Vegan Fruit Cake Recipe for a Delicious Holiday Treat

There’s something truly magical about a slice of fruit cake—fragrant spices, bursts of dried fruit, and a comforting, tender crumb. But traditional recipes often rely on eggs and dairy, leaving vegan eaters longing for a plant-based alternative.

That’s where this vegan fruit cake recipe comes in. It’s rich, moist, packed with colorful fruits and nuts, and it rivals any classic holiday loaf.

Whether you’re baking for a festive table, gifting a homemade treat, or simply craving a wholesome, satisfying dessert, this fruit cake is a must-try. With no compromise on flavor or texture, and using only straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll never miss the eggs or butter.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of spices and baked fruit, and create a new holiday tradition that everyone—vegan or not—will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to a blend of dried fruits, orange juice, and a touch of applesauce, every bite is bursting with flavor and has a luscious, soft texture.
• Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free: No eggs, no butter, and no milk needed—just wholesome, plant-based ingredients that anyone can enjoy.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even a little dark chocolate for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: This fruit cake actually gets better the next day, making it ideal for prepping ahead for holidays or special occasions.
• Easy to Slice & Serve: It holds together beautifully, making it perfect for slicing and sharing with family and friends.
• Great for gifting, holiday tables, or a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×5-inch loaf pan (or equivalent size cake pan)
• Parchment paper (for lining pan)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Grater or zester (for orange zest)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:
   
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Soak the Fruit:
   
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit and orange juice. Stir well. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step ensures plump, juicy fruit in every bite.

   Soaking the fruit is key to a moist, flavorful cake—don’t skip this step!

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   
   In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Bring It All Together:
   
   Add the wet mixture to the bowl with soaked fruit (including any extra juice). Stir to combine. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until no dry flour remains—do not overmix!
6. Fold in Nuts:
   
   Gently fold in the chopped nuts with a spatula until evenly distributed.
7. Bake:
   
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

   If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.

8. Cool:
   
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Slice & Serve:
   
   Once cooled, slice thickly. Enjoy plain or with your favorite vegan spread.

Tips & Variations

• Fruit Choices: Use any combination of raisins, golden raisins, dried cherries, dates, figs, or pineapple. For a festive touch, add chopped dried apricots or even crystallized ginger.
• Nut Options: Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are classic. For a nut-free version, substitute with more dried fruit or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Extra Flavor: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of dark rum or brandy with the orange juice for traditional fruitcake flavor. Non-alcoholic orange extract works, too.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly loaf.
• For a Lighter Cake: Swap 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose, or reduce sugar if your dried fruit is sweetened.
• Make Ahead: Fruit cake is even better the next day! Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually for grab-and-go treats.
• For more vegan baking inspiration, check out this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and our soft Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves!

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on mix-ins and exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve plain, or dust with a little powdered sugar for a festive look.
• With Vegan Butter: Spread a thick slice with your favorite vegan margarine or whipped coconut cream for an indulgent treat.
• Toasted: Lightly toast a slice and enjoy with a steaming mug of tea or coffee.
• Dessert: Top with vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes (sweetened and flavored with vanilla).
• Gift It: Wrap tightly in parchment and twine for a beautiful homemade gift.
• Pair with a warming bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for a cozy lunch or snack!

Conclusion

This vegan fruit cake recipe proves that you never have to sacrifice flavor, tradition, or texture when baking plant-based. The marriage of plump fruits, crunchy nuts, and warm spices creates a loaf that’s as nostalgic as it is nourishing.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it’s a wonderful treat for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself to a wholesome dessert, this cake is sure to please. Remember, the flavors deepen over time, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead.

If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more plant-based baking inspiration with our Vegetarian Date Cake, or discover savory vegan comfort food in our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of homemade goodness!

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