One memorable day in 2010, I stumbled upon a blog written by a woman who exuded a courage and passion that was destined to inspire. Her words, brave and heartfelt, landed softly yet left a lasting impression, and I found myself regularly visiting that special space nestled within the plant-loving corner of the internet.
It's been six years since my first brush with Angela Liddon of Oh She Glows, and her kindness, wisdom, and kitchen creativity never cease to capture both my heart and attention. In a world with so many options and an aversion to sameness, it takes authenticity and a zesty, spirited attitude to withstand the test of time, and Angela has done so with ease and grace.
For all the reasons above and about one thousand more, it's an honor to be sitting here, all these years later, writing a review for her second cookbook, Oh She Glows Every Day. Angela's first cookbook won me over immediately, and it's reigned as the most loved cookbook on my shelf for over two years. It has all the telltale signs of greatness—tattered edges and worn binding with soup splatters, chocolate, and wandering bits of kale adorning its pages.
All this to say that book one set the bar high, real high, for book two. And let me tell you, if the dog-eared pages and splatters accrued over the last month are any indication, book two may well give book one a run for its veggies . . .
I had such a difficult time picking a recipe to share in this post that I ended up making and photographing two recipes—High Rise Pumpkin Cupcakes and The Best Marinated Lentils. Then, I peaked at other bloggers' review posts to see which recipes had been shared and ultimately chose the cupcakes because the lentils had been already been slathered with well-deserved attention and praise. If you want to make the lentils (do it—they're amazing), checkout Laura Wright's stunning review post.
These cupcakes? Also amazing. As their name suggests, they rise high and beautifully. They're packed with pumpkin and warming spices and their pillowy, rounded tops are the perfect canvas for a thick slather of Spiced Buttercream Frosting. I wouldn't change a thing about them. The recipe is easy to follow and the cupcakes themselves are the perfect antidote to a craving for sweet-'n'-spiced fall decadence.
As with Angela's first book, Oh She Glows Every Day is perfect for anyone, vegan or otherwise, looking for recipes that satisfy, nourish, and inspire. The photography is stunning, and each and every recipe is accompanied by a full-page photo shot by the talented Ashley McLaughlin of Edible Perspective.
Recipes on my immediate must-make list include the Golden French Lentil Stew, Thai Crunch Salad, 9-Spice Avocado Hummus Toast, Reset Button Green Smoothie, Marinated Italian Tofu, Chili Cheese Nachos, The Ultimate Flourless Brownies, Mile-High Black-and-White Freezer Fudge, and many, many more. My usual method for dog-earing standout recipes quickly became meaningless because it was so liberally applied. But that's the best kind of problem to have, isn't it?
Below, you'll find 1| the recipe for those dreamy High Rise Pumpkin Cupcakes and 2| a giveaway where you can enter to win a copy of Oh She Glows Every Day!
📖 Recipe
High Rise Pumpkin Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (550 mL/10 ½ ounces/ 300 g) white/light spelt flour (see Tip)
- ½ cup (125 mL, 30 mL) plus 2 tablespoons natural cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) baking powder
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7 mL) freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon (2 mL) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon (2 mL) fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) ground allspice
- â…› teaspoon (0.5 mL) ground cloves
- ¾ cup (175 mL) unsweetened pumpkin purée
- 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup (60 mL) pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60 mL) grapeseed oil or refined coconut oil melted (see Tip)
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) pure vanilla extract
- Spiced Buttercream Frosting (recipe below)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil or line it with nonstick paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, allspice, and cloves until combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, milk, maple syrup, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined. Stop mixing as soon as there are no dry patches of flour, on the bottom of the bowl; it’s important not to overmix spelt flour as it can result in a dense cupcake. The batter will be quite thick (like a muffin batter), but this is normal.
- Scoop the batter (I like to use a retractable ice cream scoop) into each well of the prepared muffin tin, filling them two-thirds to three-quarters full. Smooth out the tops a bit. Bake for 24 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cupcake comes out clean and the cake springs back—very slowly—when touched. The cupcakes rise beautifully—you might actually scream with joy when you see the beautiful rounded tops!
- Let cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Gently transfer the cupcakes to the rack and let cool completely. (Be sure the cupcakes are not warm when you frost them, or the frosting will melt.)
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with Spiced Buttercream Frosting or Orange-Maple Coconut Whipped Cream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cupcakes: Place the frosted cupcakes on a plate and freeze, uncovered. Once the frosting has hardened, remove the cupcakes from the freezer and wrap them individually with plastic wrap. Transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, unwrap the cupcake and place it in the fridge or on the counter until thawed throughout.
Notes
KID-FRIENDLY, FREEZER-FRIENDLY
*Tip: I use grapeseed oil in this cake because it’s neutral, with virtually no flavor. I don’t recommend using a strong-tasting oil like extra-virgin olive oil. If you don’t have grapeseed oil or refined coconut oil (which is also flavorless), you can use melted virgin coconut oil. Just note that the cake will have a light coconut flavor. When using melted coconut oil, make sure the rest of your ingredients are at room temperature to prevent the coconut oil from solidifying.
*Make it nut-free Swap the almond milk for coconut milk or another nut-free milk of your choice.
*Make it soy-free Use soy-free vegan butter for the Spiced Buttercream. Reprinted from Oh She Glows Every Day by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2016, Glo Bakery Corporation. Cover photograph (above) copyright © 2016 by Ashley McLaughlin.
📖 Recipe
Spiced Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (175 mL) vegan butter (see Tip)
- 1 ½ cups (375 mL) confectioners’ sugar, plus more if needed
- 1 to 3 teaspoons ( 5 to 15 mL) almond milk, as needed
- ½ teaspoon (2 mL) pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (2 mL) ground cinnamon, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl using electric beaters or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter for about 30 seconds until fluffy and smooth.
- Add the sugar, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat again, starting on low speed and covering the bowl or stand mixer with a tea towel, until smooth and fluffy, stopping to scrape down the bowl as necessary. If your buttercream is still too thick, you can thin it with a touch more milk. If it becomes too thin, you can thicken it by beating in more sugar.
Notes
Oh She Glows Every Day Cookbook Giveaway
One winner will receive a copy of the Oh She Glows Every Day cookbook by Angela Liddon. For a chance to win, simply enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below and comment on this post between September 21st and October 5th. Please note: this giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada.
Emily K. says
As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for new recipes! This book looks fabulous, with a variety of delicious recipes I'd love to try. What a great giveaway - thank you!
Ashley Draper says
I would LOVE to win this cookbook! So many delicious looking recipes!!!
Lindsey Auerbach says
These cupcakes look delicious and sound perfect for fall! I also loved Angela's first Oh She Glows cookbook and it has seen a lot of love in my kitchen :)
Steph says
I would
Love to win this for
My mom
She loves healthy foods
Bukhara says
The cupcakes look divine! On a health kick lately, would love to win Oh She Glows Everyday!
Andrea says
Would love to win because I've recently really started turning around my eating habits and would love some inspiration!
April Clark says
I would love this! I'm trying to cook healthier for my family, and some of these recipes sound wonderful!!!
Kiki says
Hi Ashley! I'm newly 18 and have followed your blog for about a year now. I would love to win this book! I've pored over Angela's first book when it came out, and this second one will surely be amazing. Thank you!
Laura says
These look delicious! I would love to win to get some ideas for what to serve for the upcoming holidays.
Leanne says
Her first book is wonderful! I can't wait to own the second :)
Autumn says
wow!!! her recipes are amazing and give me healthy motivation!
Christy says
Would love to win this! Cover looks so amazing! Trying to get my family to stop eating so much meat....
kristen says
I would love to win this for myself and my son. He is 3 and loves to cook with me and I think this would be a great book to cook out of to teach him to bake and cook with healthy and alternative ingredients.
Laurie Churchill says
The recipes look delicious. I am always looking for new, healthy and tasty recipes. YUM.
Vanessa says
I, like you, immediately loved her first book. Many of the recipes have become staples in my home. Hers was the first vegan blog I stumbled upon, when I decided to go completely vegan. Her blog helped me so much to discover all of the wonderful foods that I could eat as a vegan, and ways of preparing them. I love her food because it's not only delicious, but she's always very mindful of health and nutrition, which are important to me. I would love to win her 2nd book, because I know I'll love it just as much as the first one.
Jacky says
I've loved Angela's blog for years and this would be my first cookbook from her!
Melinda Amato says
It would be incredible to have these recipes to make for others!
Sarah W says
As a vegetarian it's sometimes hard(or at least for me) to come up with new recipes for myself and my family. This book would help me to fix the boring and dreaded reoccurring menu that sometimes happen during the work week.
Micah T says
Drooling over these cupcakes. Oh, how much I would love to get my hands on that cookbook!
Ari says
These look absolutely scrumptious.
June Pace says
Hey, I want this book just for the pictures alone!! Geez! I've been pinning and printing your recipes for a while now...always look forward to my next pin/brilliant new recipe!
Lori Delgado says
These are on my baking to do list!! I have been also following Oh She Glows forever!! I would love a copy of her book as I am a huge fan and love trying her recipes!! Thanks!
Ana Sofia says
I would like to win a copy of the book because I really like making your recipes. I am dairy free and I have some other food allergies and I really like it that most of your recipes are dairy free. Like these cupcakes(I'm going to totally make them during the weekend). I am always looking them up on your site to try out new recipes. Having the book would be more convenient because I will have the recipes in one place. Love your blog and amazing talent for adapting recipes.
Lisa says
I have her first book and love it, would love to get the second!
Natalie Cartledge says
I would love to add this book to my rapidly growing vegan library. :)
Sheila says
I would love to win this cookbook!! I own your "Oh She Glows" cookbook and use it more often than any of my other vegan cookbooks! I have made several of your desserts and have shared them with my friends and family after they have tasted the delicious dessert they ask me to share the recipe with them. In my opinion you are the best vegan cook! PS I enjoy reading about you family:)
Valeria Graves says
I've loved Angela's blog and her Oh She Glows cookbook. I would love to get the second one. Her recipes are so delicious and easy to make!
Jillian says
I am in love with the first Oh She Glows cookbook and I'm dying to see what's in the second!
Kim Henrichs says
This book looks spectacular!! I would love to glow as well. :)
Joni says
Pumpkin ???? & Vegsn - oh I am glowing now!!???????????????????? This cook book will enable me to create more special meals, keeping from getting bored with the routine. Can't wait to see more ????
elizabeth says
She is so inspiring and I love her healthy approach!
Priscilla says
I had no idea that soy isn't actually healthy for people or for the environment until I saw this post. I am mind blown. But anyway, I'm trying to become a vegan and finding this website today makes me so excited to experiment and get cooking! I also cannot wait to try this recipe.
Priscilla says
I mean to say that, I was wondering why you included soy-free options in your recipe and then I looked it up and realized that there is actually a big debate on the goodness of soy products.
Lora says
Just look at those photos, who wouldn't want to win a copy.
Tori//Gringalicious says
Omg, yes!!!!! Totally yumalicious!!!!
Alexender pop says
Wow It looks like really very yummy. I will be definitely try this recipe in my cooking at evening. My family members are really like the rise pumpkin cupcakes but I don't know the recipe make it. But now Its very useful recipe for me. Thanks you so much for sharing this information. I will visit here again share my experience with you. Then I will do it. Thanks again.
Nicole I says
Angela's baking recipes always turn out perfectly. I can't wait to try these cupcakes!
Louise Millar says
I'd love to win this book, the recipes in the first one where amazing!
Leah says
Oh my goodness! Those pumpkin cupcakes! I cannot wait to make them and celebrate fall! This book is so beautiful, I've been drooling over all the pictures that Angela has been posting but haven't had a chance to snag myself a copy. I own her first cookbook and like yours, mine is covered in soup splatters and love. Can't wait to try these new recipes!
sherri webber says
First Day Of Fall...perfect recipe for a perfect fall day!
I would jump in all the fall leaves that have gathered on my lawn if I won your lovely new book...which I've been eyeing since it came out!
Good luck all - Happy fall:)
Lori says
This looks amazing! I would LOVE to win cookbook cause I love Angela's recipes. The ones in the book all sound amazing- esp the fudge!
Sonya says
I would love this book! I am always looking for new vegetarian recipes ...also I WANNA GLOW :)
Victoria C says
Angela has a way of bringing out the best that each component of a recipe contributes, thus allowing an such wonderful experience when you get to bite into that creation.
Ellen Lederman says
Would love to win. Angela is a class act! The pumpkin cupcakes look great. Not so interested in Starbuck's pumpkin spice lattes (they don't been have pumpkin in them!), but will celebrate fall with these little beauties. Just have to decide whether to frost them or not (the buttercream frosting sounds great---it's just the extra fat/calories)---but you know what? I think I will. Blogs like yours and Angela's show that you can have a little fun with a whole foods plant-based diet and still eat some treats.
Kelly says
Can't wait to try this pumpkin cupcakes. My family and I celebrate Pumpkin Day on Oct 26th and make food containing pumpkin. These will make a great edition to the menu.
Carolsue says
I collect cookbooks and this one looks like it has great recipes and would be a nice addition to my collection!
Jordan Leigh says
I would LOVE to win this cookbook. Angela was the very first blogger I ever started following! Also, I'm attempting to sway my boyfriend to the dark (vegan) side and I know if her recipes can't do it, nothing will! ;)
Nicole F. says
Every recipe I have made of Angela's has been delicious! Her overnight oats recipe is my go-to breakfast.
The Wooden Spoon says
These sound so good! Perfect for fall.
Leslie says
Looks so yummy!
Colleen says
I love Angela's blog and I also have her first book, both have inspired me many times and her recipes are my go-to for when I have company or an event to bring food for. It's her blog that lead me to find yours too Ashley! Her book is on my wish list but I haven't picked it up yet, but it's a must have for my cookbook collection! Whoever wins it won't be disappointed I'm sure!
HL says
Oh my, these look too dreamy. I would just love to peruse this cookbook!
Jordan says
I would love this!! We are trying to cook healthier and lose weight.
Stacy says
The book looks amazing. Can't wait to try the cupcakes.
Kathy says
Oooh I LOVE her first cookbook, we use it all the time!! I can't wait to check out her second book! Thanks for the giveaway.
Mary says
Those are so pretty! We have been experimenting with a vegan diet and this would be a great recipe resource!
Stephanie Grant says
I would love to win a copy because we have started eating in much more than eating out and I need some good healthy recipes to make the daily meal menu with!
Rachel says
I would love to win a copy because as a grad student, I need some fresh ideas for quick everyday meals
Annamarie V says
I love that it's plant based, I don't buy very little processed food and am trying to make healthier options.
Edye says
Because I'm a vegetarian and love cooking.
Corrine says
I'd like to win because I really like the recipes on her blog. =)
Jenny says
These look amazing! I love her first book as much as you do, and I'm dying to try some of the recipes you've earmarked from this one! I'm anxiously awaiting yours too :)
Helen says
Sounds delicious! Love her recipes.
Ginny says
This looks fabulous! So excited to try it!
Shakeia Rieux says
I want to win this so I can try the recipes, and with this it will help me eat healthier
Renee says
Love Angela's recipes! They are some of the best vegan recipes I make!
Andrea says
I'm always looking for new recipes to try and I loved her first book :)
Ally says
If this is a sample of what's the come, how could I NOT want it!
Lydia Claire says
I have her first book and I really love it so I'm sure I'd love this one too!
Annalise says
I really like the first cookbook and I'm very excited to try out some new recipes from this book! :)
Lacey says
I would love a copy of Angela's new cookbook because her recipes make my belly happy :)
Vera K says
I would love to win this book because I am always looking for new healthy recipes!
Vunda V says
i would like to win this for a gift for my mom
Dana says
My family and I enjoyed her first book very much, I can't wait to see more of her recipes.
Emma says
I'd like to win a copy because Angela's recipes have never let me down yet and I'd like some new inspiration!
jacquie says
I would like to win this book to be inspired by all her wonderful sounding recipes
Victoria Grota says
I would be more inspired to cook new healthy recipes that will help me get my nutrition back on point.
Kelly B says
My kids have been complaining about our dinners more often -- I need new ideas! The OSG Every day cookbook would be just the thing I need. Thanks
Cassie says
I would love to check out all the new recipes in this book!
Abby says
These look SO amazing! Wondering if there would be a way to make them gluten-free. I think I'll test them!
I'd love to try out so many of the recipes.
Brian says
Eating healthy and enjoying a flavorful meal should be synonymous and I'd love more tips!
Thia says
I love the theme of the book -- everyday recipes...
I'm trying to make lasting lifestyle changes, including eating REAL food for every meal. I think these recipes could help me with this goal. That's why I'd like to win a copy.
Charlene A. says
I'd love to win a copy of the new Oh She Glows cookbook because I own and cook from the first one...and I love everything I make. It's fun to try these new recipes since we're not a vegan family, so it definitely takes us outside our "comfort" zone.
Jodi says
Oh She Glows was my first blog I became addicted to and I LOVE her first cookbook. This 2nd book would be a great addition to my Vegan library!
Donna F. says
I would love to win this book because if this recipe is just an example of what's in store, then I am all in! This recipe looks fantastic!
Adele says
I need some new ideas for healthy, delicious recipes and I think I could find plenty to choose from in this cookbook.
anna says
I am a cookbook FREAK!!! I love looking at all the pictures, trying new recipes and learning new techniques! I would literally take this book page by page and try out the recipes day by day!
Celeste Jackson says
Nice job on the review! If I don't win I'll certainly purchase it. Thank you!
Katy Dyer says
I love Angela's blog and would love to have a whole book filled with her recipes. These pumpkin cupcakes look outstanding.
Carly G says
I'm always on the hunt for delicious healthy recipes.
stephanie says
Ooooh... this all looks heavenly. I would love to win because I have recently taken some big steps into overcoming an eating disorder. (Or I should say, disordered eating.) It has been a long, painful journey and I am excited to start a new life! I will have to put this on my Christmas List, just in case! Pinned!!
Karen D says
I am always looking for new recipes to expand the variety in my meal offerings
brita unger says
Can't wait to try these delicious and beautiful looking fall treats!
Niki H says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!! I love the first OSG cookbook, it had so many simple but delicious vegan recipes and has become a regular source for my weekly meal planning. I have no doubt the second one will be just as amazing and would love to find some new recipes to add into my weekly rotation!
Paula says
These cupcakes look fantastic! I'd love to win this new cookbook, as I'm sure it's just as great as her first one.
Laurie says
Angela always comes up with the healthiest and most delicious, satisfying recipes using combos that I would never dream of!! I'd love to win this new book to pair with the first one.
Jillian says
I have her first cookbook and I love it so I'm sure the second is amazing too!
Eliza | Don't Faff says
These cupcakes actually look so amazing. I've never thought about pumpkin cupcakes before but am definitely going to have to try these out!
Divah says
Can this recipe be made for a cake ?
Ashley says
Hi, Divah! Hmm, I just checked the cookbook and there aren't any notes about modifying the recipe to make a cake instead, so I'm not sure if it's possible. I'm sorry I can't be of more help here.