Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies (vegan + gf)

I can’t even tell you how easy these soft batch pumpkin spice cookies are to make. Wait. I can tell you, and I’m about to.

Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

And maybe you saw in the title that these babies are both vegan + gluten-free. Bonus, they don’t taste like cardboard! Double bonus, they don’t turn into a gummy mess in your mouth!

More bonuses? Yep.

  • they’ll be in the oven in 10 minutes or less
  • they’ll dirty one large + one small bowl
  • they’re made with only 2 flours
  • they don’t fall apart while eating
  • maple almond butter FROSTING
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

If you happened to try out my Lemon Cornbread Cookies at the end of the summer these are very similar in texture. They’re thick and chewy but not too dense, and unlike the typical pumpkin cookie I wouldn’t say these are cake-like really at all. I would more closely relate them to a shortbread cookie or a scone.

Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

It’s sort of like eating a pumpkin pie cookie.

Can you get behind that?

Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

Remember last Monday when I went on + on about re-installing our patio ourselves? I figured I should give you an update.

We’re hiring professionals to save our sanity and whole lot of time. Because sometimes you just can’t do it all. Life lesson #376.

But we still have cookies.

Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

Print this!

adapted from my Lemon Cornbread Cookies

Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies

gluten-free, vegan // yields appx. 18 cookies

  • 1 tablespoon ground flax meal
  • 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup thick almond butter*
  • 2 tablespoons softened unrefined coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup muscovado sugar, or coconut sugar/brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free oat flour
  • 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/16 teaspoon clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Maple Almond Frosting

  • 1/4 cup thick almond butter
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • chopped toasted pecans

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flax and water for about 15 seconds. Set aside for 5 minutes until gelatinous. Preheat your oven to 350° F.

To the same bowl add in the pumpkin, almond butter, coconut oil, and vanilla. Whisk thoroughly. Then whisk in the sugar. Add in the oat flour, almond flour, spices, baking powder, and salt. Stir together until fully incorporated. Dough will be soft but roll-able.

Roll the dough into about 1-inch sized balls between your hands and place on a large baking sheet [you can line with parchment if desired] with 2-3 inches between each ball. Tear a small piece of parchment or wax paper and place it over one cookie. Gently flatten with a flat-bottomed glass to 1/4-inch thickness. This should make the cookie about 2 1/2 inches wide. Repeat with all cookies.

Bake for 9-13 minutes. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes then remove with a metal spatula and place on a cooling rack. Let fully cool for the best texture. Store in an airtight container on the counter for about 4-5 days.

If adding the frosting: Stir together the almond butter and maple syrup until smooth. Add more almond butter for a thicker consistency if desired. Stir in the cinnamon and ginger. Spread on cookies and top with pecans. Best if topped prior to serving. Keep stored in the fridge after topping.

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Notes: The dough will be soft and a bit oily feeling but should be able to roll easily into balls. If the dough is too sticky and can’t be rolled add 1 tablespoon each of corn flour and almond flour and stir again. Or, wrap + refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes to stiffen up a bit.

*Do not use the almond butter that is very oily/drippy. It can should be soft and thick but not drip off a spoon.

Cut spice measurements in half for a more subtle spice flavor. These are very flavorful. If you don’t have all of those spices on hand add 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Taste the dough after incorporating and add more if desired.

Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree
Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Cookies | edibleperspective.com #vegan #glutenfree

Are there any specific recipes or ingredients you’d like to see here in the coming months? Holiday dishes? Desserts? I’d love to hear from you!

Happy week.

Ashley

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hi and welcome to Cakeday. Doesn’t that sound a million times better than Monday?

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

Me thinks so.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

Now before I go ruining this post with terrible Monday jokes I have to tell you the most important thing about this cake:

This is quite possibly the best recipe I have ever created on the entire blog. I know that is a crazy thing to say but it may just be true. It’s definitely in the top 10 recipes and probably in the top 5 and definitely a contender for #1.

Do you know what this means?

YOU MUST MAKE THIS CAKE. I don’t care if you’re gluten-free or you eat all of the gluten—all of the time. This cake is about to be your best friend. You’re going to start having dreams about it and when zucchini season is over you’re going to cryyyy. But don’t worry because you can always switch up the zucchini for carrots. In fact, this recipe is based off my most recent carrot cake recipe that was adapted from my first carrot cake recipe, both of which I adore.

But this cake WINS.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

And it’s totally going to bathe in cream cheese frosting, because sometimes you just need cream cheese frosting drenched over a cake.

Unless you can’t tolerate dairy. Then you don’t want to do that. But don’t worry, I’ve got you dairy-free peeps covered. Check: options 1 + 2 + 3

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

Also. No mixer required! You’re going to whip this right in your blender. Because it’s easier and creamier and oh my god so good.

I realize I’m slightly excited about this cake, but you will soon see why.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

SEE!!!

photography side note: Do not even ask how I managed to get this photo. You should see the other 40 before this one. The frosting is quite thick and does not easily pour out of the creamer spout, making this pour shot nearly impossible. I used my remote shutter with my tripod set up and had the shutter speed cranked high. I also pre-focused the camera right in the spot I was pouring in hopes it would get a clear shot of the pour. Somehow, 1 out of 40 worked! Just keeping it real.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

The funny thing about photographing cakes is that you basically have to photograph the entire thing and then HOPE it tastes edible [preferably better than edible] so you can post the recipe without having to remake it. I totally lucked out here because this would have been a pain in the buttocks to remake and photograph.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

But holy moly the anticipation before that first bite! I could have died.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

I’m not even going to try and describe the texture to you because I think you can tell from the photos. And it’s got this dense but light thing going on that is confusing and amazing and too hard to describe.

Even more awesome news is that you only need oat flour + almond flour to make this cake! Ahh, simplicity.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

Zucchini baked goods will always hold a special place for me as I’ve explained on the blog before. Every year growing up my mom and I would bake loaf after loaf of zucchini bread as my dad would pull the biggest zucchinis you’ve ever seen from our garden and pile them up on the back step.

By the end of the season our loaves were filled with chocolate chips [because, why not?] which were obviously my favorite. So each year I feel the need to come up with a fun new zucchini baked good and this year I think I’ll stop right here.

Make this if you know what’s good for you.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

Print this!

adapted from: my carrot cake recipe

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

gluten-free, dairy-free option // yields about 12 servings

for the cake:

  • 1 1/3 cup large grated zucchini, use 1-2 small/medium sized zucchinis with skin on[or peel if desired]
  • 2 cups gluten-free oat flour
  • 1 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons lightly packed muscovado sugar, or brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, or low-fat
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unrefined coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips

for the frosting:

  • 8oz cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup half + half
  • 1-4 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 4-6 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

*Take out all ingredients about 30 minutes before baking to let come to room temperature. Once the cake is cooling remove the cream cheese from the fridge to soften.*

Preheat your oven to 350* F.

Place your grated zucchini evenly on a kitchen towel with another on top. Press down gently and let the moisture absorb into the towel. Keep covered.

Thoroughly grease your bundt pan [I used a 9 3/4-inch by 3 1/3-inch bundt pan] or 2, 8-inch round pans on all sides with butter or coconut oil. Lightly flour and knock around to fully coat the pan. Flip over and knock on the pan to release excess flour.

In a large bowl stir together the flours, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

In another bowl whisk the eggs. Then whisk in the milk, yogurt, honey, and vanilla. Whisk in the oil until fully combined. Pour the wet into the dry and whisk until just incorporated [when you no longer see dry flour].

Fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Pour into your pan and level. Place in the oven to bake for 42-52 minutes, or until the top is cracked and golden brown and a toothpick comes out nearly clean. You don’t want it gooey but just slightly moist.

Place the pan on a cooling rack for about 20-30 minutes. Carefully slide a thin spatula or butter knife around the center ring and edges. Flip over bracing with your hand and allow to cool fully on the rack.

Once cooled, place all frosting ingredients in your blender [starting with the lesser amount of milk and honey]. Blend until just fully creamy and add more milk for a thinner consistency or honey for sweetness. It will thicken a bit as it sits. Pour over the cake and store any excess covered in the fridge.

Serve cake and store leftovers fully covered in the fridge. Best eaten at room temperature or warmed for a few seconds out of the fridge.

----

Notes: If you can’t find full fat Greek yogurt, low-fat and probably even non-fat will work okay. Plain whole milk yogurt can most likely be used but if it’s runny reduce to 3T.

Dairy-free: Use applesauce instead of yogurt. Use unsweetened almond milk or soymilk in place of 2%. Use one of the frosting recipes here: 1 + 2 + 3

Flours: Sub flours at your own risk. I would not attempt subbing the eggs with flax-eggs.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting [only 2 Flours!] | edibleperspective.com #glutenfree

Happy Cakeday, people.

Ashley

I’m on vacation this week so if your comment or email goes unanswered I’ll get to it when I return! Thank you!