Boozy Vegan Christmas Cake Recipe for Festive Cheer

The holiday season brings with it a tapestry of flavors, traditions, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with loved ones. Among these festive delights, the classic Christmas cake holds a special place.

But what if you could enjoy a rich, moist, and boozy Christmas cake that’s entirely vegan? This boozy vegan Christmas cake recipe combines the warmth of spices, the sweetness of dried fruits, and a generous splash of your favorite spirits to create a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is kind to animals and the planet.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking to try something new this Christmas, this cake promises to be a showstopper on your holiday table.

Infused with aromatic spices and soaked fruits, this cake benefits from a slow aging process, allowing the boozy flavors to meld beautifully. Perfect for gifting or savoring with a cup of spiced tea, this recipe is both traditional and innovative.

Ready your mixing bowls and spirit bottles – let’s bake a vegan Christmas cake that even the most devoted omnivores will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This boozy vegan Christmas cake is a celebration of festive flavors without the use of any animal products. It’s:

• Rich and Moist: Thanks to the combination of soaked dried fruits and plant-based binders, the cake stays delectably moist.
• Alcohol-Infused: The splash of rum and brandy adds depth and warmth, making it truly festive.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare it weeks in advance and let it mature for enhanced flavor — perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Customizable: You can swap fruits, nuts, or spirits to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: No eggs, dairy, or butter here, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, dried cranberries)
• 1 cup strong brewed black tea or orange juice
• 1/2 cup dark rum or brandy
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (as egg replacer)
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium-sized)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and spatula
• 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Large jar or airtight container for soaking fruits
• Oven preheated to 325°F (160°C)

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruits: In a large jar or bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with the brewed black tea (or orange juice) and dark rum or brandy. Stir well, cover, and let soak overnight or for at least 12 hours. This plumps the fruits and infuses them with boozy flavor.
2. Preheat your oven: Set it to 325°F (160°C). Line your cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are also covered for easy removal.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all your warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves). This forms the flavorful base of your cake batter.
4. Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine without overmixing. You want a thick but smooth batter.
6. Add soaked fruits and nuts: Drain the soaked fruits (reserve the soaking liquid) and fold them along with the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. If the batter feels too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved soaking liquid to loosen it.
7. Transfer to pan and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and age the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then foil. For best flavor, brush the cake every few days with a little extra rum or brandy and let it age in a cool, dry place for at least one week.
9. Serve and enjoy: When ready, slice and serve your boozy vegan Christmas cake with your favorite holiday beverages.

Tips & Variations

“The longer you let the cake age, the richer and more complex the flavors become. Don’t rush this step!”

• Fruit swaps: Feel free to swap dried fruits to suit your tastes — dried apricots, figs, or cherries work beautifully.
• Spirit options: Instead of rum or brandy, try bourbon, whisky, or even a spiced liqueur for a unique twist.
• Nut-free version: Omit the nuts entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
• Gluten-free alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend and increase the ground almonds to 3/4 cup for structure.
• Decorate festively: Top with vegan marzipan, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of vegan white chocolate for a beautiful presentation.
• Make mini versions: Use muffin tins to create individual boozy vegan Christmas cakes for easy gifting or portion control.

Nutrition Facts

*Note: Most alcohol cooks off during baking, but some traces remain, contributing to the cake’s unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This boozy vegan Christmas cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments:

• A dollop of vegan whipped cream or coconut cream for a light, creamy contrast.
• Warm spiced tea or mulled wine to complement the cake’s festive spices.
• Vegan vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert.
• Fresh winter fruits like sliced oranges, pomegranate seeds, or figs for a fresh burst.

If you love festive desserts, you might also enjoy our Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe and Christmas Parfait Dessert Recipes for more holiday inspiration.

Conclusion

This boozy vegan Christmas cake is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations, offering both tradition and innovation in one delightful package. The combination of soaked fruits, warm spices, and comforting plant-based ingredients creates a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and festive.

Its make-ahead nature means you can enjoy less stress and more joy as the holidays approach.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer while honoring vegan values. Don’t forget to experiment with different fruits and spirits to make it your own!

And when you’re ready for more delicious vegan recipes, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a cozy meal or our Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes for plant-based dinner ideas.

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