Most families enjoy a slice of Christmas cake during the festive season. But it’s far better to make your own (just like your mum and nan did!), rather than buy some plastic-wrapped, over-priced blend of animal ingredients, palm oil and refined sugar. Here are some nice plant-based wholesome recipes to try. The Ultimate Vegan Christmas Cake (The Veg Space) is a recipe by a professionally trained chef. Easy to make, this is rich and boozy, and uses a ‘no soak’ method without hassle. Use Suma eggless icing sugar.
Keep these recipes away from pets due to dried fruits, nutmeg/mace, nuts, chocolate etc. Read more on how to keep pets safe at Christmas. Don’t give leftover crumbs to birds or wildfowl, as smeared fat can affect waterproofing/insulation of feathers, and alcohol could harm. If used, choose palm-oil-free vegan butter.
Suma Vegan Christmas Cake is a recipe you are sure to enjoy. This family fruit cake was handed down by someone’s mums and includes brandy, or just have the fruit if wished.
Amazing Vegan Panettone (The Banana Diaries) is a Milan favourite, a Christmas bread made with enriched dough, then folded with candied orange peel, raisins, cherries and almonds. It’s quite dry on its own, so serve with vegan vanilla ice-cream or custard.
Also try this Italian Chocolate Christmas Cake (Wallflower Kitchen). Keep this dessert well away from pets, due to the chocolate and holly decoration.
Not a Fan of Christmas Cake?
Vegan Marzipan Truffles (Lazy Cat Kitchen) are ideal as a small Christmas treat, if you want the flavours, but not the hassle of making a whole cake. These are made with almonds, and use optional maple syrup rather than icing sugar (if you use the latter, Suma is a good egg-free version).
