This plant‑based Christmas fruit cake is a festive twist on the traditional rich holiday classic. Packed with sultanas, raisins, and currants, it delivers a naturally sweet, chewy texture and bursts of flavour in every slice.
Whole wheat flour and soy milk create a moist, hearty base, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice infuse the cake with the comforting aromas of the season. Vanilla essence and lemon zest add brightness, and a splash of brandy or whisky (optional) brings depth for those who enjoy a traditional touch. Despite its indulgent taste, this cake is crafted with wholesome ingredients, making it a nourishing centrepiece for your Christmas table.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fibre: Whole wheat flour and dried fruits provide dietary fibre, supporting healthy digestion and helping you feel satisfied.
- Natural Sweetness: The abundance of dried fruit reduces the need for refined sugar, offering a more balanced sweetness with added vitamins and minerals.
- Heart Health: Plant‑based ingredients keep the cake cholesterol-free, while spices such as cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar and support cardiovascular wellness.
- Bone Strength: Soy milk contributes calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.
- Immune Support: Lemon zest and spices are rich in antioxidants, which help protect against oxidative stress and boost immunity during the busy festive season.
- Energy Boost: Dried fruits are packed with natural sugars, iron, and potassium, providing sustained energy—perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Weight Management: Higher fibre content and plant‑based ingredients make this cake more filling and nutrient‑dense compared to traditional versions heavy in butter and refined sugar.
🍴 Lifestyle Fit
- Plant‑Based Friendly: 100% suitable for vegan and whole‑food plant‑based diets.
- Festive Tradition: Keeps the nostalgic flavour of Christmas while offering a lighter, healthier alternative.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed plain, topped with nuts or seeds, or paired with fresh fruit for extra flair.
- Make‑Ahead Friendly: Like traditional fruit cakes, this version improves in flavour as it rests, making it ideal for preparing ahead of Christmas Day.
The Wholesome Christmas Fruit Cake is a festive showstopper that combines tradition with nutrition. It’s rich, spiced, and satisfying, yet crafted with plant‑based goodness to keep your celebrations both delicious and health‑conscious.
The Wholesome Christmas Fruit Cake
Ingredients
- 750 grams mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currents)
- 725 ml soy milk
- 2½ cups whole wheat flour
- 4 tsps baking powder or use self raising flour
- 1 tsp each Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- lemon zest optional
- 1 tbsp brandy or whisky optional
Instructions
- Soak mixed dried fruit in the soy milk for 24 hours or longer.
- Pre-heat oven to 160℃ (320℉)
- Add essence, lemon zest and opt. brandy to fruit
- Sift flour, baking powder and spices into bowl and add soaked fruit, mix well
- Pour into a lined 8 inch (20cm) square tin
- Bake at 150-160° C for 1 ½ hours
- For a richer fruit cake try these proportions: 1kg dried fruit, 750 ml soy milk, 2 cups whole wheat flour, all other ingredients and method the same.
