The holiday season is a magical time, isn’t it? Twinkling lights, cozy nights by the fire, and the irresistible aroma of festive goodies baking in the oven. And what says Christmas more than a beautifully spiced, fruit-laden cake? But if you’re vegan or gluten-free—or cooking for someone who is—finding the perfect recipe can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to help with an easy vegan Christmas cake recipe that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

This cake has it all: the rich warmth of traditional festive flavors, the moistness of soaked fruit, and a versatility that lets you cater to dietary needs without compromising on taste. Whether it’s your first time making a vegan cake or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to deliver best results every time.

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A Little Backstory: My Quest for the Perfect Vegan Cake

Let me tell you a quick story. Last year, I wanted to surprise my family with a plant-based twist on our traditional Christmas cake. My grandma’s recipe was legendary—dense, rich, and packed with dried fruit—but it relied on eggs and dairy. Determined to create a vegan version that would do her proud, I started experimenting.

After a few failed attempts (and some burnt pans!), I finally cracked the code. The secret? Balancing the richness of vegan butter with the fluffiness of flax eggs creates the perfect texture for this festive cake. When I unveiled the cake at dinner, everyone was amazed that it was vegan—and the fact that it was gluten-free for my cousin was the icing on the (literal) cake.

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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Christmas Cake Recipe

• Packed with Flavor
  
  Thanks to soaked fruit, warm spices, and a hint of citrus zest, this cake bursts with the comforting tastes of Christmas time.
  
  
• Customizable
  
  Whether you’re adding a layer of marzipan, using a gluten-free swap, or skipping the icing for a more rustic look, this recipe adapts beautifully.
  
  
• Long-Lasting
  
  This cake tastes better after a couple of days as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for early holiday prep.

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Ingredients

For the Vegan Christmas Cake Recipe

• 300g mixed fruit (raisins, currants, apricots, and orange peel)
• 100ml orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 100g vegan butter (room temperature)
• 150g brown sugar
• 3 tbsp flax eggs (mix 3 tbsp flaxseed meal with 9 tbsp water)
• 200g white flour or gluten-free flour (with ½ tsp xanthan gum)
• 100g ground almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp black treacle

For the Frosting

• 200g icing sugar
• 1-2 tbsp plant milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: vegan food coloring for decorations

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Equipment Checklist

You’ll need the following tools to whip up this vegan fruit cake recipe:

• Large mixing bowl
• Separate bowl for dry ingredients
• Stand mixer (optional but ideal for best results)
• Large saucepan for soaking fruit
• 8-inch cake tin lined with parchment paper
• Wire rack for cooling
• Tin foil to cover the cake during baking

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Step-By-Step Instructions for the Perfect Vegan Christmas Cake

1. Soak the Dried Fruit

Start by soaking the mixed fruit in a large saucepan with the orange juice and lemon juice. Warm it over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures the fruit becomes plump and juicy, giving your cake that signature moist texture. Set aside to cool.

2. Prep Your Cake Tin

Line your cake tin with greaseproof paper, ensuring the bottom and sides of the cake are well covered. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautifully even bake.

3. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flax eggs, black treacle, and citrus zest. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift the white flour (or gluten-free flour with xanthan gum), baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground almonds.

5. Make the Cake Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the soaked fruit. Stir gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing. Your cake batter should be thick yet pourable.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the cake loosely with tin foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F, c fan) for 2.5 hours, checking with a skewer toward the end. When the skewer comes out clean, your cake is ready!

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Gluten-Free Option: A Perfect Swap

For a free Christmas cake that’s gluten-free, replace the flour with a blend of rice flour, wholemeal flour, and ground almonds. Don’t forget the xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten.

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Frosting and Decoration Ideas

1. Vegan Royal Icing

If you’re aiming for a classic look, whip up some vegan royal icing by mixing icing sugar, water, and a substitute for egg whites, like aquafaba. Spread it evenly over the cake for a glossy finish.

2. Creative Touches

Sprinkle the top of the cake with edible gold stars or a dusting of coconut sugar for a rustic vibe. You can even use vegan food coloring to paint holiday-themed designs on the icing.

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Storing and Serving Your Cake

Once cooled, wrap the cake in a double layer of parchment paper and store it in an airtight container. For best flavor, let it rest for a few days before serving. Serve with a warm mug of soya milk or tea for the ultimate festive treat.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Vegan Christmas Cake

1. Avoid Overmixing:

Stir the batter gently to maintain a light texture.

2. Use Warm Apricot Jam:

Brush it onto the sides of the cake before applying marzipan to ensure it sticks beautifully.

3. Rehydrate Your Dried Fruit:

If your fruit looks extra dry, soak it overnight in a mix of juice and water.

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Carbohydrates	48g
Protein	6g
Fat	12g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	30g

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A Few Variations to Try

•    Boozy Vegan Fruit Cake: Replace the orange juice with your favorite brandy or rum.

•    Spice Cake Twist: Add cloves and cardamom for an extra warming touch.

•    Coconut Oil Option: Swap the vegan butter for coconut oil for a slightly tropical flavor.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating your family, this vegan Christmas cake recipe is guaranteed to steal the show. With its traditional festive flavors and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and first-timers. Try it out, and you might just make it a new holiday tradition!

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Printable Recipe Card

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FAQs

1. What’s the best gluten-free flour for this recipe?

A mix of rice flour, wholemeal flour, and a pinch of xanthan gum yields great results for gluten-free cakes.

2. How do I make this cake nut-free?

Skip the ground almonds and use an additional 50g of flour instead.

3. What’s the best way to store this cake?

Wrap it in parchment paper and store it in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to two weeks.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Slice it and wrap each piece in foil or parchment before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

5. Can I use chia seeds instead of flax eggs?

Yes! Mix 1 tbsp of chia seeds with 3 tbsp of water to replace one flax egg.