There’s something truly heartwarming about a homemade fruit cake, especially when it’s crafted for the joyous holiday season. This Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake is not only a delightful treat but also a perfect solution for those looking to indulge without compromise. Imagine the comforting scent of cinnamon and the rich depth of dark chocolate enveloping your kitchen as it bakes—it’s enough to make anyone feel instantly festive!
After a recent gathering with friends, I found myself craving that familiar holiday flavor but wanted to create something everyone could enjoy, no matter their dietary choices. This recipe combines soft, moist fruit and nuts with a sweet chocolate glaze that’s both beautiful and delicious. Best of all, it embraces the essence of the season without the hassle of complicated steps.
So, gather your loved ones and whip up this delightful cake; it’s perfect for sharing, and trust me, you’ll want to make it all year round! Let’s get baking!
Why love this Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake?
Bold flavors: The rich blend of dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate creates a taste sensation unlike any other.
Festive delight: This cake captures the joyful spirit of the holidays, making it a perfect centerpiece for your celebrations.
Simple preparation: Enjoy the ease of a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require extensive baking skills.
Vegan-friendly: Everyone can savor this dessert, ensuring it caters to various dietary preferences.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether at family gatherings or holiday parties, this cake will impress guests and ensure it’s gone in a flash!
Make-ahead option: Prepare it in advance to save time during the busy holiday season. You might also want to pair it with some amazing vegan dessert ideas.
Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake Ingredients
• The key to this delightful treat is in the quality of your ingredients!
For the Batter
- 200 g all-purpose flour – This forms the cake’s base; sifting helps create a light texture.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Adding this creates a wonderfully soft crumb.
- 2 tsp baking powder – Essential for the perfect rise in your cake.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Enhances the rising effect alongside baking powder.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Infuses a warm, spicy flavor that screams festive.
- pinch sea salt – Balances sweetness for a more harmonious flavor.
For the Wet Mixture
- 120 g vegan butter, softened – Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor and consistency.
- 120 g granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping to achieve a fluffy texture.
- ½ cup unsweetened oat milk – A creamy base; feel free to substitute with any plant-based milk.
- ½ tbsp lemon juice – Adds a hint of acidity to round out the flavors, and you can use apple cider vinegar instead.
For the Mix-Ins
- 160 g mix of dry fruit, nuts, and chocolate – This combination of ingredients brings delightful textures and flavors; choose your favorites!
For the Glaze
- 80 g powdered sugar – Creates a smooth and shiny finish for your cake.
- 3 tbsp water – Helps achieve the desired glaze consistency.
- 80 g dark chocolate, chopped, 70% – The secret to an indulgently rich glaze that elevates your cake.
Now that you have gathered everything you need for this Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake, let’s bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5 inch (25x13cm) loaf pan with oil or vegan butter, and line it with a strip of parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside; this forms the dry foundation for your delicious cake.
- Beat vegan butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in your oat milk and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Sift the dry ingredients into your wet mixture and gently combine using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix! Fold in your delightful mix of dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chunks to give your cake texture and flavor.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your cake is ready!
- Cool the cake for about 15 minutes in the pan once removed from the oven. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely, filling your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma.
- Make the glaze by combining powdered sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Add chopped dark chocolate, mixing until it’s fully melted and combined into a glossy glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly to showcase its beauty. Feel free to top with chopped nuts if desired, letting the glaze set to create a stunning finish.
- Slice and enjoy! Share with friends and family, or indulge in a slice all on your own.
Optional: Top with extra chopped nuts for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for organic or high-quality fruits, nuts, and chocolate to enhance the flavors of your Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake that loses its delightful texture.
- Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack—this helps maintain moisture and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients helps incorporate air, creating a lighter cake that rises beautifully without becoming heavy.
- Adjust Sweetness as Needed: If using very sweet dried fruits, consider reducing the granulated sugar slightly to achieve a balanced flavor in your cake.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made in advance! Just store it properly to ensure it remains fresh and ready for your festive celebrations.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and flavorful, perfect for casual snacking!
Fridge: If you want it to last longer, place the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months, ready for whenever you need a festive treat.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. Warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste!
What to Serve with Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake?
Imagine gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter, as this delightful cake invites warmth and joy into your festive celebrations.
- Spiced Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy flavors of hot cocoa with a touch of cinnamon enhance the cake’s festive spirit. It’s the perfect cozy beverage to sip while enjoying dessert.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this luscious topping adds a tropical twist that complements the fruit and nuts in the cake beautifully. It’s a delightful contrast that elevates every bite.
- Roasted Chestnuts: These seasonal treats bring a delightful crunch and earthiness that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the fruit cake, making every mouthful a harmonious experience.
- Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced, and aromatic, this traditional holiday drink lends a comforting touch and enhances the festive atmosphere when served alongside the cake.
- Candied Citrus Peel: Bright, sunny bites of candied orange and lemon provide a zesty surprise that cuts through the sweetness of the cake, bringing a refreshing balance to your dessert spread.
- Gingerbread Cookies: A classic holiday favorite, these spiced cookies provide a crunchy contrast and a nostalgic flavor that perfectly complements the soft texture of your fruit cake.
- Chai Tea: This spiced drink offers warmth and heartiness, with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. It complements the cake’s flavors, creating a comforting pairing perfect for winter gatherings.
Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delicious cake and make it your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. It’s just as delightful!
- Nut-Free: Replace the nuts with extra dried fruits or seeds to keep the texture while catering to nut allergies. Sunflower seeds add a lovely crunch!
- Spice Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to give the cake an extra zing and warmth that complements the festive spices beautifully.
- Fruit Mix: Swap out your mix of dried fruits for cranberries, apricots, or even tropical fruits like mango for a bright, sunny twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Chocolate Lovers: Boost the chocolate flavor by adding cocoa powder to the batter or folding in more chocolate chips for indulgence. Trust me; it will be irresistible!
- Add Zest: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus note that brightens every slice—perfect for holiday vibes!
- Boozy Kick: For a special adult version, soak your dried fruits in rum or whiskey overnight to create a rich, indulgent taste that takes this cake to another level!
Getting creative can lead to exciting new flavors and textures—your guests will love the surprises with each bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Christmas Fruit Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to ensure festive joy without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent browning. Additionally, the cake can be fully baked and glazed up to 3 days ahead; simply let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to serve, just allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade treat that’s just as delightful as when it was freshly baked!
Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of dried fruit should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! You can use a mix of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, or figs. Just ensure they’re not overly sugary, as that can make your cake too sweet. I often opt for a blend that includes some tart fruits to balance out the sweetness.
How should I store my Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake?
For room temperature storage, keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week. This helps maintain its moist texture!
Can I freeze the Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake?
Yes, you can! To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place these in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll last for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature, and warm it in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What if my cake is too dense?
Very! If your cake turns dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. To prevent this, mix gently when incorporating the dry ingredients, and make sure to measure the flour accurately. I recommend spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off for precise amounts.
Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
For sure! This Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake is free from animal products, making it suitable for vegans. However, pay attention to any nut allergies if you include a mix of nuts. You can also substitute nut-free options if necessary, such as seeds or additional dried fruits!
How long does the glaze take to set?
Once you pour the glaze over the cooled cake, allow it to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This will give it a nice finish and help it adhere well to the cake. The glossy appearance is so inviting; you’ll want to dive right in!
Delicious Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake for Festive Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5 inch (25x13cm) loaf pan with oil or vegan butter, and line it with a strip of parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pinch of sea salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Beat vegan butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in oat milk and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Sift the dry ingredients into your wet mixture and gently combine using a spatula. Fold in the mix of dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for about 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
- Make the glaze by combining powdered sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then add dark chocolate and mix until fully melted.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly. Let it set before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy! Share with friends and family.