Vegan MoFo #15: Apple Spice Parfait & My MoFo Iron Chef Cupcake

It's another double treat Saturday!  One raw, one baked.  My first treat is a raw, vegan Apple Spice Parfait.  I was inspired by some beautiful local Gala apples I picked up yesterday morning at the market.  And the need for dessert.  Add some raw custard, maple syrup, and spice and it becomes a yummy Fall delight. 

Apple Spice Parfait

First, make the apple filling:

One beautiful apple of your choice, finely diced
2 tablespoons maple syrup
pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup shredded coconut
Stir ingredients together and set aside to marinate while you make the custard.

Vanilla Spice Custard

1 cup cashews
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon maca

1/2 cup + 1/3 cup almond milk
pinch sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil

Blend all ingredients except coconut oil together in a high speed blender until smooth.  Add melted coconut oil.  Blend until creamy.

The makes 2 parfaits.  In each glass layer:

2 tablespoons apple filling
1/4 of the custard  - now put the glass in the freezer for 15 minutes so the custard can firm up.
2 tablespoons apple filling
1/4 of the custard - back in the freezer for 15 minutes
Divide remaining apple filling between the two glasses.

This is best served very cold, so making these ahead of time and allowing to chill for a few hours will give you the yummiest results.  The apples will soften as they marinate.

Now, onto my MoFo Iron Chef challenge.  This week's ingredients are banana and coffee.  I baked mine in a cake:  Peanut butter cupcakes with vegan chocolate cream cheese frosting, banana slices, and coffee ganache.  I know this isn't the most creative entry, but it's what I felt like eating as a special treat this weekend. 

These started with a peanut butter cupcake ala my favorite baking book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World.  These were topped with a little chocolate cream cheese frosting and a banana slice, like so:

Then topped with more frosting and drizzled with coffee ganache.  MMMmmm.

I love peanut butter & banana together.  And chocolate and coffee.  And peanut butter and chocolate.  So it all works together.  Yes.

Cheers to a super sweet Saturday.