanilla.
blend a bit longer. I added coconut oil to bind the mix together a bit.

scoop and hand mold into mini cupcake portions. Refrigerate 1-2 hours. * Remember these are raw and not baked:)

Chocolate Frosting
1/4 cup honey
2 ripe avocados
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa powder

blend all the ingredients until creamy and thick. 
Spread the frosting over each cupcake. I garnished mine in goji berry.  Refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy<3