Best Vegan Christmas Cake Recipes for Festive Baking

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and indulge in delicious treats. If you’re looking to embrace a compassionate and health-conscious lifestyle this Christmas, a vegan Christmas cake is an excellent choice.

These cakes are rich, moist, and bursting with festive flavors like warming spices, dried fruits, and nuts—all without using any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just curious to try something new, these recipes will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegan Christmas cake recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. From traditional fruitcakes to innovative twists with nuts and spices, these cakes are easy to prepare and wonderfully festive.

Plus, we’ll share tips on how to get the best texture, flavor, and presentation for your holiday centerpiece dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan Christmas cakes are not only delicious but also inclusive, making them suitable for guests with dietary restrictions. These recipes use wholesome ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, plant-based milk, and natural sweeteners that nourish as much as they delight.

You won’t miss the eggs or dairy—the magic of spices and fruit soaking in brandy or juice creates a deep, complex flavor profile.

These cakes are also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite nuts, fruits, or even vegan-friendly glazes and frostings. Plus, they keep well, often tasting better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

If you’ve ever hesitated to try vegan baking during the holidays, these recipes will show you just how easy and rewarding it can be.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, dried cranberries)
• 1 cup orange juice or brandy (for soaking fruits)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacement)
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium sizes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• 9-inch round or square cake pan (or loaf pan)
• Parchment paper (to line the pan)
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan (for warming juice or brandy)
• Food processor or knife (for chopping nuts and fruits)

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruits: Place your mixed dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the orange juice or brandy. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line your cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and citrus zest until smooth.
5. Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined.
6. Add soaked fruits and nuts: Drain the soaked fruits, reserving the liquid. Fold the fruits and chopped nuts into the batter carefully.
7. Adjust consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved soaking liquid to loosen it slightly.
8. Pour and bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Optional aging: For a richer flavor, wrap the cooled cake in parchment and store it in an airtight container. Brush occasionally with leftover soaking liquid or vegan brandy to keep it moist over several days.

Tips & Variations

“Using applesauce as an egg replacer not only keeps the cake moist but adds natural sweetness without extra sugar.”

• Fruit options: Try adding chopped dried figs, apricots, or cherries for extra dimension.
• Nut substitutions: Swap walnuts for almonds or hazelnuts depending on your preference.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour, but adjust liquid quantities slightly.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of ground ginger or allspice for a unique holiday twist.
• Frosting ideas: Top with vegan cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Christmas cake is perfect served slightly warm with a cup of spiced tea or vegan mulled wine. To elevate the experience, consider pairing it with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream or a drizzle of vegan custard.

Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

For those who love a bit of crunch, serve slices alongside spiced nuts or vegan biscotti. You might also enjoy it with other holiday favorites like the Marzipan Challah Recipe or finish your meal with the delightful Magic Dough Recipe for a full festive spread.

Delicious Vegan Christmas Cake Recipes to Try

Classic Vegan Fruitcake

This timeless recipe is the foundation of vegan Christmas baking. Soaked dried fruits, warming spices, and wholesome whole wheat flour make it a crowd-pleaser.

Follow the instructions above for a perfectly moist and flavorful cake, and remember to age it for the best taste.

Vegan Chocolate-Spiced Christmas Cake

A twist on the traditional fruitcake, this recipe incorporates cocoa powder and dark vegan chocolate chunks. The rich chocolate balances the spices beautifully, making it a decadent holiday treat.

• Additional Ingredients: ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup vegan dark chocolate chunks
• Instructions: Add cocoa powder to dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chunks with nuts and dried fruits before baking.

Orange and Almond Vegan Christmas Cake

This lighter version uses ground almonds and fresh orange juice to create a moist, citrusy cake. It’s perfect if you prefer a less dense dessert but still want those festive flavors.

• Additional Ingredients: 1 cup ground almonds, ½ cup fresh orange juice (reduce orange juice soaking fruit accordingly)
• Instructions: Replace ½ cup flour with ground almonds, and soak fruits in orange juice only.

Vegan Spiced Carrot and Apple Cake

A wonderfully fragrant cake combining grated carrot and apple with traditional Christmas spices. This recipe is perfect for those who want a fresh take on holiday baking, with a lovely moist crumb.

• Additional Ingredients: 1 cup grated carrot, 1 cup grated apple
• Instructions: Fold grated carrot and apple into the batter before adding soaked fruits.

Gluten-Free Vegan Christmas Cake

For gluten-sensitive guests, this cake uses a gluten-free flour blend and flaxseed meal as an egg replacer. It’s just as festive and flavorful as the classic version.

• Additional Ingredients: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water (egg replacer)
• Instructions: Mix flaxseed and water, let sit 5 minutes, then add to wet ingredients. Use gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour.

Conclusion

There’s no need to compromise on taste or tradition when it comes to vegan Christmas cakes. These recipes prove that plant-based holiday desserts can be just as rich, festive, and satisfying as their conventional counterparts.

By using simple, wholesome ingredients and a few smart substitutions, you can create a show-stopping cake that everyone will love.

Whether you stick with the classic fruitcake or experiment with chocolate, citrus, or gluten-free options, these cakes bring warmth and joy to your holiday table. Don’t forget to explore other vegan holiday recipes like the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more festive inspiration.

Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

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