Christmas Cake Vegan Recipe

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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22-11-2024

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Christmas cake is a beloved holiday tradition, but the traditional recipe often relies heavily on butter and eggs. For those following a vegan lifestyle, or simply looking for a delicious alternative, a vegan Christmas cake offers all the festive flavour without compromising on ethics or taste. This recipe provides a rich, moist, and intensely flavourful cake perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Ingredients:

This recipe yields a generous 10-inch cake.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup plant-based milk (almond or soy work well)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp black treacle (or molasses)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
• ½ cup chopped candied peel

For the Vegan Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp plant-based milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch round cake tin. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, plant-based milk, oil, black treacle, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add Fruit & Zest: Fold in the mixed dried fruit, candied peel, and orange zest.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Vegan Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add Milk & Vanilla: Stir in the plant-based milk and vanilla extract.
4. Add Salt: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
5. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the vegan buttercream.

Tips & Variations:

• Soaking the Fruit: For an even richer flavour, soak the dried fruit in a mixture of boiling water and rum (or a rum substitute) for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the batter.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cardamom or ginger would add a lovely warmth.
• Garnish: Decorate your cake with festive sprinkles, marzipan, or candied fruit.

Enjoy your delicious and ethical vegan Christmas cake! It's a perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Remember to always check ingredient labels to ensure they align with your dietary requirements.