As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reminiscing about my first baking experience with fruit cake. The aroma of dried fruits and spices filled the kitchen, and the excitement of my friends and family discovering a vegan version was truly heartwarming. This recipe captures that festive spirit, using simple, high-quality ingredients that result in a delightful, moist fruit cake everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, and figs)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan or lining it with parchment paper. The anticipation of your cake rising in the oven will fill the air with warmth!
In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, applesauce, maple syrup, almond milk, and melted coconut oil. Stir these ingredients together until well combined, allowing the sweetness of the fruits to shine through.
In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients will create a beautiful spice profile in your fruit cake.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cake to be tender and fluffy. If you choose to include nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The bright colors of the fruits peeking through the batter are a sight to behold!
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The warm, inviting aroma will make it hard to wait!
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the perfect time to reflect on your baking journey and perhaps share a few slices with friends or loved ones.
Serve the cake plain or dusted with a bit of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. This vegan fruit cake is not only moist and flavorful but also a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy the smiles it brings!