Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake

Directions to Follow

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Soak the mixed dried fruits in orange juice for 30 minutes to enhance their sweetness and soften them.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Drain any excess orange juice from the soaked fruits and fold the fruits and chopped nuts into the batter carefully.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For optimal flavor, wrap the cooled cake in foil and allow it to mature for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dry place.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving your Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake can be as creative as you like! Consider dusting a light layer of powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect, perfect for the season. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Enjoying it with a hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine will transport you straight to a winter wonderland!

The Best Way to Save Extras

Proper storage will keep your Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake delicious for weeks. Once it’s completely cool, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To ensure your Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

Soak your dried fruits in orange juice overnight if time allows; this enhances their flavors even more.
Make sure to let the cake mature; the flavors deepen and become more harmonious over time.
Use a toothpick to check for doneness; the toothpick should come out clean, but without any wet batter sticking to it.

Creative Twists

There are so many fun variations you can try with this cake! Consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to the batter for a festive twist. If you’re leaning towards a nut-free option, simply exclude the nuts or replace them with seeds. You can also experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a personalized touch.

FAQs

How long does the cake need to cool before serving?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit may introduce unwanted moisture, which could affect the cake’s texture. Stick to dried fruits for best results.