Eggless Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe – Vegan Options
The Eggless Traditional Christmas Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that brings together a delightful combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, making it a festive classic. This easy-to-follow recipe gives you the authentic flavor of a traditional Christmas cake without the use of eggs, making it suitable for vegans as well. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or simply enjoying a comforting dessert, this cake is a perfect treat for anyone who loves rich, fruity cakes.
In many traditional recipes, the fruit and brandy mixture is allowed to marinate for an extended period—typically a month or even longer—to infuse the cake with deep, complex flavors. However, this recipe offers a quicker method without compromising on taste. You can add a glossy chocolate glaze, topped with cherries or almonds, to elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile. Whether you serve it as a dessert or gift it to loved ones, this cake will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking tradition.
Ingredients
Dried Fruits and Liquids
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sultana Raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Prunes (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Apricots (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Dates (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Dried Figs (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Rum or Brandy (optional) | 150 ml |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 60 ml |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 2 tablespoons |
Cake Batter
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter (room temperature) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 3/4 cup |
| Almond Meal (Badam Powder) | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cloves (Laung) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Almonds (or macadamia nuts, chopped) | 1 cup |
Flax Meal Egg Replacer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flax Seed Powder (Flax Meal) | 4 tablespoons |
| Chilled Water | 12 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 10-12
Instructions
-
Soak the Dried Fruits
The first step in making the Eggless Traditional Christmas Cake is to soak the dried fruits in rum (optional) and orange juice. This step is crucial as it allows the fruits to absorb the liquids, infusing them with deep flavors. Start by placing the sultana raisins, dried prunes, apricots, dates, and dried figs into a large mixing bowl.
Pour the rum and fresh orange juice over the fruits, then sprinkle with the orange zest. Mix the ingredients gently to combine. Once everything is well incorporated, cover the bowl with cling film or a lid, and set it aside. Let the mixture soak overnight or for an extended period—ideally, for at least a few weeks or even a month, for a more intense flavor. Some bakers even let the fruits sit for up to a year! The longer the fruits marinate, the richer the taste of your Christmas cake will be. -
Prepare the Cake Batter
After the soaking process, it’s time to prepare the cake batter. Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a cake tin with parchment paper. A 9-inch round cake pan or an equivalent-sized square pan will work well for this recipe.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour (maida) and baking powder to ensure there are no lumps.
In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until light and fluffy. This may take about 5 minutes. Once creamy, add the almond meal (badam powder), cinnamon powder, ground cloves, and dry ginger powder. Mix well to combine. -
Prepare the Flax Meal Egg Replacer
To replace the eggs in this eggless cake, we will use a flax meal egg replacer. In a small bowl, combine flax seed powder with chilled water and stir until the mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency. This will act as a binding agent in the absence of eggs. -
Combine the Ingredients
Add the flax meal mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually fold in the sifted flour and baking powder mixture, a little at a time, until the batter is smooth and thick. -
Incorporate the Soaked Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the soaked fruits, making sure the liquid from the soaking process is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Next, add the chopped almonds (or macadamia nuts) and stir gently to combine. The batter should be rich and fragrant, with the fruits and nuts evenly mixed. -
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For an extra indulgent touch, you can glaze the cake with melted chocolate and top it with cherries or almonds, as desired. This step is optional but adds a beautiful, festive finish to the cake. -
Store and Enjoy
Traditionally, Christmas cakes are best enjoyed after sitting for a few weeks, as this allows the flavors to meld and develop. After the cake has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container and let it rest for up to 2-3 weeks. If you prefer, you can periodically brush the cake with a little bit of rum or brandy to keep it moist and flavorful.
Additional Tips:
- For a more decadent cake, you can drizzle the top with a chocolate glaze or royal icing after baking.
- The cake can be made well in advance and stored for a long time, improving in flavor as it matures.
- If you don’t have access to flax seed powder, you can substitute with other egg replacers, such as aquafaba or applesauce.
- This cake is vegan, but you can also make it with regular butter and eggs if you prefer a non-vegan version.
With its deep, rich flavors and spiced warmth, this Eggless Traditional Christmas Cake is a must-try for your holiday baking. Whether you follow the recipe as written or make adjustments to suit your taste, it’s sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes it!
