Vegan Seasonal Fruit Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Seasonal fruit cakes have their roots in homemade baking traditions, where fresh fruits are used to create simple yet tasty desserts. In its vegan form, the Vegan Seasonal Fruit Cake becomes a healthier alternative by replacing dairy and eggs with plant-based substitutes, while highlighting the freshness of the fruits.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g of seasonal fruits (apples, pears, plums, apricots, etc.)
• 200 g of flour (white, whole wheat, or a mix of both)
• 100 g of cane sugar or coconut sugar
• 60 ml of melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 150 ml of almond or soy milk
• 1 tablespoon of chia or flax seeds (to replace eggs)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
• 1 pinch of salt

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chia Seeds: Mix the chia or flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
3. Prepare the Fruits: Wash and cut the seasonal fruits into small pieces. If using juicier fruits like pears or apples, you can sauté them lightly in a pan to remove excess moisture.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the chia mixture with almond milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
6. Combine: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until you get a smooth batter. Gently fold the fresh fruits into the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
8. Cool and Unmold: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an even fluffier texture, add some applesauce or mashed banana to the batter.
• Feel free to swap fruits depending on the season: in summer, go for peaches or raspberries, and in fall, apples or pears are perfect.
• If you like sweeter cakes, you can slightly increase the sugar content.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Replace coconut oil with olive oil or sunflower oil.
• Add chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for some crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, use rice flour or almond flour.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the Vegan Seasonal Fruit Cake takes about 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This allows the natural sweetness and flavors of the fruits to fully develop, making it a delightful and versatile treat for any season.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This Vegan Seasonal Fruit Cake pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage like green tea, rooibos, or a light coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the Vegan Seasonal Fruit Cake in slices, accompanied by fresh fruits or nuts for an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a refined finish.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

The Vegan seasonal fruit cake is naturally sweetened with fresh fruits, reducing the need for refined sugar. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while being free from animal products, making it a healthy and nourishing choice.