BBC Recipes Vegan Christmas Cake Ideas for Festive Baking

The festive season calls for a show-stopping dessert that not only tastes incredible but also aligns with a compassionate lifestyle. The BBC Recipes Vegan Christmas Cake is a perfect choice for anyone looking to indulge in a traditional holiday treat without any animal products.

This cake is rich, moist, and packed with warming spices and succulent dried fruits that have been lovingly soaked to create a deep, festive flavor. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply want to try something new this Christmas, this recipe offers a delightful alternative that everyone will enjoy.

Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make and can be prepared well in advance, giving you more time to soak in the holiday spirit.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step of making this classic yet cruelty-free Christmas cake. From the carefully chosen ingredients to the baking tips and serving suggestions, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable holiday centerpiece.

Let’s get baking and make this Christmas extra special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Christmas cake stands out for several reasons. First, its moist texture is achieved without eggs or dairy, replacing them with natural plant-based ingredients that enhance the cake’s richness.

The soaked dried fruits and nuts infuse the cake with a deep, festive flavor that gets better over time.

Another highlight is the balance of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which evoke that warm, comforting holiday feeling. It’s also allergy-friendly, making it accessible for many dietary needs.

Finally, this cake is incredibly versatile — you can decorate it with vegan marzipan and icing or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table and a wonderful way to introduce vegan baking to your festive celebrations.

Ingredients

• 225g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, dried apricots)
• 75ml brandy or orange juice (for soaking)
• 150g dark brown sugar
• 100g vegan butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 225g self-raising flour
• 100g ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
• 100ml plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or similar)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 50g chopped walnuts or pecans
• 50g chopped glacé cherries (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin
• Baking parchment
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for soaking dried fruit

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruit: Place the mixed dried fruit in a small bowl and pour over the brandy or orange juice. Cover and leave to soak overnight or for at least 4 hours to plump up the fruit and intensify the flavors.
2. Prepare the cake tin: Line an 8-inch round cake tin with baking parchment, making sure to cover the sides well to prevent sticking.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, dark brown sugar, and golden syrup until smooth and fluffy. Add the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar and mix well.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and ground almonds. Stir in the orange and lemon zest.
5. Incorporate fruit and nuts: Drain the soaked fruit (reserve the soaking liquid) and fold it into the wet mixture along with the chopped walnuts and glacé cherries if using.
6. Mix batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. If the batter feels too stiff, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved soaking liquid to loosen it slightly.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and store: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack. For best results, wrap the cake in baking parchment and foil, then store in an airtight container. You can feed it occasionally with a little brandy or juice to keep it moist and flavorful.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, soak your dried fruits for several days, refreshing the soaking liquid with brandy once daily.”

• Use different dried fruits: Feel free to experiment with figs, prunes, or cranberries for a unique twist.
• Nut-free option: Simply omit the nuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Gluten-free version: Swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free blend, adding a little xanthan gum if necessary.
• Decorate festively: Top with vegan marzipan and icing or a simple dusting of powdered sugar and edible glitter for a beautiful presentation.
• Make it boozy: Brushing the cake with brandy or rum every few days enhances the traditional Christmas cake taste.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Christmas cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a splash of dairy-free custard. You can also serve it alongside a warming cup of spiced tea or rich, dark coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

For a more indulgent experience, slice the cake and toast lightly, then spread with vegan butter or fruit preserves. It also makes a lovely gift — simply wrap a slice in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon.

Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a sweet treat, or try the comforting Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to round out your festive dessert table.

Conclusion

Making the BBC Recipes Vegan Christmas Cake is a rewarding way to bring a traditional festive dessert to your holiday table while embracing a vegan lifestyle. Its rich, fruity flavor and moist texture make it a favorite for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptability and ease of preparation, allowing you to bake it ahead and enjoy the anticipation of Christmas Day.

Whether you’re baking for a large family gathering or an intimate celebration, this cake is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and festive charm. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a wholesome snack or bring savory notes with our German Stuffing Recipe.

Here’s to a joyful and delicious holiday season!

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